The Technology Development Board (TDB), a unit of the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has committed ₹37.51 crore to support Multi Nano Sense Technologies Private Limited, based in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The funding backs the development of an indigenous multi-gas sensing platform designed to detect and measure gases across industrial, energy and safety applications. The company will use this capital to advance the technology from its current development stage to commercial readiness.
The agreement, signed under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, provides financial support through Optionally Convertible Debt, a form of funding that can later convert to equity. The total project cost stands at ₹75.02 crore, with TDB covering half the expense.
Key facts
- Financial support: ₹37.51 crore from TDB
- Total project cost: ₹75.02 crore
- Company: Multi Nano Sense Technologies Private Limited, Nagpur
- Technology stage: advancement from TRL-4 (technology demonstration in lab) to TRL-9 (commercial deployment)
- Sensor package size target: less than 25 mm × 25 mm × 15 mm
- Response time: targeted at less than 200 milliseconds
- Funding mechanism: Optionally Convertible Debt
- Sector classification: Deep Technology, Quantum Technology sub-sector
What the technology does
Multi Nano Sense is developing a platform that combines two components: a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) gas sensor and a custom application-specific front-end system-on-chip for signal processing. Together, these allow detection and measurement of multiple gases in a single compact device. The sensor operates across a wide temperature range and includes built-in features like automatic calibration and environmental compensation to ensure accurate readings even in harsh industrial conditions.
The platform is designed to be low-power and miniaturised, making it suitable for battery-operated devices and embedded systems. Its response time of under 200 milliseconds means it can detect gas leaks and changes rapidly, critical for safety applications.
Industrial applications
The multi-gas sensing platform addresses needs across multiple sectors. In refineries and petrochemical plants, it can detect dangerous gas leaks in real time. Power generation facilities, compressed natural gas (PNG) infrastructure and hydrogen production facilities can use it for process monitoring and safety. Battery manufacturing and the emerging hydrogen economy require precise gas detection. Industrial safety monitoring across factories and hazardous workplaces is another key application. The platform is also useful for general leak detection and process control in any environment where gas measurement matters.
Why this matters for India
Gas sensors and semiconductor electronics are foundational technologies for modern industrial systems, autonomous vehicles, environmental monitoring and renewable energy infrastructure. Currently, India relies on imported sensors for many critical applications. By funding indigenous development of MEMS-based sensors and custom semiconductor design, the TDB investment aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and build domestic capabilities in advanced electronics manufacturing.
This project sits at the intersection of MEMS fabrication, semiconductor design and intelligent signal processing, all areas the government identifies as strategic for self-reliance and industrial competitiveness.
How the funding works
The RDI Fund supports deep-technology projects that require sustained investment before reaching commercial scale. Optionally Convertible Debt means TDB provides capital as a loan that can later convert to company equity, aligning the government’s interest with the company’s success. The funding enables Multi Nano Sense to invest in further development, integration, testing, validation and manufacturing scale-up of both the sensor and the signal-processing chip.
What happens next
Multi Nano Sense will use the funding to advance the technology towards TRL-9, the stage at which a technology is ready for commercial deployment and widespread use. This involves completing the sensor design, integrating it with the front-end chip, extensive testing and validation in real industrial environments, and establishing manufacturing processes that can produce the devices at scale.