Spintronics, CSIR-CEERI sign MoU to explore indigenous GaN semiconductor technology
Hyderabad-based Spintronics AI Semiconductors and CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI), Pilani, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on gallium nitride (GaN) technology, a class of semiconductors used in high-power and high-frequency applications.
The agreement covers a strategic technology and design transfer partnership. The company said it is the first in the country to enter into such a partnership with CSIR-CEERI.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will assess the feasibility of establishing an indigenous GaN technology development and fabrication facility in India. They will examine technology and infrastructure requirements, fabrication capabilities and possible pathways to strengthen domestic GaN capability.
The collaboration is also intended to move advanced GaN technology and design knowhow from research and development into an industry-led semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, the company said in a release.
What is GaN and why it matters
Gallium nitride is a wide-bandgap semiconductor. Compared with conventional silicon, it can handle higher voltages, temperatures and switching frequencies, which makes it suited to power electronics and radio-frequency devices.
The technology has applications across defence and aerospace, space systems, satellite communications, RF communications, advanced telecommunications, power electronics, electric mobility and other high-frequency uses. These are areas where India currently depends substantially on imported components.
Market projection cited
Spintronics founder and CEO Raghu Varma said the Indian GaN semiconductor market is projected to grow from $224 million in 2026 to nearly $1.88 billion by 2033. "This initiative can help India capture more of that value domestically," he said.
Manish Mathew, Scientist F and Head of the Diamond Research Group at CSIR-CEERI, Pilani, said the collaboration "will strengthen India's indigenous GaN technology ecosystem".
Institutional context
CSIR-CEERI is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, based in Pilani, Rajasthan. It conducts research in electronics, including semiconductor devices and related areas.
The MoU comes amid a broader national effort to build domestic semiconductor capacity. The India Semiconductor Mission, launched in 2021, offers fiscal support for fabrication and display units, compound semiconductor units, and design-linked incentives for chip design companies.
Semiconductor fabrication is capital-intensive and long-gestation. Industry observers have noted that while announcements and partnerships are frequent, the translation of research arrangements into commercial production typically depends on sustained funding, access to equipment and a trained workforce.
What the agreement does and does not say
The MoU is an agreement to explore and assess collaboration. It does not by itself commit either party to a specific investment or to constructing a facility. The release did not disclose financial terms, timelines or the proposed location of any GaN facility.
Both organisations described the partnership as a step towards linking publicly funded research with industry. Further details are expected as the feasibility assessment progresses.
