Silex completes quantum silicon plant, eyes Q1 2027 output

• Silex Systems (ASX:SLX) has finished building its laser‑based Quantum Silicon production plant in Sydney and started commissioning
• The initial Q‑Si module is expected to produce up to 20kg of enriched silicon‑28 a year once sample output begins in Q1 2027
• Silex Systems (ASX:SLX) says demand for high‑purity silicon‑28 for quantum computers could rise sharply over five to ten years from a sub‑50kg annual market today

Silex Systems (ASX:SLX; OTCQX:SILXY) has completed construction of the SILEX Quantum Silicon (Q‑Si) Production Plant, described as the world’s first laser‑based silicon enrichment facility, at its site in Sydney and has begun commissioning work on the plant’s laser system and first two enrichment reactors.

The project aims to supply enriched silicon‑28 for next‑generation silicon‑based quantum computers, with Silex noting that current global demand is under 50kg per year and that enriched silicon has historically been sourced mainly from Russia, but the company expects demand to grow significantly over the next five to ten years as quantum computing develops.

“We are excited about our upcoming entry into the critical supply chain for silicon‑based quantum computing and providing a vital strategic material in the form of highly enriched Q‑Si,” said Silex CEO and Managing Director Michael Goldsworthy.

Silex says sample production of highly enriched silicon‑28 is expected to start in the first quarter of calendar 2027, with the initial production module capable of producing up to 20kg of Q‑Si per year depending on market demand and customer purity requirements, delivered in gaseous and solid forms for different customer needs.

The company is currently qualifying Q‑Si products to high isotopic and chemical purity standards with its first commercial offtake partner, Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd, and says increasing engagement with offshore technology companies is expected to lead to additional offtake arrangements over the next year and beyond.

Following the announcement the Silex Systems (ASX:SLX) share price was unchanged at $0.00, with the actual trading price to be confirmed when the market responds.

Silex highlights that Q‑Si is one of several commercial applications of its laser enrichment technology alongside uranium enrichment through Global Laser Enrichment in the United States and early‑stage medical isotope separation research, and cautions that all projects remain subject to market, regulatory and technology‑development risks.