India Boasts Its Own Indigenous Microprocessor, Thanks to This Startup

In a significant milestone, India has attained its own indigenous chip manufacturing capabilities, achieved not by a multinational corporation, but by a startup. Mindgrove Technologies, a fabless semiconductor startup, has unveiled 'Secure IoT', touted as the country's maiden commercially available high-performance system on chip (SoC). This development marks a pivotal moment in India's quest for self-reliance in semiconductor technology and aligns with the government's Make-in-India initiative aimed at fortifying the electronics sector.

Mindgrove Technologies, backed by Peak XV Partners and incubated by IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and IIT Madras Incubation Cell, announced the launch of Secure IoT. This RISC-V-based microcontroller chip is an outcome of the collaborative efforts of Indian academia and industry, symbolizing the synergy between research and entrepreneurship.

We are excited to announce that we completed the MPW Tapeout for our first chip, Secure IoT. The first few units are with us and are working perfectly on the test board.

We are now open for business and are looking to speak to all Indian OEMs and ODMs who might be interested. pic.twitter.com/mSTkpd9FwB

— Mindgrove Technologies (@MindgroveTech) May 6, 2024

How Secure IoT Chip Provides an Affordable and Versatile Solution?

The Secure IoT chip offers a compelling proposition to domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by providing a cost-effective alternative for embedding microcontroller technology in their devices. Claiming a 30 percent reduction in costs compared to existing market offerings, Mindgrove aims to democratize access to high-quality semiconductor solutions in India. With applications ranging from smartwatches to smart city infrastructure and electric vehicles, Secure IoT promises versatility and affordability across various sectors.

How  Secure IoT Chip Bridges the Performance Gap?

Shashwath TR, CEO and co-founder of Mindgrove Technologies, highlighted the company's strategic focus on addressing the performance gap prevalent in the embedded systems space. By prioritizing the 'right-sizing' approach, Mindgrove aims to strike a balance between performance, cost-efficiency, and scalability, thereby catering to the evolving needs of the Indian market. Secure IoT's clock speed of 700 MHz positions it as a formidable contender in its segment, offering robust computing power and reliability.

Apart from offering the chip itself, Mindgrove extends its support to Indian brands through design assistance, fostering a conducive ecosystem for innovation and production scale-up within the country. By streamlining the chip design and manufacturing process, Mindgrove aims to catalyze the growth of indigenous semiconductor technology and propel India onto the global stage as a key player in the electronics sector.

What PM Modi Said About Opportunities for Startups with Semiconductor Projects?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while laying the foundation stones for three semiconductor projects in Gujarat had highlighted the unprecedented incentives and encouragement that have contributed to India becoming the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. Anticipating advanced technology job opportunities, he expressed confidence in the positive impact of the semiconductor projects on the nation's youth.

"Bharat has become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world."#Startup #startupecosystem #youth #pmmodi #modi | @narendramodi @AshwiniVaishnaw @Bhupendrapbjp pic.twitter.com/Q7XCB4rFeK

— TICE.NEWS (@TiceNews) March 13, 2024

The Prime Minister said that semiconductor research will benefit the youth the most.

Touching upon the expanse of semiconductors over a vast range of industries, the Prime Minister said, “Semiconductor is not just an industry but it opens a door filled with boundless potential.”

PM Modi also pointed out the huge presence of Indian talent in global chip design and manufacturing. Therefore, the Prime Minister said, the talent ecosystem of India is completed as the nation moves forward today in the semiconductor manufacturing sector.

Also Read: PM Modi Foresees Opportunities for Startups with Semiconductor Projects

As Indian OEMs embrace Secure IoT and capitalize on its benefits, Mindgrove anticipates a paradigm shift towards self-sufficiency and global recognition in the semiconductor and electronics industry. With its headquarters situated at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, Mindgrove Technologies stands at the forefront of India's semiconductor revolution, poised to chart new territories and redefine the nation's technological landscape.

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