TECH – India has officially stepped into the global semiconductor landscape with the launch of its first fully indigenous microprocessor, Vikram-32. Unveiled at Semicon India 2025, the chip was presented by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the conference’s opening ceremony, heralding a pivotal shift in the nation’s technological journey.
A Product of National Collaboration
Developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and fabricated at its Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, Vikram-32 is a 32-bit microprocessor designed to operate reliably under extreme conditions making it ideal for space missions, defense applications, and advanced automotive systems. Its robust architecture handles demanding environments, high temperatures, and launch vibrations, making it a trusted choice for mission-critical systems.
Insight into its performance reveals that the Vikram-32 operates at 100 MHz, supports floating-point operations, and includes in-house software tools like compilers and simulators, built for space application programming in Ada, with C support underway. Its design and testing lineage traces back to ISRO’s legacy systems and embodies the country’s stride toward semiconductor self-reliance.
A Vision in Motion
This milestone is part of the broader India Semiconductor Mission, launched in 2021 to foster a complete domestic chip ecosystem from design to packaging. The government has earmarked over ₹65,000 crore (~US$8 billion) under its ₹76,000 crore PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme to build fabrication units and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) infrastructure.
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The new OSAT pilot line in Sanand, Gujarat, is expected to produce up to 500,000 chips per day, signaling readiness for scale-up. Additionally, six semiconductor manufacturing units are already operational, and multiple new projects have received approval projection plans showing India is rapidly transforming into a semiconductor hub.
Shifting India’s Tech Identity
This landmark launch symbolizes the country’s evolution from being a tech consumer to becoming the creator. With Vikram-32 and the expanding domestic semiconductor strategy, India is laying the foundations for digital sovereignty, supporting autonomy in critical sectors, and positioning itself as a global innovator in microelectronics.
Looking ahead, India’s push into semiconductor design and fabrication promises not only technological independence but also the potential to supply trusted, high-reliability chips to global markets, particularly in areas where rugged performance matters most.
