Finnish semiconductor metrology startup Chipmetrics is targeting South Korea as 3D NAND stacking moves beyond 300 layers toward 1,000. It aims to measure thin-film quality inside deep, narrow holes with a method it says is hundreds of times faster than conventional cross-section TEM analysis. CEO Mikko Utriainen said precise measurement will be key as aspect ratios rise. CTO Feng Gao said fabs often measure only planar uniformity, not conformality in 3D structures.

As semiconductor fabs grow larger and push toward fully unmanned operations, automated storage and transfer of high-value assets such as EUV masks has emerged as a task. German cleanroom logistics automation specialist Vision in Automation is entering South Korea to target demand for customised systems that fit individual fab environments. The company offers FOUP lift systems, long-term storage solutions and reticle automation equipment, and says it plans cooperation with local partners.