Project Overview
Silex’s Q-Si Production Project, which commenced in August 2023, is being undertaken in conjunction with initial offtake partner, Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd (SQC), and UNSW Sydney (UNSW). The Project’s objective is to establish the first production module for highly enriched silicon-28 and to develop the skills and capability to manufacture Q-Si products, in multiple product forms at commercial scale. The ~3.5-year Project is supported with $5.1m in funding from the Federal Government’s Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability program and a cash contribution of $4.35m from SQC.
It is anticipated that the Q-Si production module will produce up to 20kg annually of Q-Si, which will be converted into gaseous and solid product forms as required by potential customers in the emerging global silicon-based quantum computing industry. During the year, Silex continued to make substantial progress on the construction of the Q-Si production module, including in-house laser and plant component manufacture. In addition, Silex continued to engage with silicon-based quantum computing developers and other potential industrial users of Q-Si to develop a customer base for the Company’s products. Silex will retain 100% ownership of the Q-Si production technology and related intellectual property developed through the Project.
In parallel with the design and construction of the initial commercial module of the Q-Si Production Plant, a full economic assessment of the Q-Si business case will be completed. The Q-Si Project remains dependent on the outcomes of the latest development Project and the viability of silicon quantum computing and therefore continues to carry inherent risks.
