May 16, 2018 -- Weebit Nano (ASX: WBT), the Israel-based semiconductor company seeking to develop and commercialise the next generation of memory technology, has announced an extension of the agreement with its partner Leti, the French research institute recognised as a global leader in the field of micro-electronics, to further develop and optimise Weebit’s ReRAM memory technology.

This agreement extension will allow Weebit to accelerate the optimising of the manufacturing process required to achieve industry standard capabilities with its Silicon Oxide (SiOx) ReRAM memory technology, and therefore accelerate the Company’s ability to productise its technology. Optimisation of the manufacturing process is a required step to move from the technology development phase to the commercialisation phase, and will ensure the technology is able to meet and exceed memory industry standards for performance and reliability.

Weebit Nano and Leti initiated the joint development program in September 2016, and in that time have made rapid progress in developing Weebit’s technology. The strength of this partnership, in combination with Weebit’s unique SiOx technology and its highly talented team, has enabled technology development at a substantially faster pace and lower cost than what many other companies have been able to achieve.  

Weebit and Leti remain on track to demonstrate a 40nm 1Mb memory array by mid-2018, and in doing so will be the only company in the world to have a SiOx ReRAM technology at this stage, to our knowledge. The extended agreement with Leti will enable Weebit to maintain its rapid rate of development, and optimise the manufacturing process at a faster rate, to bring it to the level needed to move to a production level fab (where silicon components are manufactured).

Commenting on the extended agreement, Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano, said: “Weebit is extremely pleased with its collaboration with Leti over the past 20 months. The partnership has achieved significant progress in developing a best-in-class emerging memory technology. I am confident that together we can reach production level parameters for our ReRAM technology and plan for the transfer of our technology to a production fab.”  

The extended agreement with Leti will also allow Weebit to initiate work on the miniaturisation of its technology to the more advanced node of 28nm later this year. 

Weebit will also continue to assess longer term opportunities in the Artificial Intelligence field, such as Deep Learning and Neuromorphic applications. Early indications are that Weebit’s ReRAM technology is very well suited to these applications, and the Company has been receiving strong interest from industry players around its capabilities in this field.    
The Company will continue to provide updates as further progress is achieved.