IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presents first ‘Made in India’ chip to PM Modi at Semicon 2025

By Admin

03 Sep, 2025

India marked a historic moment in the semiconductor industry on September 2, 2025, as Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the first ‘Made in India’ Vikram 32-bit Processor Launch Vehicle Grade chip at the prestigious Semicon India 2025 conference.

A Proud Milestone in Indigenous Chip Development

The memento gifted to PM Modi contained the advanced Vikram 32-bit microprocessor chip, designed and developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of ISRO and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh. This new processor is an upgraded version of the indigenous 16-bit VIKRAM1601 microprocessor, which has powered the avionics systems of ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009.

Notably, the memento also included 31 prototype chips developed by leading academic institutions such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Jammu, IIT Dhanbad, IIT Ropar, NIT Durgapur, and NIT Calicut, showcasing India’s collaborative progress in semiconductor innovation.

India’s Semiconductor Mission Gains Momentum

Highlighting India’s rapid strides in chip manufacturing, Mr. Vaishnaw emphasized the achievements of the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM), launched just three and a half years ago. According to him, construction of five semiconductor units is currently underway, with one pilot line already completed and two more units expected to begin production within a few months.

He remarked, “Overall, the foundation of this foundational industry is laid very well.”

India as a Global Semiconductor Hub

In his keynote address, the Minister pitched India as a strong contender to become the next big manufacturing hub in the global semiconductor supply chain. Pointing to India’s stable policies and comprehensive approach to manufacturing, he urged international stakeholders to invest in India’s growing ecosystem.

Mr. Vaishnaw said, “In these uncertain times, you should come to India because our policies are stable, and we have attempted to cover all important aspects of the manufacturing sector.”

The Road Ahead

The unveiling of the first Made in India semiconductor chip at Semicon India 2025 symbolizes more than a technological leap; it reflects India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in critical technologies. With ISRO, SCL, and premier academic institutions working in tandem, and with the government’s strong policy backing, India is poised to emerge as a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.