India Unveils First Indigenous 32-Bit Chip ‘Vikram’; PM Modi Lauds Milestone
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu)- In a significant achievement for the country to become a global semiconductor hub, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday presented the first India-made processor and test chips of four approved projects to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor called 'Vikram' has been developed by ISRO's Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL). It is designed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of space launch vehicles, a milestone in India's efforts to reduce dependence on imported chips. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw wrote on social media platform X, "First 'Made in India' chips. This is a proud moment for any country. Today India has achieved this feat." He further said that this important achievement has been made possible by the visionary thinking, strong will and decisive action of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the rapid progress of India's semiconductor infrastructure at the 'Semicon India 2025' event. The Union Minister said, "Just a few years ago, when we met for the first time to make a new beginning, inspired by the visionary vision of our Prime Minister, we launched the India Semiconductor Mission. In a short span of 3.5 years, the world is looking at India with confidence." He told the attendees, "Currently the construction of five semiconductor units is going on at a rapid pace. We have just presented the first 'Made-in-India' chip to Prime Minister Modi." India's semiconductor journey has gained momentum under the Semicon India event. The government has already approved 10 projects in critical areas such as High-Volume Fabrication Units (Fabs), 3D Heterogeneous Packaging, Compound Semiconductors and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT).
In addition, design-focused initiatives have supported over 280 academic institutions and 72 start-ups with advanced tools, while 23 start-ups have been approved under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. The three-day flagship event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, paper presentations and six international roundtables. A dedicated 'Workforce Development Pavilion' will also highlight career opportunities in microelectronics to attract new talent. With participation from top companies such as Applied Materials, ASML, IBM, Infineon, Lam Research, Micron, Tata Electronics, SK Hynix and Tokyo Electron, SEMICON India 2025 is expected to drive the next wave of semiconductor innovation in India and strengthen its position in the global value chain.
India's smallest chip will bring the biggest change in the world: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the day is not far when India's smallest chip will bring the biggest change in the world. Inaugurating 'Semicon India 2025' in the national capital, the Prime Minister said India is moving beyond just the backend of the semiconductor industry and is now building a full-stack ecosystem to become globally competitive and self-reliant. Addressing a global gathering of industry leaders, innovators and delegates from over 40 countries, Prime Minister Modi said, "The world trusts India. The world believes in India. The world is ready to build the future of semiconductors with India. In the world of semiconductors, oil is often referred to as black gold, while chips are considered digital diamonds."