Summary
Made in India has achieved a historic milestone at Semicon 2025, where IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the nation’s first indigenously designed Vikram 32-bit Processor Launch Vehicle Grade chip. This proud moment not only highlights India’s rapid progress in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing but also strengthens the country’s position as a rising global semiconductor powerhouse. The achievement reflects growing international confidence in India’s technological ecosystem and its capability to drive innovation at a world-class scale.
The Historic Presentation at Semicon India 2025
On September 2, 2025, during the fourth edition of Semicon India, Ashwini Vaishnaw presented Prime Minister Modi with the specially designed memento featuring the ‘Made in India’ Vikram microprocessor. Along with this flagship chip, the memento also showcased 31 other prototype chips created by leading academic institutions such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Jammu, IIT Dhanbad, IIT Ropar, NIT Durgapur, and NIT Calicut, symbolizing India’s collaborative effort between research, academia, and industry.
The Vikram 32-bit processor, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of ISRO and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, is an upgraded version of the 16-bit VIKRAM1601 microprocessor, which has been powering ISRO’s launch vehicle avionics since 2009. This achievement demonstrates how India’s semiconductor capabilities are evolving from space applications to wider advanced technology ecosystems.
India’s Growing Semiconductor Ecosystem
Highlighting India’s semiconductor progress, Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that within just three and a half years of launching the India Semiconductor Mission, the global industry is looking at India with growing confidence. Currently, five semiconductor fabrication units are under construction across the country. The pilot line of one unit has already been completed, and two more units are expected to commence production in the coming months.
This rapid expansion is a strong indicator that India is not only laying the foundation for semiconductor self-reliance but also positioning itself as a reliable global hub for chip manufacturing and design.
Stable Policies and Investment Opportunities
Addressing global semiconductor leaders and innovators, Vaishnaw emphasized India’s stable and investor-friendly policies. In times of global uncertainty, India offers stability, skilled talent, and robust infrastructure for semiconductor manufacturing. The government has introduced comprehensive policies covering every aspect of the manufacturing sector—ranging from research support and design incentives to infrastructure development and investment facilitation.
With its massive domestic market, rising global trust, and cost-efficient yet high-quality engineering talent, India is fast emerging as a preferred destination for semiconductor investments.
Collaboration Between Academia, Research & Industry
One of the most remarkable aspects of this achievement is the collaboration between India’s top engineering institutes and research labs. The involvement of IITs and NITs across the country showcases how academic institutions are playing a crucial role in chip design and innovation. This not only strengthens India’s R&D capacity but also builds a strong foundation for nurturing the next generation of semiconductor experts.
A Defining Step Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat
The presentation of the Made in India Vikram microprocessor is more than just a symbolic gesture. It represents India’s strong commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in advanced technologies. From powering ISRO’s space missions to paving the way for domestic chip manufacturing, India is clearly moving towards becoming a semiconductor superpower.
Conclusion: Made in India
The unveiling of the first Made in India semiconductor chip at Semicon 2025 is a moment of pride, progress, and promise. With robust government policies, academic partnerships, and rapid infrastructure growth, India is laying a strong foundation for a sustainable and globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.
As Prime Minister Modi received the Vikram 32-bit processor memento, it was not just a token of technological achievement—it was a symbol of India’s aspirations to lead the world in the digital and semiconductor era. The journey from importing chips to creating world-class processors indigenously reflects India’s determination to script a new chapter in technology leadership, innovation, and self-reliance.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Made in India
1. What was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Semicon India 2025?
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented PM Modi with a memento containing the first ‘Made in India’ Vikram 32-bit Processor Launch Vehicle Grade chip. The memento also included 31 prototype chips designed by IITs and NITs across India.
2. Who developed the ‘Made in India’ Vikram 32-bit Processor?
The chip was designed and developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of ISRO and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh.
3. What is special about the Vikram 32-bit Processor?
It is an advanced version of the 16-bit VIKRAM1601 microprocessor, which has been used in ISRO’s launch vehicle avionics systems since 2009. The 32-bit processor offers improved performance for space applications and reflects India’s growing semiconductor capabilities.
4. Which academic institutions contributed prototype chips for the memento?
Institutions such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Jammu, IIT Dhanbad, IIT Ropar, NIT Durgapur, and NIT Calicut contributed prototype chips as part of the collaborative effort.
5. What is the Indian Semiconductor Mission?
Launched around three and a half years ago, the Indian Semiconductor Mission is an initiative by the Government of India to build a strong semiconductor ecosystem, including chip design, manufacturing, and research.
6. How many semiconductor units are being built in India currently?
Five semiconductor fabrication units are under construction. One unit’s pilot line has already been completed, and two more units are expected to start production soon.
7. Why is India being pitched as a global semiconductor hub?
India offers stable policies, skilled talent, robust infrastructure, and a rapidly growing domestic market. These factors, combined with government support, make India an attractive destination for semiconductor investment and manufacturing.
8. How does this development align with Atmanirbhar Bharat?
The launch of the Vikram 32-bit processor is a major step towards self-reliance in advanced technologies. It reduces dependency on imported chips and strengthens India’s capability to design and manufacture world-class semiconductors domestically.