India has taken a big step in becoming self-reliant in chip-making. At the Semicon India 2025 conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the country’s first indigenously developed Vikram-32 processor chip. The chip was handed over by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, marking a major milestone in India’s semiconductor journey.

About Vikram-32

The Vikram-32 chip has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, Punjab. It is a 32-bit microprocessor specially designed to withstand the tough conditions of space missions. In fact, the chip has already been tested in space during the PSLV-C60 mission, where it worked successfully, proving that it is reliable for future launches.

This achievement shows how quickly India has advanced in semiconductor technology. Just a few years ago, India was mainly a consumer of chips, but now it has started making its own advanced processors. This progress has been possible due to government support, research and development, stable policies, and strong economic growth.
The Vikram-32 processor comes with several advanced features that make it highly reliable and versatile.

It is capable of performing complex calculations and managing large amounts of data with ease. Designed specifically for space missions, the chip is built to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments, ensuring smooth functioning even in challenging conditions.

It also supports floating-point operations, allowing it to work with decimal numbers, and can execute complex instructions that are essential for rocket launches and satellite missions. Beyond space applications, the Vikram-32 holds great potential for use in defence, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors, making it a powerful innovation for multiple strategic industries.

During the event, Minister Vaishnaw also shared that five new semiconductor units are being set up in India, and 10 major projects worth Rs 1.60 lakh crore have already been approved in six states. Also, more than 23 chip design startups are being supported under the government’s incentive schemes.

The launch of Vikram-32 is not just a technological success but also a symbolic milestone. It highlights India’s shift from depending on imports to creating its own advanced technologies, strengthening its role in the global semiconductor market. The three-day Semicon India 2025 conference aims to build a strong, sustainable, and future-ready semiconductor ecosystem in the country, with India positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and manufacturing.