SFAL-Backed Startups Developing Cutting-Edge Semiconductor Technologies in Karnataka
Karnataka’s IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge announced on Wednesday that three Bengaluru-based startups incubated by the state’s Semiconductor Fabless Accelerator Lab (SFAL) are developing innovative technologies that could transform computing, automotive electronics, and more.
Calligo Technologies Unveils POSIT-Enabled Semiconductor Chip
Calligo Technologies, one of the SFAL-supported startups, has fabricated a POSIT-enabled semiconductor chip that promises to enhance performance and accuracy in critical mathematical computations. POSIT is seen as an emerging standard in computing, offering advantages like:
- Improved accuracy
- Reduced network bandwidth requirements
- Better storage utilization
- Lower power consumption
According to Minister Kharge, POSIT technology is especially beneficial for applications in stock exchange computations, medical drug research, and artificial intelligence. Calligo plans to showcase an accelerator card based on their POSIT chip at the prestigious Supercomputing Conference (SC’24) in the US later this year.
Morphing Machines Raises $2.76M for Reconfigurable Processor
Morphing Machines, another fabless semiconductor startup supported by SFAL, has developed a reconfigurable processor called Redefine. Touted as the first such processor from India, Redefine is designed to cater to emerging workloads in key sectors like:
- Telecom
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
- Healthcare
- High-Performance Computing
The startup recently raised $2.76 million (₹23 crore) in a seed funding round led by Speciale Invest. This capital infusion will help Morphing Machines accelerate the development and commercialization of Redefine.
ABCRL’s TireSynapse Chip Integrates Bluetooth for Smart Tires
AB Circuits and Research Labs (ABCRL) is close to taping out their first chip – TireSynapse. An SFAL-incubated startup, ABCRL has developed TireSynapse as the industry’s first tire monitoring ASIC with integrated Bluetooth connectivity.
This tiny yet powerful chip brings advanced tire monitoring features like:
- Tire wear prediction
- Road condition detection
- Load detection
- Wheel alignment measurement
By enabling such capabilities, TireSynapse aims to set new standards in vehicle safety and efficiency. The upcoming tape-out marks a major milestone for ABCRL in its journey to become a leading global provider of smart automotive electronics.
Karnataka’s Leadership in Fabless Semiconductor Innovation
Minister Kharge highlighted that Karnataka has been a pioneer in supporting fabless semiconductor startups through the unique SFAL model. Home to 70% of India’s semiconductor design talent, the state has enabled 43 startups to work on over 200 niche, high-end technology innovations through SFAL.
The startups incubated by SFAL have raised ₹114 crore in funding so far, commanding a cumulative valuation of ₹500 crore. They have also generated employment for around 800 high-skill professionals.
With India’s electronics market projected to reach $400 billion and the semiconductor segment alone accounting for $64 billion, Karnataka’s early investments in fabless chip innovation could pay rich dividends. States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are now looking to emulate SFAL’s success.
“Many SFAL supported companies are developing products for global and local markets and are also getting funded by VCs,” said Jitendra Chaddah, India head of GlobalFoundries, in a media statement.
The Road Ahead
The progress made by Calligo Technologies, Morphing Machines, and ABCRL underscores the potential of Karnataka’s semiconductor startup ecosystem. By providing early-stage support and ecosystem linkages, SFAL is playing a catalytic role in helping these startups bring cutting-edge innovations to market.
As these companies advance their products and scale up, they could put India on the global semiconductor innovation map. Their success could also inspire more startups to enter the fabless chip design space, strengthening Karnataka’s leadership position.
With the right policy support and continued industry-government-academia collaboration, initiatives like SFAL could help spawn a new generation of globally competitive semiconductor product companies out of Karnataka and India.
