Makr Microsystems | $1.08M (Seed)

Founder: Ashwin Lal

HQ: Bengaluru

Sector: DeepTech / Semiconductor Metrology

What they do

→ Builds nanoscale 3D subsurface metrology tech for semiconductor manufacturing

→ Combines Acoustic Atomic Force Microscopy (AAFM), optical tomography, and 3D data analytics

→ Measures hidden structures and defects beneath chip surfaces without damaging them

→ Targets advanced packaging, hybrid bonding, buried interfaces, and chiplet interconnects

The Funding

→ Raised $1.08M (₹10.2 Cr)

→ Seed round led by Bluehill.VC

→ Participation from Artha Venture Fund

Why it matters

→ Founder Ashwin Lal holds an M.Sc. in Physics (IIT Kanpur) and Ph.D. in Microtechnology (EPFL), previously founded Shilps Sciences and worked at Applied Materials

→ Chip architectures are moving into 3D, making subsurface defects harder to catch with existing tools

→ Aligns with India Semiconductor Mission 2.0's push into equipment, materials and R&D not just fabs

→ Bet on building globally competitive semiconductor equipment out of India

Can India leapfrog straight into semiconductor equipment, or does it need fabs first?