India’s Vision for Semiconductor Self-Reliance: Semicon India and DIR-V

SEMICON INDIA PROGRAM

Launched in December 2021 with a budget of INR 76,000 crore, the Semicon India Program aims to develop a comprehensive semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India. The program offers financial incentives to companies investing in semiconductor fabrication (fabs), display fabs, and design ecosystems. It seeks to position India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design, thereby strengthening its role in the global electronics value chain.

DIGITAL INDIA RISC-V (DIR-V) PROGRAM

The DIR-V Program focuses on creating indigenous microprocessors based on the open-source RISC-V architecture. Initiated to promote self-reliance in semiconductor technology, the program has led to the development of microprocessors such as SHAKTI and VEGA. These processors are designed for applications across sectors including automotive, mobility, and computing, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and bolster India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

SHAKTI AND VEGA MICROPROCESSORS

• SHAKTI: Developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, SHAKTI is a series of open-source microprocessors based on the RISC-V architecture. These processors cater to various applications, emphasizing security and performance.
• VEGA: Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), VEGA processors also utilize the RISC-V architecture. They are intended for applications in IoT, data analytics, networking, and autonomous machines.

These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the global semiconductor industry by fostering innovation, attracting investments, and developing a skilled workforce.