San Francisco-based startup Niobia is revolutionizing how engineers tackle production defects in batteries and chips, aiming to speed up the process from days to mere minutes. The company’s AI software identifies defects and uses a chatbot to provide immediate answers, crucial in an industry where mistakes can cost millions. Co-founders Gaurav Jha and Harveen Kaur, with firsthand experience in chipmaking and battery manufacturing, emphasize the niche but vital nature of their work. Their agents run on open-source models, ensuring customer data remains secure, a critical factor given the high-stakes environment of battery and chip innovation.

‘Every product around you, like glasses or shoes, slippers, wallets, and headphones — these processes touch every single part of it,’ Jha reflects, highlighting the ubiquity of the tech industry’s reliance on their technology. Niobia’s focus on three specialties — film coating, electroplating, and fluidized bed reaction — underscores their commitment to precision and efficiency. The ultimate goal is to build fully autonomous factories, a step towards a future where technology repairs itself.

At TechCrunch Disrupt, Niobia will present alongside other innovative startups, competing for recognition in the Startup Battlefield. This event marks an exciting moment for a company that, while unseen, powers everything from our devices to the batteries in our cars. Niobia’s journey is a testament to the potential of AI in streamlining complex manufacturing processes, making tech more reliable and cost-effective.