FirstChip, a semiconductor spin-out from Monash University Malaysia, has been selected to receive up to RM1 million in funding support through the inaugural SemiconStart Malaysia programme. The company has initially received RM470,000 to advance the commercialisation of its sensor chip technology. The national initiative is intended to support locally developed intellectual property and strengthen Malaysia’s position in higher-value semiconductor activities.
Strategic National Support
SemiconStart Malaysia is a national programme led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation and developed in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK. It supports Malaysian semiconductor companies working to develop locally owned intellectual property and build capabilities across higher-value segments of the industry. The programme forms part of a wider effort to deepen Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
FirstChip is eligible for up to RM1 million in total programme support, with RM470,000 disbursed initially. The remaining funding is subject to the completion of first-year milestones and a recommendation from Silicon Catalyst UK. This structure links further support to the company’s technical and commercial progress.
From Academia to Industry
FirstChip was co-founded by Professor Dr Narayanan Ramakrishnan of Monash University Malaysia’s School of Engineering and his students. The company was established to commercialise sensor chip technology developed through research projects involving PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students. It was registered in August 2024 after the technology received positive industry feedback at SEMICON SEA 2024.
The underlying technology is based on two patents originating from Professor Ramakrishnan’s research group and was licensed to FirstChip through a formal university commercialisation process. Dr Keenan Yap, a former student of Professor Ramakrishnan, is one of the inventors of the sensor chip patent, while PhD student Danidu Sinhalathilakage co-invented the sensor interface. The company brings together former and current students who continue to contribute to its research and development work.
Innovative Sensor Technology
FirstChip’s sensor chip is designed to detect changes in mass within gaseous or vacuum environments. The technology is suited to industrial applications including corrosion monitoring inside sealed containers, where early detection could help prevent damage and operational losses. Its development draws on research conducted by Professor Ramakrishnan’s group over the past 10 to 15 years.
The wider research programme has produced seven patents spanning microsensor design, semiconductor fabrication equipment, and related instrumentation. This includes a gas sensor capable of generating signals for AI-assisted instruments that can detect gas concentrations and classify gas types. FirstChip is now focused on translating this research into commercial sensor-based products.
Aligning with Malaysia's Vision
FirstChip’s work aligns with Malaysia’s push into higher-value semiconductor activities, including front-end technologies, chip design, advanced sensing, and system-level integration. By commercialising intellectual property developed in Malaysia, the company aims to strengthen local semiconductor capabilities. The venture also creates a pathway for student- and researcher-led innovation to move into industry.
The company’s longer-term goal is to build a Malaysian semiconductor business focused on sensor-based technologies. Rather than addressing the entire semiconductor value chain, FirstChip plans to develop ultra-low-power sensor systems supported by its own system-on-chip technologies. It intends to begin with niche markets before pursuing wider regional opportunities.
FirstChip’s selection for SemiconStart Malaysia marks an important step for university-led deep-tech commercialisation in the country. The initial RM470,000 disbursement supports its next phase of development, while access to the full RM1 million remains conditional on progress against programme milestones. The initiative reinforces Malaysia’s ambition to build locally owned semiconductor intellectual property and a stronger domestic innovation ecosystem.