AGNIT Semiconductors Opens GaN Testing Lab at IISc Bengaluru

AGNIT Semiconductors, an indigenous start-up specializing in Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, has officially opened a new 350-square-foot testing and qualification laboratory at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru [1]. The facility, supported by a ₹3 crore investment, is designed to bolster domestic testing infrastructure for high-power radio-frequency (RF) applications [2].

Key takeaways

• The new laboratory is equipped with specialized infrastructure, including an environmental chamber capable of operating between -60°C and 125°C [1].
• AGNIT Semiconductors has raised a total of ₹60 crore in funding from investors including 3one4 Capital, Zephyr Peacock, and Lakshmi Narayanan [3].
• The company aims to scale its manufacturing capabilities with a vision to produce 100,000 chips over the next 24 months [2].
• A dedicated team of five to eight engineers and researchers will operate the facility to support design and fabrication integration [1].

Enhancing Domestic Semiconductor Validation

The launch of this laboratory marks a transition for the company, which previously relied on shared infrastructure at the IISc campus [3]. By establishing a standalone facility, AGNIT Semiconductors intends to reduce its dependency on external testing services and achieve faster turnaround times for product development [1]. The lab’s technical capabilities include a connectorized load pull testing station, RF test and measurement benches, and automated printed circuit board (PCB) assembly systems [3]. These tools allow the company to conduct in-house PCB assembly, generate reliability data, and perform power amplifier board characterization [1].

According to Hareesh Chandrasekar, co-founder and CEO of AGNIT Semiconductors, the facility is a strategic step toward building a robust indigenous ecosystem for validation and reliability [2]. The company, which operates as a vertically integrated GaN platform, focuses on materials, manufacturing processes, and device design [1]. Looking toward future expansion, the start-up plans to develop additional infrastructure specifically for the accelerated lifetime testing and qualification of military-grade components [3].

Why it matters

The laboratory is positioned to support the growing requirements of the defence, telecom, and next-generation wireless sectors [2]. By integrating testing more closely with its design and fabrication teams, the company aims to accelerate the commercialization of its GaN technologies [3]. This development aligns with the company’s broader "Make in India for the world" vision, as it seeks to strengthen product performance and customer confidence in domestic quality assurance [1]. As the company scales its manufacturing, the new lab serves as a critical component in its efforts to move rapidly from the development phase to full-scale deployment [2].