AbstractZero-energy modes localized at the ends of one-dimensional (1D) wires hold great potential as qubits for fault-tolerant quantum computing. However, all the candidates known to date exhibit a wave function that decays exponentially into the bulk and hybridizes with other nearby zero-modes, thus hampering their use for braiding operations. Here, we show that a quasi-1D diamond-necklace chain exhibits an unforeseen type of robust boundary state, namely compact localized zero-energy modes that do not decay into the bulk. We find that this state emerges due to the presence of a latent symmetry in the system. We experimentally realize the diamond-necklace chain in an electronic quantum simulator setup.