About the Project

The POPCORN project revolves around three strategic pillars (i.e., Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability) with seven key objectives: four technical (T1–T4) and three business-focused (B1–B3).

Technical Objectives

Objective T1: Create a scalable Defect and Model Library

The POPCORN project aims to establish an automated, scalable library covering at least 90% of known defects across leading emerging non-volatile memory technologies, such as ReRAM, STT-MRAM, and FeFET. This foundational objective ensures that the DAT platform is equipped to handle real-world fault coverage needs in diverse industrial applications.

Objective T2: Develop automatic fault modelling & analysis

A core objective is to achieve full automation in generating validated fault models, drastically reducing the time and effort required, from days to minutes. This automation will accelerate the adoption of Device Aware Testing in memory manufacturing by making fault modeling accessible, scalable, and more efficient for industry users

Objective T3: Develop Automatic Test Generation

The project will deliver automated test generation capable of achieving 100% test efficiency for all defects captured in the model library, while minimizing test cost. This ensures the DAT platform offers unmatched defect coverage, making it a compelling solution for memory manufacturers seeking to improve quality without increasing costs.

Business Objectives

Objective B1: Understand the needs and demands of potential end-users

To ensure market fit, the POPCORN team will conduct at least 12 in-depth user research studies across the value chain, targeting EDA providers, IDMs, foundries, and memory tech manufacturers. These insights will inform platform design and feature prioritization, ensuring the product addresses real customer pain points and demands.

Objective B2: Create a viable business model

A critical business objective is to validate commercial interest by securing commitment or pilot engagement from at least three potential customers. This will prove market traction, refine pricing and delivery strategies, and shape the value proposition for a successful product-market fit in the semiconductor testing ecosystem.

Objective B3: Prepare for scalable commercialisation

The project will lay the groundwork for full-scale commercialisation by founding the company, transferring IP, completing investor materials, and gaining interest from at least three potential investors. This ensures the DAT platform is not only technically viable, but also poised for long-term growth, sustainability, and impact in the market.

Workpackages

Output

Papers

Patents

Tools