HOD HASHARON, Israel – Jan. 3, 2023 – Weebit Nano Limited (ASX:WBT), a leading developer of next-generation memory technologies for the global semiconductor industry, has taped-out (released to manufacturing) demonstration chips integrating its embedded Resistive Random-Access Memory (ReRAM or RRAM) module in an advanced 22nm FD-SOI (fully depleted silicon on insulator) process technology. This is the first tape-out of Weebit ReRAM in 22nm, one of the industry's most common process nodes, and a geometry where embedded flash is not viable. Weebit worked with its development partners CEA-Leti and CEA-List to successfully scale its ReRAM technology down to 22nm. The teams designed a full IP memory module that integrates a multi-megabit ReRAM block targeting the 22nm FD-SOI process which is designed to deliver outstanding performance for connected and ultra-low power applications such as IoT and edge AI. As embedded flash is unable to scale below 28nm, new non-volatile memory (NVM) technology is needed for smaller process geometries.

Recent research using Weebit Nano's silicon oxide (SiOx) ReRAM technology outlines a brain-inspired artificial intelligence (AI) system which can perform unsupervised learning tasks with high accuracy results. The work was done by researchers at Polimi University and presented in a recent joint paper with the company that details a novel AI self-learning demonstration based on Weebit's SiOx ReRAM. The memory technology is considered a prime candidate to succeed NAND flash memory because of its potential to be 1,000 times faster while using 1,000 times less energy than NAND, while at the same time lasting 100 times longer. Weebit's SiOx ReRAM is also appealing because it can leverage existing manufacturing processes. ReRAM has also been eyed for AI applications by several research organizations.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to deliver global economic activity of about $13 trillion by 2030, a new report says -- giving investors in ASX-listed AI stocks a reason to smile. 'Notes from the frontier: Modeling the impact of AI on the world economy' is a new report from McKinsey & Company look at the future impact AI will have on our lives and the way we do business. It finds that AI has a huge potential to contribute to global economic activity (while warning that adoption of AI could widen gaps among countries, companies and workers). McKinsey estimates that by 2030 some 70 per cent of companies might have adopted at least one type of AI technology somewhere in their business. That's good news for the 30 or so ASX stocks who have some form of exposure to the technology, whether it be futuristic computer chips, makers of AI apps or companies leveraging AI to improve efficiency.