Bengaluru-based semiconductor startup Makr Microsystems has secured ₹10.2 crore in seed funding led by Bluehill VC and Artha Venture Fund. The firm is developing technology to inspect complex semiconductor chips for manufacturing defects. As a private, early-stage company, the business is currently focused on product validation and research.
Makr Microsystems, a Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup, announced it raised ₹10.2 crore in a seed funding round on September 3, 2026. The investment was led by Bluehill VC, with additional participation from Artha Venture Fund. This capital infusion is earmarked to help the company transition from its research-heavy design phase to rigorous testing and validation with potential customers.
The startup focuses on semiconductor metrology, which involves measuring and inspecting chips during the manufacturing process. Specifically, Makr Microsystems is developing a platform based on Acoustic Atomic Force Microscopy (AAFM). In simple terms, this technology acts like an advanced X-ray for microchips, allowing manufacturers to detect defects hidden deep within the structure of a chip without damaging it. This capability is becoming increasingly critical as modern electronics shift toward complex 3D chip architectures and multi-layer packaging, where standard inspection tools often struggle to identify internal faults.
Founded in 2025 by Ashwin Lal, the startup is positioning itself within the global semiconductor supply chain. Manufacturers are currently facing pressure to reduce defect rates in miniaturized components. By offering a high-resolution, non-destructive inspection method, Makr Microsystems aims to help semiconductor firms improve their production yields—the number of usable chips produced from a batch—which is a key driver of profitability in the sector.
Investors are viewing this funding as a strategic interest in the high-end semiconductor equipment space emerging in India. However, for those tracking this news, it is important to note that Makr Microsystems is a private, unlisted entity. There is no public stock market listing, ticker, or share price associated with this company. Investors cannot trade or hold equity in the startup through the NSE or BSE.
Like many deep-tech ventures, the company faces inherent business risks common to early-stage hardware development. Success will depend heavily on the company's ability to prove that its technology can perform reliably in real-world, large-scale manufacturing environments. The significant cost of R&D and the competitive nature of the semiconductor equipment market mean that the primary monitorable for this business will be the successful validation of its product by potential industry clients.