Long story short i’ve lost the first chip, i must’ve got it way back at the start of the game when it first game to xbox game pass but i didn’t have much interest in the game back then so i think i’ve just dropped it out of my inventory to save space not realising what it was, i have searched the full lab and have no idea where it could be i really need it to start building a proper base as i’m actually starting to get into and enjoy the game now, i really don’t want to have to start a new save either 

Have you talked to burgl and checked the trade raw science tab for the multiple floors items which will unlock floors, and stairs. I would check this first.