While everyone has been busy looking at buy now, pay later (BNPL) shares, there are plenty of other ASX shares that have also grown considerably since the start of the year. Each of the following companies has developed a solid foundation based on innovative technology, patents, or medical research. As such, I think it's likely that these ASX shares will continue to grow.
Whispir Ltd (ASX: WSP)
Whispir provides mass communication tools for organisations. Accordingly, it has won clients across a very diverse spectrum of Australian industries. To illustrate, some of these include Transport for NSW, RACQ, APA Group (ASX: APA), Roy Hill, and the country's number one health booking app, Health Engine.
This ASX share rose by 9.65% on Friday alone, and has risen by 140.38% since the start of the year. The company has a high gross operating margin of 62%, and recurring revenues make up greater than 95% of its income.
Zoono Group Ltd (ASX: ZNO)
Zoono is a very special ASX share. The company produces hand sanitiser which is certified against a range of bacteria and viruses. This includes the African Swine Flu, and on 28 February, it announced its product tested favourably in protecting against COVID-19. The company has rapidly scaled up production to keep up with escalating demand and has rapidly put together a range of distribution deals covering the globe.
Over the past year, the Zoono share price has risen by 2,550%. Since 1 January it has risen by 207.25%.
Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: RCE)
Recce is a drug researcher working on synthetic antibiotics. In particular the company is working to develop treatments for antibiotic resistant super bugs. Moreover, the company is pioneering work on treatments for sepsis. According to the medical journal The Lancet, sepsis killed 11 million people in 195 countries in 2017. Right now, sepsis remains an unmet challenge.
The Recce share price has risen by 380.88% since 1 January. Interest piqued after the ASX share announced two of its products had been selected for a CSIRO trial into antiviral treatments for COVID-19.
Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)
I think Brainchip is one of the year's great ASX shares. The company is the largest listed pure-play artificial intelligence company in the world. A range of security applications use its products for facial recognition and pattern recognition. This include casinos, subways and airports.
The market has become more interested in Brainchip after the announcement that it had completed the wafer for its latest product. This is called a neuromorphic chip and is the first of its kind. In recent announcements, the company has entered into proof of concept partnerships across a range of sectors including gaming and autonomous cars. The Brainchip share price is up 760% in 2020.
