Singapore-based startup Nexstrom is developing advanced equipment aimed at enabling chip manufacturers to produce two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors at a commercial scale. These 2D semiconductors, specifically transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), are ultrathin materials just a few atoms thick that could help overcome the limitations faced by traditional silicon chips, such as leakage, power loss, and heat generation, which become more pronounced as transistors continue to shrink. Nexstrom’s technology, named North Star, is designed to grow these materials directly on standard 300mm wafers used in the semiconductor industry.

The company is positioning itself not as a competitor to major chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel, but as a technology provider or collaborator. Nexstrom has secured $12 million in a recent seed funding round, bringing its total funding to $15 million, with investors including Xora Innovation, Foothill Ventures, and SEEDS. Its leadership team includes co-founder and chief scientist Lance Li, who has significant expertise in 2D materials and post-silicon electronics, drawing on experience from TSMC. The startup reports that some industry players are already testing its wafer samples and materials, although the exact names remain undisclosed.

Nexstrom’s biggest technical challenge is scaling the production of high-quality TMD materials uniformly across large wafers. So far, the company has demonstrated consistent results on wafers up to 6 inches in diameter and plans to extend this to 8 inches by October. With its latest 12-inch system installed, Nexstrom aims to refine process control and measurement capabilities to meet stringent industry standards. CEO Phoebe Tan emphasized that the company is progressing toward commercial readiness, which is expected between 2030 and 2035.

The broader semiconductor industry is also exploring 2D materials as a means to continue transistor scaling beyond silicon, with leading firms like TSMC, Intel, and Belgium’s IMEC actively researching integration approaches. Nexstrom’s approach focuses exclusively on the equipment and processes needed to produce 2D semiconductors at scale, potentially enabling these materials to be incorporated more broadly in future chip manufacturing. The recent funding will support further development and allow Nexstrom to expand its team as it works toward commercial deployment.