Monash University Malaysia spin-out FirstChip wins inaugural MTDC-SemiconStart Grant
Group photo of the recipient and representatives at the SemiconStart Malaysia program, with Professor Ramakrishnan on the far left.
FirstChip, a semiconductor spin-out Co-founded by Professor Dr Narayanan Ramakrishnan from the School of Engineering and his students, has been selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the SemiconStart Malaysia - A National Semiconductor Program.
Led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, the program supports Malaysian semiconductor companies in developing locally owned intellectual property and strengthening the country’s position in high-value areas of the semiconductor ecosystem. FirstChip is set to receive up to RM1 million in funding support through the program, with ~RM500,000 allocated for Year 1. Further funding will be subject to the completion of Year 1 milestones and Silicon Catalyst’s recommendation.
The company was established to commercialise sensor chip technology developed through research at Monash University Malaysia. The technology is based on two patents originating from Professor Ramakrishnan’s research group and was developed through multiple research projects involving PhD, Master’s and undergraduate students, with support from externally funded grants, including CREST Malaysia and MOHE. Dr Keenan Yap, one of Professor Ramakrishnan’s students, is also one of the inventors of the sensor chip patent, and another current PhD student, Danidu Sinhalathilakage, is co-inventor for the sensor interface.
FirstChip’s sensor chip is designed to detect mass changes in gaseous or vacuum environments. This makes it suitable for monitoring conditions such as industrial corrosion, including in sealed containers, where early detection can help prevent damage and loss.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, Professor Ramakrishnan’s research group has conducted work in microsensor design, semiconductor fabrication equipment and related instrumentation. This research has led to seven patents, including a gas sensor capable of generating signals for AI-assisted instrumentation, such as detecting gas concentrations and classifying gas types.
Professor Dr Narayanan Ramakrishnan going up the stage at the SemiconStart Malaysia ceremony.
FirstChip was registered in August 2024, with some of these technologies showcased at SEMICON SEA 2024, where the positive response encouraged Professor Ramakrishnan and his student team to establish a company to commercialise their deep technologies.
The sensor chip patent was subsequently licensed to FirstChip through a formal commercialisation pathway with the university. The company brings together Professor Ramakrishnan, his former undergraduate, Master’s and PhD students, as well as current students who continue to contribute as researchers.
“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,” Professor Ramakrishnan said.
“For FirstChip, this achievement is a major step towards commercialising Malaysian semiconductor IP. For our students, it shows that research can move beyond the laboratory into real industry impact. For Monash, it reflects our growing strength in semiconductor research, talent development, and innovation-led enterprise.”
Professor Dr Narayanan Ramakrishnan.
The technology aligns with Malaysia’s ambition to move into higher-value areas of the semiconductor industry, including front-end technologies, chip design, advanced sensing and system-level integration. By commercialising intellectual property developed in Malaysia, FirstChip aims to contribute to the growth of local semiconductor capability and create new pathways for student- and researcher-led innovation.
The company’s longer-term vision is to develop into a Malaysian semiconductor company focused on sensor-based technologies. Rather than addressing the entire semiconductor value chain, FirstChip aims to build strength in ultra-low-power sensor systems supported by the integration of its own system-on-chip technologies.
Through SemiconStart Malaysia, FirstChip hopes to advance its technology towards commercialisation, first in niche markets and later across broader regional opportunities. Its selection marks an important milestone for Monash University Malaysia’s semiconductor research efforts and highlights the role of university-based innovation in supporting Malaysia’s deep-tech aspirations.