India has reached a significant milestone in its semiconductor development with the successful validation of the Vikram-3201 microprocessor in space during the PSLV-C60 mission. This domestically produced 32-bit processor was officially presented to Prime Minister Modi by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the Semicon India 2025 conference, representing a crucial advancement towards self-sufficiency in sophisticated chip technology. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) located in Mohali, Punjab, the Vikram-32 chip is the nation’s first entirely indigenous 32-bit microprocessor. Designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space missions, it is capable of executing complex calculations, managing decimal numbers, and efficiently processing data in 32-bit segments. The chip’s architecture also enables it to endure high radiation levels and temperature fluctuations, ensuring its reliability for satellite launches and various space applications.
The creation of Vikram-32 illustrates India’s swift advancement in semiconductor technology since the initiation of the India Semiconductor Mission in 2021. In a little over three years, the country has transitioned from being a significant consumer to a producer of high-end chips, propelled by robust research and development, favorable government policies, and an expanding innovation ecosystem. Beyond its applications in space exploration, Vikram-32 has potential uses in the defence, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors, indicating wider implications for India’s strategic industries. At Semicon India 2025, Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw also revealed plans for the establishment of five new semiconductor fabrication facilities and the approval of ten major projects with investments surpassing Rs 1.60 lakh crore across six states. Furthermore, over 23 chip design startups have been supported under the Design Linked Incentive Scheme. The presentation of the Vikram-32 to PM Modi symbolized not only a technological achievement but also India’s rise as a significant contributor in the global semiconductor value chain, as the three-day conference concentrated on fostering a resilient and sustainable chip ecosystem.
