NIT Meghalaya Makes History with State’s First Indigenous Chip

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully designing and fabricating the state’s first-ever integrated chip (IC). This pioneering development marks a historic achievement for Meghalaya while also contributing significantly to India’s broader ambitions in the global semiconductor industry.

The project was carried out under the Special Manpower Development Program (SMDP), an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The program is part of the government’s effort to foster innovation, build indigenous expertise, and strengthen India’s capacity in advanced semiconductor design and manufacturing. The success of this initiative underscores how academic institutions can play a critical role in advancing national technological self-reliance.

The innovation was led by a team of distinguished NIT Meghalaya faculty members—Dr. Prabir Saha, Dr. Shubhankar Majumdar, and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rathore—along with three PhD scholars: Geetima Kachari, Parishmita Goswami, and Deibaphira Suchiang. Together, the team worked on developing a Finite State Machine (FSM) chip, a specialized integrated circuit. The chip was fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) foundry using 180nm process technology, a reliable and widely used method in semiconductor production.

The newly developed FSM chip has been designed with precision agricultural applications in mind. Specifically, it is capable of providing accurate control in irrigation systems and tensiometers (devices that measure soil water tension). By enabling smarter water management and precise monitoring of soil conditions, the chip could play a transformative role in modernizing India’s agricultural practices, making them more efficient and sustainable. This reflects the growing trend of integrating cutting-edge technology into traditional sectors like farming, where India has both pressing challenges and vast opportunities for innovation.

The significance of this breakthrough goes beyond agriculture. It demonstrates the ability of Indian institutions to design, prototype, and deliver indigenous semiconductor solutions, reducing reliance on foreign technology. This aligns closely with India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant hub for semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing, a key priority under government initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India.”

The milestone was officially showcased at the SEMICON India 2025 summit, one of the country’s most important technology events that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators in the semiconductor ecosystem. During the event, the achievement of NIT Meghalaya was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting its national significance. By recognizing and supporting such achievements, the government is encouraging academia-industry partnerships and emphasizing the role of indigenous research in achieving the long-term vision of a technologically advanced, Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

In conclusion, the creation of Meghalaya’s first integrated chip by NIT researchers represents a landmark accomplishment that will have long-lasting implications. It is a pioneering step for the state, a strategic boost for India’s semiconductor roadmap, and a symbol of progress under the Make in India initiative. More importantly, it provides a model for how academic innovation can directly contribute to nation-building goals, combining technological advancement with real-world applications such as agricultural development. The success demonstrates not only technical excellence but also the potential of India’s youth and researchers to drive innovation at a global scale.