India has entered a new era of technological self-reliance with the launch of ‘Vikram-32’, the country’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, developed by ISRO’s Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL). The historic unveiling at Semicon India 2025 saw Union Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hand over the first chip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a turning point in India’s semiconductor mission.
A Chip Built for Space and Beyond
Tested successfully on the PSLV-C60 mission, Vikram-32 is designed to function in harsh space conditions—withstanding extreme temperatures, pressure, and radiation. Its potential, however, extends far beyond satellites and rockets.
The microprocessor’s applications include:
◆ Space Missions: Navigation and control of launch vehicles
◆ Defense: Encryption, real-time operations, and secure communications
◆ Aerospace: Avionics and high-precision guidance systems
◆ Automotive: Smart and secure vehicle technologies
◆ Energy: Industrial control and mission-critical power systems
Strategic Force Multiplier
With robust encryption and mission-critical computing, Vikram-32 is set to power everything from satellites to submarines. Experts call it a “force multiplier” for India’s defense and space sectors, enabling secure, indigenous solutions in areas traditionally dependent on imports.
Key Technical Highlights of Vikram-32
●Architecture: 32-bit high-performance processor
●Memory: Large memory handling capacity
●Design: Optimized for power and performance balance
●Durability: Works in extreme environmental conditions
●Precision: Supports complex mathematical and logical operations
India’s Semiconductor Dream Accelerates
At the event, Minister Vaishnaw revealed that 5 semiconductor fabs are under construction, with ₹1.6 lakh crore investments already committed. Over 280 academic institutions and 72 startups have been equipped under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Prime Minister Modi hailed the achievement, stating:
“Oil was once the black gold of the world; today, chips are the digital diamonds. With Vikram-32, India is no longer just a consumer but a global contributor in the semiconductor value chain.”
India on the Global Chip Map
In just 3.5 years, India has gone from being a net importer of chips to building space-grade processors. Vikram-32 is not just a technological triumph—it’s a declaration that India is ready to be a semiconductor powerhouse, driving innovation for space, defense, automotive, and future digital technologies.
