Source: TOI
Context:
At SEMICON India 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s first homegrown semiconductor chip, named ‘Vikram’, marking a landmark step in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
- Launched in December 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore, now nearly fully committed.
- Approvals granted for:
- 1 chip fabrication unit
- 1 compound semiconductor fabrication unit
- 8 OSAT/ATMP units (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing / Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging).
- Participation in SEMICON India 2025 expected to double compared to the previous edition.
About Vikram Chip
The Vikram Chip is India’s first indigenously manufactured semiconductor chip, developed under the government’s Semicon India initiative to strengthen the domestic electronics manufacturing ecosystem. It was unveiled in 2025, marking a historic milestone for India’s entry into the global semiconductor value chain.
Key Features of Vikram Chip
- Developed at Micron’s Sanand facility in Gujarat, India’s first commercial semiconductor fabrication unit.
- Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program.
- Built using 28nm technology node in the initial phase, with a roadmap toward advanced nodes.
- Designed for use in consumer electronics, telecom, automotive, and defense applications.
- Aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global semiconductor hub by 2030.
