AGNIT Semiconductors Opens GaN Testing Lab at IISc Bengaluru

AGNIT Semiconductors, an indigenous start-up specializing in Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, has inaugurated a new 350-square-foot advanced testing and qualification laboratory at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru [1]. The facility was established with a ₹3 crore investment to bolster domestic infrastructure for testing high-power radio-frequency (RF) semiconductor applications [1].

Key takeaways

• The new laboratory is designed to support the defence, telecom, and next-generation RF sectors by reducing reliance on external testing facilities [1].
• The facility features specialized equipment, including an environmental chamber capable of operating between -60°C and 125°C and a connectorised load pull testing station [1].
• AGNIT Semiconductors has secured ₹60 crore in total funding from investors including 3one4 Capital, Zephyr Peacock, and Lakshmi Narayanan [1].
• The company aims to scale its manufacturing capabilities to produce 100,000 chips over the next 24 months [1].

Enhancing Domestic Semiconductor Validation

The laboratory is equipped with technical infrastructure that allows for in-house printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, power amplifier board characterization, and the generation of reliability data [1]. By transitioning from shared IISc infrastructure to this dedicated, standalone space, the company expects to achieve faster turnaround times for product development and deployment [1]. The lab will be managed by a team of five to eight engineers and researchers who will work in close coordination with the company's design and fabrication departments [1].

Hareesh Chandrasekar, Co-founder and CEO of AGNIT Semiconductors, stated that the facility addresses a critical gap in India's semiconductor ecosystem by providing a robust environment for indigenous validation and reliability testing [1]. The company, which is rooted in over 15 years of research and development at IISc, operates as a vertically integrated platform covering materials, manufacturing processes, and device design [1].

Why it matters

The launch of this laboratory represents a strategic step in AGNIT Semiconductors' growth under the "Make in India" initiative [1]. By strengthening its in-house quality assurance and reliability testing, the company aims to increase customer confidence in its products, particularly for military-grade components [1]. Looking ahead, the start-up plans to expand its infrastructure to include comprehensive accelerated lifetime testing, supporting its broader goal of scaling production to meet the evolving demands of the telecom and defence sectors [1].