ARM to design world’s most advanced 2nm chips in Bengaluru: Vaishnaw

By Admin

17 Sep, 2025

India’s semiconductor ecosystem received a significant boost as British semiconductor giant ARM announced the design of its most advanced 2nm chips at its newly inaugurated office in Bengaluru. The announcement was made by IT and Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday, marking a milestone moment for India’s growing role in global chip innovation.

Powering AI and Next-Gen Devices

The 2nm (nanometer) chips are set to revolutionize industries by powering AI servers, drones, and next-generation smartphones. By venturing into 2nm design, ARM positions itself among the global leaders of semiconductor technology, with India becoming only the second country after Renesas to reach this design milestone domestically.

Congratulating ARM, Minister Vaishnaw said, “As we develop the semiconductor ecosystem in the country, we must go to more leading nodes.” He emphasized that the government continues to engage with global technology players such as ASML, IBM Albany, and IMEC to advance India’s capabilities in this critical sector.

India Semiconductor Mission: Building the Foundation

The achievement comes under the umbrella of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), a government-led initiative to strengthen the country’s semiconductor ecosystem. While ARM is pushing the boundaries with 2nm design, ISM continues to prioritize industries that rely on 28nm and larger chips. These chips, which constitute nearly 60% of global semiconductor demand, play a vital role in automotive, telecom, consumer electronics, and industrial manufacturing.

Currently, India has announced 10 semiconductor units under ISM   two fabrication plants and eight ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) units. Among these, CG Semi’s unit in Gujarat’s Sanand is set to deliver the country’s first made-in-India chip. Additionally, two more ATMP units in Gujarat are expected to begin pilot production soon.

Talent Pipeline: India’s Key Strength

A major focus of ISM is the creation of a robust talent pool. The mission is currently supporting 278 institutions across the country, equipping students with access to advanced design tools. As a result, 28 new chip designs have already been completed by Indian talent.

“Our objective under ISM is to develop a very deep talent pipeline, and this is reflected in so many international companies coming to India because the talent is here,” said Vaishnaw. This growing expertise has been a key driver in attracting global companies like ARM to set up advanced design operations in India.

Looking Ahead: ISM 2.0

The government is also preparing for the next phase, ISM 2.0, which will expand focus beyond chip design and fabrication. The plan is to cover the entire semiconductor value chain, including manufacturing equipment, materials, and building deeper technical expertise across the sector.

“We are looking at the complete semiconductor stack   design, manufacturing chips, manufacturing the equipment that goes into chips, and the complete talent pipeline,” Vaishnaw noted.

Conclusion

ARM’s decision to design world-class 2nm chips in Bengaluru represents a watershed moment for India’s semiconductor ambitions. It not only strengthens the nation’s role in the global supply chain but also underlines India’s ability to combine world-class talent with cutting-edge innovation. As ISM and ISM 2.0 progress, India is steadily moving closer to becoming a semiconductor powerhouse.