Quinas Technology, a UK-based semiconductor startup, has secured pivotal investment approval from Malta Government Venture Capital (MGVC). This strategic backing is set to fuel the company's expansion into Malta and advance its groundbreaking ULTRARAM™ memory technology. The move underscores Malta's growing ambition to become a key player in the European deep-tech and semiconductor landscape.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
The investment, approved on May 7, 2026, falls under MGVC's co-investment framework and is contingent upon securing matching funds. It directly supports Quinas Technology’s plans to establish significant operations and future commercial activities within the Mediterranean nation. This financial commitment provides a critical foundation for the company as it prepares for its upcoming Seed funding round.
This partnership aligns with Malta's long-term vision to attract high-value, knowledge-intensive technology firms and talent. An MGVC spokesperson emphasized that semiconductors are a foundational technology for economic resilience and national competitiveness. Quinas Technology's IP-driven model is seen as an ideal fit for the nation's strategic technological priorities and economic development goals.
Revolutionizing Memory with ULTRARAM™
At the heart of this development is ULTRARAM™, a patented, ultra-low power non-volatile memory technology. It is engineered to combine the high speed and endurance of DRAM with the data persistence of flash memory. This innovation directly addresses critical performance bottlenecks currently faced in artificial intelligence, data centres, and edge-compute systems.
The technology leverages a quantum-mechanical process known as resonant tunnelling to achieve its unique properties. This allows ULTRARAM™ to deliver non-volatility with exceptionally fast and energy-efficient write and erase cycles. This combination of attributes, previously considered unachievable, positions the technology to potentially exceed the performance of conventional DRAM.
From University Lab to Global Ambition
Quinas Technology was established in 2023 as a spinout from Lancaster University’s Physics Department, commercializing over a decade of research. The company was co-founded by CEO James Ashforth-Pook, CTO Dr Peter Hodgson, and Professor Manus Hayne. Earlier this year, the company also completed an Innovate UK-funded project exploring ULTRARAM's application in neuromorphic computing.
CEO James Ashforth-Pook stated the commitment reflects Malta’s ambition to support cutting-edge semiconductor innovation. He noted the investment provides an important foundation as the company scales ULTRARAM™ towards commercial deployment. This expansion into Malta is a key part of a broader international growth strategy spanning the UK, Europe, and Asia.
The collaboration between Quinas Technology and Malta Government Venture Capital marks a significant milestone for both entities. It provides the deep-tech startup with crucial support for its commercialization journey while reinforcing Malta's strategic commitment to the global semiconductor industry. This partnership is poised to accelerate the development of next-generation memory solutions for the rapidly evolving AI landscape.