Agnit Semiconductors: Pioneering India's Gallium Nitride Revolution for Self-Reliance

In an era where semiconductors power everything from 5G networks to defense systems and electric vehicles, India is taking bold steps toward self-reliance. Leading this charge in advanced materials is Agnit Semiconductors — the country's first and only vertically integrated Gallium Nitride (GaN) specialist.

Born from 17+ years of research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Agnit is transforming academic breakthroughs into real-world, made-in-India GaN solutions. Let's explore how this deep-tech startup is reshaping strategic sectors. ⚡

Agnit Semiconductors team and GaN technology showcase
Agnit Semiconductors — Driving India's GaN breakthrough

Company Overview: From IISc Incubator to Fab-Lite Leader

  • Founded: 2019
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka (incubated at IISc Centre for Nanoscience & Engineering)
  • Model: Fab-lite integrated device manufacturer (controls epitaxial wafers → devices → modules)
  • Team Size: ~30 experts with 100+ combined years in GaN & RF
  • Contact: sales@agnitsemi.com | TF 08, TBI, IISc Campus

Agnit focuses on high-efficiency, compact GaN solutions for RF (radio-frequency) and power electronics — critical for telecom (5G/6G), defense, EVs, and data centers.

Roots & Leadership: 17+ Years of GaN Expertise

Agnit emerged as a spin-off from IISc's Gallium Nitride Ecosystem Enabling Centre (GEECI), backed by MeitY. The founding team includes IISc professors & alumni:

  • Dr. Hareesh Chandrasekar — CEO & Co-founder (PhD IISc, GaN devices expert)
  • Dr. Digbijoy Neelim Nath, Dr. Mayank Shrivastava, Dr. Shankar Kumar Selvaraja, Dr. Srinivasan Raghavan, and others
  • Late co-founder Dr. Muralidharan Rangarajan also played a key role
Dr. Hareesh Chandrasekar, CEO of Agnit Semiconductors
Dr. Hareesh Chandrasekar — Leading the vision for indigenous GaN

Products & Technological Edge

Agnit delivers end-to-end GaN solutions with proprietary IP (20+ patents):

  • Epitaxial GaN wafers on Si, SiC & Sapphire via MOCVD
  • GaN HEMTs & power amplifiers
  • Integrated modules for RF & power applications

Key advantages: Higher power density, efficiency, wide bandwidth, and linearity — reducing system complexity in wireless and power systems.

Gallium Nitride GaN HEMT device structure
Advanced GaN HEMT structure — Core of Agnit's innovation

Funding & Growth Journey

Total funding: ≈ $4.87 million

  • 2021: ~$1.37M angel round
  • 2024 (Sep/Oct): $3.5M seed round co-led by 3one4 Capital & Zephyr Peacock

Revenue (as of Mar 2024): ~$56,700 (early stage). The company targets scaling to 100,000 chips/year, with defense entry expected in 12–24 months post-2024 funding.

Milestones & Recognition (2024–2025)

  • 2019: Founded as IISc spin-off
  • 2021: Angel funding + Karnataka ELEVATE grant
  • 2024: $3.5M seed + iDEX MoU with Ministry of Defence for GaN RF transmitters
  • 2025: IESA Technovation Startup Award (Semiconductor category) + NASSCOM Deep Tech Emerge 50 Award

These awards validate Agnit's technology maturity and national importance.

Strategic Importance for India

As the only comprehensive indigenous GaN provider, Agnit fills a vital gap in a import-dependent market. It aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, supports national security, and positions India in the fast-growing global GaN ecosystem (projected >$9B by 2030).

Challenges & Bright Future

Challenges include high capital needs, global competition, and supply chain risks. Yet, strong government backing (ISM, iDEX) and unique IP provide solid moats.

Looking ahead, Agnit aims to scale production, win volume defense contracts, and expand into EVs & consumer electronics — becoming a cornerstone of India's semiconductor ambitions.

India's deep-tech future looks brighter thanks to trailblazers like Agnit Semiconductors.

What are your thoughts on India's GaN push? Share in the comments! ЁЯСЗ

Stay tuned for more updates on Indian semiconductor innovation.

References

  1. AGNIT Semiconductors. (n.d.). Official Website. https://www.agnitsemi.com/ (Accessed February 2026).
  2. PitchBook. (2026). AGNIT Semiconductors Company Profile. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/493549-03
  3. Electronics For You. (2025). From Lab To Fab: How AGNIT Making Gallium Nitride Chips In India. https://www.electronicsforu.com/india-corner/from-lab-to-fab-how-agnitis-making-gallium-nitride-chips-in-india
  4. Power Electronics News. (2025). Agnit Semiconductors Sparks India's GaN Breakthrough. https://www.powerelectronicsnews.com/agnit-semiconductors-sparks-indias-gan-breakthrough
  5. Tracxn. (2025). AGNIT Semiconductors Profile. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/agnit-semiconductors
  6. Founder Thesis. (2025). Hareesh Chandrasekar's AGNIT Semiconductors. https://www.founderthesis.com/p/hareesh-chandrasekars-agnit-semiconductors

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