A semiconductor startup spun out from Monash University Malaysia has been selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the SemiconStart Malaysia programme, securing up to RM1 million in funding to commercialise locally developed chip technology.
FirstChip, founded by Professor Dr Narayanan Ramakrishnan from Monash University Malaysia’s School of Engineering together with his students, will receive RM470,000 in its first year under the programme. Additional funding will depend on the achievement of project milestones.
The SemiconStart Malaysia programme, led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, aims to support Malaysian semiconductor companies in developing locally owned intellectual property and strengthening the country’s position in the high-value semiconductor ecosystem.
FirstChip was established to commercialise sensor chip technology developed through research at the university. The wireless-powered sensor chip is designed to detect mass changes in gaseous or vacuum environments, making it suitable for applications such as industrial corrosion monitoring, including inside sealed containers.
The technology is based on a patent developed by Professor Narayanan’s research group with contributions from PhD, Master’s and undergraduate students. Over the past decade, the research team has produced seven patents in microsensor design, semiconductor fabrication equipment and related technologies.
FirstChip was incorporated in August 2024 and licensed the sensor chip patent through Monash University Malaysia’s commercialisation pathway. The company aims to develop sensor-based semiconductor technologies and support Malaysia’s ambitions in advanced chip design and locally owned semiconductor innovation.
