Tech: 4DS Memory and a major partner make it offical, shares jump 25pc

A ‘major partner’ wants to formally integrate 4DS Memory’s (ASX:4DS) tech after its semiconductor wafers passed their latest test.

Investors were pleased, with 4DS shares jumping 35 per cent in morning trade.

The Silicon Valley-based semiconductor play is developing high-grade storage memory. It wants it to be as fast as DRAM (dynamic random-access memory – the industry standard) but use less power and space.

4DS had tested three batches of its wafers to find the best process and specifications for manufacturing.

Analysis of a fourth batch is complete and the company now knows the best manufacturing conditions, and that its process can be done repeatedly.

“We believe we know how to repeatedly produce our memory on state-of-the-art production equipment,” CEO Guido Arnout said.

But most importantly, 4DS’ strategic partner, Belgian technology development hub IMEC, likes what it sees.

It has agreed to integrate 4DS’ memory technology with IMEC’s megabit platform. 4DS will produce an initial batch this quarter.

While their current collaboration deal expires at the end of the year, this companies are negotiating an extension and integration will continue into 2020.

The company jumped as high as 35 per cent this morning before settling at 24 per cent higher. Shares had been volatile, falling in July due to a capital raise but are more than double their level in December last year.

Is the semiconductor market about to pick up again and could these small caps benefit?

In other ASX small cap tech news today:

9Spokes (ASX:9SP) has been heralded by Microsoft for success in its recent contract with Bank of America. Microsoft co-sells 9Spokes’ tech to clients, including Bank of America.

Norwood Systems (ASX:NOR) has released the latest edition of its voicemail technology. The company remains in discussions with telco vendors to distribute to market.

Integrated Payment Technologies (ASX:IP1) has crashed nearly 23 per cent after it announced that estimated revenues could be up to 16 per cent lower. The company blamed client churn and also diminishing revenue from interest earned from cash pools of payments awaiting settlement.

Large scale manufacturer Titomic (ASX:TTT) has signed a deal with Queensland space pioneer Gilmour. Titomic’s technology will help Gilmour produce lighter and stronger components for Gilmour’s orbital launch vehicles.