Rocket One Signs AI Chip Development Agreement Targeting Ultra-Low-Power Magnetic Computing

VCU program to fabricate and test next-generation magnetic devices for AI acceleration and in-memory computing, targeting greater computational capability with less energy

HOBOKEN, N.J., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket One Inc. ("Rocket One" or the "Company") today announced a sponsored research agreement with Virginia Commonwealth University ("VCU") to develop and demonstrate magnetic computing devices targeting a critical challenge in artificial intelligence: delivering greater computational capability while reducing energy consumption.

The agreement establishes a one-year fabrication and testing program focused on straintronic magnetic tunnel junctions—nanoscale devices that use voltage-induced mechanical strain to control magnetic behavior. The program targets foundational components for next-generation AI chips and accelerators, combining compact design, energy-efficient computation, and the ability to retain stored states without continuous power.

The project is led by VCU Professor Supriyo Bandyopadhyay, Ph.D., with planned device-fabrication collaboration involving Professor Jian-Ping Wang of the University of Minnesota, identified in the project plan as a subcontractor.

"AI's continued advancement depends on hardware that can deliver more computation with less energy," said Robb Knie, Chief Executive Officer of Rocket One. "This agreement establishes a concrete fabrication and testing program targeting magnetic devices for next-generation AI chips. We see potential across AI infrastructure and autonomous systems, including defense and space applications where power consumption, size and local processing capabilities are critical."

Targeting the Core Computations Behind AI

The program will pursue three complementary hardware demonstrations:

• Ultra-low-power analog multiplication: Fabricate and test a magnetic device that multiplies two voltage inputs, addressing a fundamental mathematical operation used in AI and machine learning.
• Devices for more accurate AI matrix computation: Demonstrate a magnetic crosspoint device with continuously tunable, linear electrical conductance and investigate ways to expand its operating range. This behavior is intended to support more accurate computation in crossbar-based AI hardware.
• Compact magnetic logic: Fabricate and demonstrate an exclusive-OR, or XOR, logic gate based on a single straintronic magnetic tunnel junction. XOR functions are used in arithmetic, error detection, and encryption.

Matrix multiplication is a core operation in neural networks. By targeting devices that perform multiplication and support crossbar computing architectures, the program addresses building blocks that could contribute to future AI accelerators.

Exploring Extremely Low Energy Consumption

The project builds on prior straintronic magnetic tunnel junction research, including an earlier experimental device demonstration involving VCU and University of Minnesota researchers.

The research plan cites theoretical estimates of energy consumption as low as 100 attojoules per multiplication operation for the proposed magnetic multiplier. The program will focus on fabricating devices and measuring their operation experimentally. This figure is a theoretical device-level estimate, rather than measured performance from the announced program or a complete AI processor.

The proposed devices are also nonvolatile, meaning their stored magnetic states can persist without continuous power. These characteristics could support future in-memory computing architectures that bring computation closer to stored information.

"Our objective is to translate promising magnetic computing designs into measurable device results," Knie added. "Those results would help us assess performance, define the next engineering milestones and evaluate potential commercialization pathways."

Potential Applications Across AI Infrastructure, Defense and Space

Rocket One views compact, energy-efficient processing as strategically relevant to both AI infrastructure and systems operating under constrained power budgets or limited connectivity.

Potential applications include autonomous platforms, remote sensing and defense and space systems that must process information locally. The announced program focuses on foundational device fabrication and electrical testing. Processor integration and qualification for specific applications, including space operating environments, would require additional development.

Defined Development Objectives and Intellectual Property Options

The agreement provides for a research period from October 19, 2026, through October 19, 2027.

It grants Rocket One an option to negotiate licenses to intellectual property arising from the project, including the ability to seek an exclusive license within its field of commercial interest, subject to the agreement's terms, VCU's ability to grant those rights and a separately negotiated license.

About Rocket One
Rocket One Inc. is a publicly traded technology company building a portfolio across artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced semiconductor technologies, space and defense systems, and autonomous platforms. Rocket One is advancing licensed spintronic and nanomagnetic computing technologies for AI acceleration and radiation-tolerant computing, together with Swarm Stage AI, a drone-swarm threat-emulation and counter-UAS training platform. Tracer Drone Technologies, LLC (a Rocket One company) provides end-to-end drone solutions including hardware, software, FAA training, and technical support to help public safety, commercial, and enterprise organizations successfully deploy and maintain their aerial programs.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's strategic repositioning, the development potential of the licensed technologies, the suitability of those technologies for orbital, defense, and other applications, anticipated future operations and market opportunities. You should not place reliance on these forward-looking statements, which include words such as "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" or similar terms, variations of such terms, or the negative of those terms. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: the early-stage nature of the licensed technologies, which have not been fabricated as integrated devices, validated in space environments, or qualified for any commercial or government program, and the absence of any commercial product; the substantial additional capital the Company will require to fabricate, test, and qualify the licensed technologies, including for radiation tolerance and space deployment; the long development timelines associated with novel semiconductor and materials platforms; competition from larger, better-funded and well recognized companies in the semiconductor, AI hardware, space, and defense computing sectors; the Company's ability to recruit qualified leadership and technical personnel in nanomagnetic devices, semiconductor engineering, and aerospace systems; the Company's ability to comply with diligence milestones under the Virginia Commonwealth University license agreements, the failure of which could result in loss of license rights; intellectual property risks; export control and government contracting risks associated with defense and space applications; and the risks inherent in a strategic pivot. Additional risk factors are described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's other filings made with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee such outcomes. The Company may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. All such statements speak only as of the date made. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as the Company's current plans, estimates, and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by applicable law.

Investor Contact
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Email: [email protected]
Phone: (678) 570-6791
www.rocketone.space

SOURCE Rocket One Inc.