India Aims to Lead Future of Semiconductor Tech with World’s Smallest Chip

In a groundbreaking move, a group of 30 scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has proposed a revolutionary semiconductor project aimed at developing the world’s smallest chips using next-generation materials. The team has submitted a detailed plan to the Indian government for the creation of “angstrom-scale” chips, which are nearly ten times smaller than the current 3-nanometer chips made by global giants like Samsung and MediaTek.

The proposed technology is based on 2D materials, a new class of semiconductors including graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These ultra-thin materials could potentially replace traditional silicon, allowing chips to be built at an atomic scale. The initiative aims not only to position India as a leader in advanced semiconductor technology but also to reduce its heavy reliance on foreign chipmakers.

The project was first shared with the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) in 2022 and later updated and re-submitted in 2024. It is currently under active discussion at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which has shown a positive outlook on its potential applications in India’s electronics ecosystem. Government officials have confirmed ongoing meetings and collaborative evaluations involving multiple stakeholders, including DRDO, the Department of Space, and NITI Aayog.

Unlike mega-investment semiconductor fabs requiring thousands of crores, this indigenous project seeks a relatively modest ₹500 crore over five years. It includes a roadmap for achieving technological self-sufficiency after the initial support phase.

Globally, research into 2D semiconductor materials is accelerating. The European Union has invested over USD 1 billion, and South Korea has committed more than USD 300 million. India, however, is at a critical juncture. Experts warn that unless India moves swiftly from planning to execution, it may miss a rare opportunity to lead in post-silicon semiconductor innovation.

This proposal aligns with India’s broader vision under the India Semiconductor Mission, which also includes large-scale projects like the ₹91,000 crore Tata Electronics-PSMC fab in Gujarat. The angstrom-chip project could complement these efforts, driving India’s ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor powerhouse.

Source: Deccan Herald