Dutch Startup Nearfield Instruments Secures €135 Million for Semiconductor Innovation
Rotterdam, Thursday, 1 August 2024.
Rotterdam-based Nearfield Instruments has raised €135 million in a landmark funding round, marking the largest deeptech investment in the Netherlands. The company, specializing in advanced metrology for semiconductor manufacturing, will use the funds to scale operations and strengthen its global position.
Significance of the Funding Round
The €135 million funding round, led by global investors Walden Catalyst and Temasek, is a testament to Nearfield Instruments’ pivotal role in the semiconductor industry. This significant investment will enable the company to expand its production capabilities, enhance its product portfolio, and solidify its position as a leader in metrology and inspection solutions for advanced semiconductor nodes[1][2].
Overview of Nearfield Instruments
Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the Dutch research institute TNO, Nearfield Instruments specializes in non-destructive testing systems for advanced chip manufacturing. The company is headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and has offices in Eindhoven and Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Nearfield Instruments employs 170 people and has developed cutting-edge technology such as the QUADRA 3D metrology system, which provides high-throughput and high-resolution metrology capabilities essential for modern semiconductor fabrication[2][3].
Technological Innovations
Nearfield Instruments’ flagship product, the QUADRA 3D metrology system, is designed for in-line, non-destructive three-dimensional metrology. This system is crucial for accelerating time to yield and optimizing high-volume manufacturing yield for advanced semiconductor fabrication plants. The technology combines high-resolution imaging with rapid throughput, addressing the complexities of advanced 3D memory and logic devices. Additionally, the recently launched Lightning Mode™ feature significantly boosts productivity, providing semiconductor manufacturers with the tools needed to meet the demands of next-generation devices[3][4].
Global Semiconductor Market Impact
The global semiconductor industry is projected to reach USD 1 trillion in revenue by 2029, and innovations like those from Nearfield Instruments are instrumental in driving this growth. By providing advanced metrology solutions, Nearfield Instruments supports the development of high-performance semiconductor devices, which are foundational to technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced photonics. The company’s solutions help ensure process control and yield improvement, which are critical for the competitive and rapidly evolving semiconductor market[4][5].
Leadership and Vision
Dr. Hamed Sadeghian, co-founder and CEO of Nearfield Instruments, emphasized that the recent funding will enable the company to ramp up production capacity and strengthen its position in the semiconductor equipment industry. Eric Meurice, Chairman of the Nearfield Instruments Supervisory Board, highlighted the importance of this investment in accelerating the company’s efforts to meet the industry’s metrology and inspection needs. The support from both existing and new investors underscores the confidence in Nearfield Instruments’ vision and technological prowess[2][5].
Conclusion
Nearfield Instruments’ successful €135 million funding round marks a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the broader semiconductor industry. With this investment, the company is well-positioned to continue its pioneering work in metrology and inspection, supporting the advancement of semiconductor technology on a global scale. As the industry moves towards more complex and high-performance devices, Nearfield Instruments’ innovations will be crucial in maintaining efficiency and quality in semiconductor manufacturing[4][5].
Bronnen
- mtsprout.nl
- www.datacenterdynamics.com
- www.semiconductor-digest.com
- www.nearfieldinstruments.com
- tech.eu