Introduction
The semiconductor industry is the backbone of today’s digital economy — but even the tiniest chip defect can disrupt billions of devices. Enter SixSense, a Singapore-based AI startup founded by engineers Avni Agarwal and Akanksha Jagwani, that’s reshaping the future of AI in semiconductor manufacturing.
Recently securing $8.5 million in Series A funding, bringing its total to $12 million, SixSense is making waves with its AI-driven platform that helps manufacturers detect and prevent chip defects in real time.
Addressing a Critical Need in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Semiconductor fabs generate massive amounts of production data — from high-resolution defect images to equipment signals. But most of this data goes underutilized due to the lack of real-time analytics.
SixSense bridges this gap with an intuitive platform that converts raw factory data into actionable insights. Their system supports:
- Defect detection
- Root cause analysis
- Failure prediction
And the best part? It’s no-code, designed specifically for process engineers, not data scientists. Engineers can deploy customized AI models in less than two days — using their own fab data.
Female Leadership Driving Innovation
Co-founders Avni Agarwal (CEO) and Akanksha Jagwani (CTO) bring deep technical expertise to the table. Agarwal, an ex-Visa engineer, specializes in large-scale analytics and AI deployment. Jagwani has hands-on experience in manufacturing automation at Hyundai and GE, and later at edtech startup Embibe.
Together, they built SixSense to apply AI to traditional industries, a space often overlooked by flashy fintech or SaaS startups.
Traction with Global Chipmakers
Already trusted by giants like GlobalFoundries and JCET, SixSense has helped process over 100 million chips to date. Reported benefits include:
- 30% faster production cycles
- 1–2% yield improvements
- Up to 90% reduction in manual inspections
The platform integrates seamlessly with inspection equipment that covers over 60% of the global market.
Strategic Expansion Amid Global Chip Reshoring
With geopolitical shifts pushing chip production outside of China, new fabs are springing up across the U.S., India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore. SixSense is perfectly positioned in this landscape — offering AI-native solutions without the burden of legacy systems.
As fabs aim for higher yield, faster cycle times, and real-time decision-making, demand for SixSense’s AI platform is expected to surge.
Conclusion
In a highly competitive and data-intensive industry, SixSense is setting a new standard for AI in semiconductor production. With strong funding, visionary leadership, and a growing global footprint, this female-founded deep tech startup is one to watch.
