ETH Zurich Spinout Chiral Secures $12M for Graphene Robotics
Swiss deep-tech startup Chiral, an ETH Zurich spinout, has raised $12 million to scale a proprietary robotic platform designed to automate the integration of graphene into semiconductor chips. The fresh capital will be used to industrialise the system, expand engineering teams and accelerate collaborations with major chip manufacturers.
Robotic Platform Targets Graphene’s Biggest Bottleneck
While graphene has long been hailed as a wonder material for next‑generation electronics, its commercial adoption has been slowed by complex and fragile manufacturing steps. Chiral is developing a precision robotic platform that can reliably handle, position and integrate atom‑thin graphene layers onto silicon wafers at scale.
The company’s system combines advanced machine vision, high‑accuracy robotic manipulation and process automation tailored to semiconductor cleanroom environments. By replacing manual and bespoke lab workflows, Chiral aims to deliver repeatable, high‑yield processes compatible with existing semiconductor fabrication lines.
Enabling Next‑Generation Graphene‑Enhanced Chips
Graphene’s exceptional electrical conductivity, thermal management capabilities and mechanical strength make it attractive for applications ranging from high‑speed transistors and RF devices to advanced sensors and photonics. However, integrating it precisely where needed on a chip, without damaging the material or disrupting standard workflows, remains a major challenge for the industry.
By providing a scalable automation layer, Chiral positions itself as an enabling partner for foundries and device makers seeking to incorporate 2D materials into their roadmaps. The new funding will support pilot projects with leading semiconductor players and help validate the platform in real‑world production settings.
Strategic Step for Europe’s Deep‑Tech and Chip Ambitions
The investment in Chiral underscores growing interest in European deep‑tech solutions that bridge advanced materials research and industrial manufacturing. As governments and industry seek to strengthen regional semiconductor capabilities, tools that make disruptive materials like graphene production‑ready are expected to play a pivotal role.