AAT opens atomic precision R&D facility in Singapore to support AI chip manufacturing
AAT opens APIC in Singapore to develop atomic precision semiconductor systems for next-generation AI chip manufacturing
Applied Angstrom Technology has opened a semiconductor research and development facility in Singapore aimed at addressing a growing bottleneck in AI hardware manufacturing. The Atomic Precision Innovation Center, or APIC, is positioned as a response to rising demand for advanced chips, where production challenges are shifting from nanometre scaling to atomic-level precision.
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The facility reflects a broader shift in semiconductor manufacturing requirements as AI workloads drive demand for higher performance GPUs, high-density storage, and High Bandwidth Memory. These requirements are placing new pressure on fabrication processes, particularly in etching and materials control at extremely small scales.
A shift towards atomic-level manufacturing
APIC is designed for what the company describes as the Angstrom Era, where semiconductor fabrication requires atomic-scale precision. Rather than adapting existing equipment platforms, Applied Angstrom Technology has developed an AI-native etch system built from the ground up.
The system is intended to support the production of chips used in AI data centres, where performance demands continue to rise alongside model complexity and data intensity. The company positions this approach as necessary to meet the requirements of next-generation logic and memory devices.
“As the global semiconductor industry enters the Angstrom Era, precision, speed and ecosystem proximity matter more than ever,” said Dr Richard Yang, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Applied Angstrom Technology. “By mastering precision at the atomic scale and AI-native design, and with APIC being close to major foundries, suppliers and research partners, we aim to bolster Singapore’s role in deep tech innovation while contributing to the region’s long-term competitiveness in AI hardware.”
Yang founded the company in Singapore in 2022, bringing experience from Lam Research and Intel, where he worked on Atomic Layer Etch and cryogenic etch processes. The company is also advised by Ted Taylor, who has held senior roles at Intel, ASML and Micron.
Integration of design, testing and production
The facility integrates Front-End-of-Line semiconductor equipment design, testing and production within a single site. APIC includes a 2,000-square-foot Class 100 cleanroom within a larger 10,000-plus-square-foot facility.
At full capacity, it is designed to support the simultaneous development of more than three systems and deliver an annual output of eight or more atomic-precision semiconductor systems. The company states that this integrated model is intended to shorten development cycles and support more agile production.
“APIC’s integrated design-test-production model significantly accelerates the technology development cycles of local labs and fabs,” said Mr Eddy Khoo, Operations Director, Applied Angstrom Technology. “By combining atomic precision processing with AI-native design tools, APIC is Singapore’s pioneering facility for accelerating hardware development in the AI era, powered by the Physical AI stack. Our setup delivers the accuracy and high-volume reliability required by our foundry partners.”
The facility is located in Yishun Industrial Park, within close proximity to Singapore’s semiconductor fabrication ecosystem. The company states that this positioning enables faster iteration between development and production environments.
Role within Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem
The launch of APIC is supported by Enterprise Singapore and backed by investor iGlobe Partners, with Sioux Technologies contributing to AI-native software development. The involvement of these partners points to a broader effort to strengthen Singapore’s position within the global semiconductor supply chain.
“The Atomic Precision Innovation Center (APIC) plays an important role in strengthening Singapore’s position as a resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chain hub,” said Mr Wong Zeng Yi, Assistant Managing Director, Manufacturing, Enterprise Singapore. “By supporting home-grown innovators like Applied Angstrom Technology, EnterpriseSG aims to anchor complex and technologically intensive capabilities that are foundational to the world’s AI hardware requirements. APIC provides a collaborative environment where innovators can work together to capture emerging opportunities in the global AI supply chain.”
Investor support also reflects expectations around the role of specialised manufacturing capabilities in supporting AI infrastructure. “iGlobe is proud to support the launch of APIC, a facility that strengthens Singapore’s position in the global AI race,” said Mr Philip Yeo, Chairman, iGlobe Partners. “Our investment in AAT is a testament to the team’s leadership and expertise in scaling the high-precision processes required to build the hardware powering the next frontiers of AI. The Atomic Precision Innovation Center is a tangible commitment to our mission of nurturing cross-border deep tech companies.”
Focus on AI-driven chip demand
The facility is positioned to support demand driven by AI adoption, particularly in areas such as high-performance computing and data centre infrastructure. This includes chips used for processing, storage, and memory, where scaling challenges are increasingly tied to precision rather than traditional node shrinkage.
“AAT is ideally positioned to deliver solutions for leading logic and memory technology nodes where demand for precise atomic layer etching is rapidly expanding. Singapore’s highly skilled semiconductor workforce and infrastructure creates a unique opportunity for APIC to expand Singapore’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain,” said Ted Taylor, Advisor, Applied Angstrom Technology.
The company also highlights its broader scope beyond conventional semiconductor manufacturing, including applications in silicon photonics and quantum technologies. These areas are often associated with emerging compute architectures and specialised workloads linked to AI and advanced research.
While APIC is framed as a response to global demand, its development reinforces Singapore’s role as a hub for semiconductor equipment and process innovation. The integration of design, testing, and production within a single facility reflects a push towards tighter development cycles, particularly as chip complexity increases.
