• Archer to partner with IMEC to develop ion sensors based on silicon semiconductor technology
• The project aims to derisk aspects of biosensor development like supply chain, manufacturability, and integration
• The initial stage of the IMEC project is expected to be completed by November 2025

Archer Materials Limited (ASX: AXE), a semiconductor company advancing quantum technology and medical diagnostics, has signed a contract to work with Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) on the development of its biosensor product. IMEC will trial the use of silicon-based devices such as ion-selective field effect transistors alongside Archer's graphene devices. Silicon has long been the foundation of global semiconductor manufacturing and is widely supported by existing foundries. If proven to deliver comparable sensitivity to graphene, silicon will offer a faster and more scalable path to manufacturing, reducing barriers to clinical translation and commercial production. IMEC will develop potassium ion sensors using semiconductor technology that is both scalable to high-volume manufacturing and will access mature and well-established semiconductor supply chains. A key milestone is testing semiconductor foundry processes to build and functionalise the chips--turning them into potassium ion sensors. The project with IMEC will derisk various aspects of the biosensor development, such as supply chain, manufacturability, and integration of the chip into a final product. This marks another major step in the potential commercialization of Archer's biosensor platform. The IMEC stage 1 project work is expected to be completed by November 2025 after which Archer expects to progress to the next stage with IMEC developing a full prototype which will include readout electronics and disposable cartridges for use with handheld biosensor readers.

IMEC's world-class expertise and infrastructure will accelerate Archer's product development, while opening access to a broad European network of manufacturers, suppliers, and medical device specialists. IMEC can also support initial biochip production and later scale manufacturing to high-volume commercial foundries.