ISRO to Build Its Own Chips in 4 Years

ISRO has set an ambitious target to achieve indigenous semiconductor production within the next four years. This effort is part of India’s broader Semicon India Mission, backed by a ₹76,000 crore government outlay to reduce dependence on imports and establish the country as a global hub for chip manufacturing.

Key Highlights

• ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh: Already developed the Vikram 32-bit processor, designed for space missions and capable of withstanding extreme launch and space conditions.
• Government push: Multiple fabrication and design facilities are being set up under the India Semiconductor Mission to strengthen domestic capability.
• Timeline: The target is to scale indigenous semiconductor production within four years, aligning with India’s self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) vision.
• Parallel initiatives: IIT Madras’s SHAKTI project is also building open-source, industrial-grade processors based on RISC-V architecture, complementing ISRO’s efforts.

Why It Matters

• Strategic independence: Chips are critical for defense, space, telecom, and consumer electronics. Indigenous production reduces vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
• Economic impact: A domestic semiconductor ecosystem could attract global investment, create high-tech jobs, and position India as a competitive player in the global chip market.
• Space applications: ISRO’s processors are tailored for reliability in extreme environments, ensuring mission safety and reducing reliance on foreign technology.

To recall, at Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally unveiled ISRO’s Vikram 32-bit processor, developed at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the chip at the event, underscoring government backing for indigenous semiconductor development. The government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) also issued releases highlighting India’s roadmap toward becoming a “full-stack semiconductor nation,” with applications spanning broadband, surveillance, smart meters, motor control, and space technology.

Additionally, ISRO has collaborated with IIT Madras on the SHAKTI project, successfully booting aerospace-grade processors based on RISC-V architecture. These announcements collectively mark India’s official commitment to achieving self-reliant semiconductor production within the next four years.