Image Credit: Ministry of Railways
India to Launch First Indigenous Semiconductor Chip in 2025
India is set to unveil its first fully indigenous semiconductor chip by late 2025, marking a historic milestone in the country’s quest for technological self-reliance. The chip, based on 28–90 nanometre (nm) technology, will cater to a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, automobiles, railway electronics, and industrial systems.
India Semiconductor Chip
The 28–90 nm segment is highly strategic, representing nearly 60% of global semiconductor demand. Unlike the cutting-edge sub-10 nm chips used in smartphones and advanced computing, this category powers essential electronics and infrastructure systems, where reliability and affordability matter more than extreme miniaturization.
By targeting this segment, India aims to resolve longstanding supply chain vulnerabilities and reduce its dependence on imported semiconductor components, which has historically hindered domestic manufacturing across multiple sectors.
Indigenous Chip Launch
The planned rollout is a culmination of years of groundwork laid under the government’s ambitious Semicon India Programme, launched with an allocation of ₹76,000 crore to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem. The chip is expected to be unveiled between September and October 2025, with test runs and pilot integrations already in motion.
To support this initiative, six advanced fabrication units are being set up across India. These include the Tata Electronics joint venture with Taiwan’s PSMC at Dholera and the upcoming Micron facility in Sanand, Gujarat, which will focus on memory and logic chip assembly for data centers, mobile devices, automotive electronics, and more.
The government is also introducing sandbox policies to promote domestic innovation, particularly in sectors like Indian Railways and power infrastructure, where demand for 28–90 nm technology is high.
28-90 nm Chip
The indigenous 28–90 nm chips will be capable of powering everything from vehicle control systems and telecom base stations to smart meters and locomotives. In terms of design, these chips offer an optimal balance between performance and cost-efficiency, making them ideal for developing countries seeking scale without compromising on functionality.
This rollout represents more than just a technological breakthrough—it is a strategic move toward supply chain independence at a time when semiconductor shortages and geopolitical tensions have exposed vulnerabilities across the globe.
By entering the global semiconductor ecosystem with homegrown capability, India is not only future-proofing its industries but also positioning itself as a credible alternative for semiconductor manufacturing, especially in light of shifting alliances and diversification efforts among global tech powers.
