A team of thirty scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has submitted a ₹500 crore proposal to the government to develop angstrom-scale semiconductor chips—a breakthrough that could revolutionize the global chip manufacturing landscape.
Harnessing the Power of 2D Materials
The proposed technology leverages 2D semiconductor materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These materials are only a few atoms thick and have the potential to enable chip fabrication at the angstrom scale—dramatically smaller than the three nanometer chips currently being produced by global giants like Samsung and MediaTek.
Aiming for Chips 10x Smaller Than Current Tech
The goal is to produce chips that are nearly one-tenth the size of today’s most advanced semiconductors. If successful, this initiative would place India at the forefront of next-generation semiconductor technology, shifting global attention toward post-silicon innovation.
Government Support Under Review
The proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is currently under active review. India is investing in large-scale chip manufacturing, such as Tata Electronics’ ₹91,000 crore plant with Taiwan’s PSMC, backed by 50% capital support. In contrast, this initiative focuses on foundational research and long-term technology development.”
Funding Vision and Roadmap
The IISc team seeks ₹500 crore over five years to establish a robust R&D ecosystem. The proposal outlines a clear roadmap for self-sustainability, ensuring the initiative can thrive beyond the initial funding phase without continuous government support.
Strategic Importance for India’s Tech Sovereignty
As reported by msn.com, currently, India remains heavily dependent on foreign players for advanced chip manufacturing. Angstrom-scale chip technology would not only boost India’s semiconductor capabilities but also address critical concerns in economic independence and national security.
