Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay developed a breakthrough biodegradable semiconductor chip using organic materials derived from agricultural waste by-products including sugarcane bagasse and rice husk. The chip achieves processing speeds of 2.4 GHz, comparable to conventional silicon-based processors, while decomposing completely in soil within 18 months without releasing toxic materials. The research team led by Professor Sandip Patil published the findings in the journal Nature Electronics, to international acclaim from the scientific community.
Professor Patil said the chip addresses the growing global problem of electronic waste, which generates 62 million tonnes annually and is predicted to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. The team is now working with three Indian semiconductor companies to develop a path to commercial production. The Department of Science and Technology awarded a Rs 45 crore research grant to accelerate the transition from laboratory prototype to manufacturable product. The chip is particularly suited for single-use medical diagnostic devices, environmental sensors, and packaging with embedded intelligence that must not persist as waste in the environment after use.
