Monash University Malaysia spin-out FirstChip wins inaugural MTDC-SemiconStart grant

• Aims to strengthen Malaysia’s locally owned semiconductor intellectual property
• Awarded up to US$235k to commercialise Malaysian-developed semiconductor technology

Monash University Malaysia semiconductor spin-out FirstChip, founded by professor Dr Narayanan Ramakrishnan from the School of Engineering together with his students, has been selected as one of the inaugural recipients of SemiconStart Malaysia, a national programme supporting the commercialisation of locally developed semiconductor intellectual property.

Led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, the programme supports Malaysian semiconductor companies developing homegrown technologies and strengthening the country’s position in higher-value segments of the global semiconductor industry. FirstChip will receive up to US$235,000 (RM1 million) in funding, with US$111,000 (RM470,000) allocated in the first year. Subsequent funding will be tied to the achievement of programme milestones and Silicon Catalyst UK’s recommendation.

FirstChip was established to commercialise sensor chip technology developed through years of research at Monash University Malaysia.

“This achievement is a major step towards commercialising Malaysian semiconductor intellectual property,” said professor Ramakrishnan.

“For FirstChip, it validates our efforts to translate research into real-world applications. For our students, it demonstrates that research can move beyond the laboratory into industry impact. For Monash University Malaysia, it reflects our growing strengths in semiconductor research, talent development and innovation-led enterprise.

“I often tell my students, ‘If you don’t have it, build one.’ This simple philosophy has shaped our research culture at Monash University Malaysia. FirstChip represents the translation of that mindset into real semiconductor innovation, where students are not only learning and publishing, but also inventing, prototyping, patenting and contributing to locally owned deep technology,” he added.

The company’s core technology is based on a patent developed by professor Ramakrishnan’s research group through multiple research projects involving PhD, Master’s and undergraduate students, supported by external grants including CREST Malaysia. Dr Keenan Yap, one of professor Ramakrishnan’s former students, is also among the inventors of the patented sensor chip.

Designed to detect mass changes in gaseous or vacuum environments, FirstChip’s sensor chip differs from conventional sensors by harvesting power wirelessly using radio-frequency signals while simultaneously communicating data externally. This makes it suitable for applications such as monitoring industrial corrosion inside sealed containers, where early detection can help prevent equipment failure and costly damage.

Over the past 10 to 15 years, professor Ramakrishnan’s research group has built expertise in microsensor design, semiconductor fabrication equipment and related instrumentation, resulting in seven patents, including gas-sensing technologies capable of generating signals for AI-assisted instrumentation to detect gas concentrations and classify gas types.

FirstChip was incorporated in August 2024 after several of its technologies were showcased at SEMICON SEA 2024, where industry interest encouraged professor Ramakrishnan and his students to establish a company focused on commercialising their research.

The university subsequently licensed the sensor chip patent to FirstChip through its formal commercialisation process. Today, the company brings together professor Ramakrishnan, his former undergraduate, Master’s and PhD students, alongside current students who continue contributing as researchers.

The company’s technology aligns closely with Malaysia’s ambition to move into higher-value semiconductor activities, including chip design, advanced sensing, front-end technologies and system-level integration. Rather than competing across the entire semiconductor value chain, FirstChip is focused on building expertise in ultra-low-power sensor systems supported by its own system-on-chip technologies.

Through SemiconStart Malaysia, the company aims to accelerate the commercial deployment of its technology by targeting niche markets before expanding into broader regional opportunities. Its selection as one of the programme’s inaugural recipients highlights the growing role of university-led innovation in strengthening Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem and building globally competitive deep-tech companies.