Niobia uses AI to reduce defects in chip and battery manufacturing
San Francisco-based Niobia has developed AI software to help battery and chip manufacturers quickly identify defects on production lines. The goal is to reduce downtime and costly errors.

San Francisco startup Niobia is addressing challenges in battery and chip manufacturing with its AI software. The company aims to help engineers identify and understand production line defects more rapidly, significantly reducing downtime and manufacturing costs.
Niobia's solution deploys AI agents directly onto manufacturing equipment. These agents can detect even minor flaws, such as scratches, while simultaneously collecting data to diagnose the root cause. Engineers can then query a chatbot for insights into the defect, speeding up troubleshooting from days to minutes.
The speed of manufacturing processes is critical, as batteries and chips are central to modern technology. Defects arising during development and production can lead to millions of dollars in losses and cause significant delays in production schedules. Niobia's technology offers a solution to this bottleneck.
Company co-founders Gaurav Jha and Harveen Kaur both hold PhDs in chemistry and have experience in the semiconductor and battery industries. They possess a deep understanding of the sector's challenges. Niobia serves a multi-billion dollar market, including the most significant players in the field.