India has marked a milestone in its chip-making journey at the Semicon India 2025 with the launch of its first fully ‘made in India’ 32-bit microprocessor, named Vikram. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the processor, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s Prescence on Tuesday, highlighting the country’s push toward self-reliance in semiconductors.
What is Vikram 32-bit processor?
Vikram-32 is India’s first fully homegrown 32-bit microprocessor, built by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL). This chip which has been designed to work in extreme conditions, including in space! It can actually handle 32 bits of data at once and manage large amounts of memory. The chip can also carry out complex tasks needed for satellite launches and space missions.
Vikram was tested successfully during the PSLV-C60 mission where it proved that it is reliable for future space use. Its design also makes it useful for defense, aerospace, automotive, and energy industries.
Vikram – A major step ahead in India’s semiconductor mission
Vikram was first introduced in March and marks a major step forward for India’s semiconductor efforts since the India Semiconductor Mission began in 2021.
In just three and a half years, India has moved from being a big consumer of chips to building advanced processors of its own. The fabrication and packaging of Vikram took place at SCL’s facility in Mohali, Punjab, using 180nm CMOS technology.
Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw underlined how far India has come in just three and a half years since the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission. He said the world now sees India as a trusted player in the field. Work is moving quickly on five semiconductor units, with one pilot line already completed and two more units set to begin production in the coming months.
He pointed out that despite global uncertainty and policy shifts, India has emerged as a stable and fast-growing economy. Vaishnaw urged global investors to look at India’s transparent management and supportive policies as reasons to invest in the sector.
The minister also noted that India’s electronics production has grown six times and exports have risen eight times over the last decade. With the “Make in India” initiative driving new factories across industries, the need for semiconductors is rising steadily, making this the right moment for fresh investments.