Core Insights - Nearfield Instruments and A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics have signed a multi-year research collaboration agreement to advance semiconductor metrology technology [1][2] - The collaboration aims to develop advanced metrology solutions to efficiently produce artificial intelligence chips, driven by the rapid rise of AI and the increasing demand for computing power [1][2] - The semiconductor industry is shifting towards heterogeneous integration, which combines different types of chips into a single system, enhancing computational performance and energy efficiency [1][2] Company Insights - Nearfield Instruments specializes in high-precision measurement technology and plays a critical role in process control necessary for the next generation of AI chips and heterogeneous integration [3] - Nearfield has established Nearfield Singapore as an innovation and service center to support semiconductor manufacturers in Southeast Asia [3] - A*STAR is Singapore's leading public sector R&D agency, focusing on open innovation and collaboration with public and private partners to benefit the economy and society [4] Industry Insights - The partnership aligns with Singapore's ongoing efforts to strengthen its semiconductor industry through strategic collaborations with global technology leaders [2] - The collaboration is expected to enhance the capability to develop breakthrough solutions for AI-driven computing, emphasizing energy-efficient manufacturing of AI and high-performance computing chips [2]