Vikram 32: India’s First Homegrown Microchip

India has taken a significant step towards becoming a global technology leader with the launch of the Vikram 32-bit microprocessor, also known as VIKRAM3201. This is the country’s first fully homegrown microchip, designed and built entirely in India. It was unveiled at the Semicon India 2025 event in New Delhi, where Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Let’s break down what this chip is, why it matters, and how it will help India.

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What is the Vikram 32 Microchip?

The Vikram 32 is a compact yet powerful computer chip developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with its Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh. Unlike the chips in your phone or laptop, this one is built specially for space missions. It can withstand the harsh conditions of rocket launches and outer space, including extreme temperatures ranging from -55°C to +125°C.

This chip is an upgrade from an earlier version called VIKRAM1601, which was a 16-bit chip used in ISRO’s rockets since 2009. The new Vikram 32 is a 32-bit chip, which means it can process more data at once, making it faster and more efficient. It’s designed to manage complex tasks, such as controlling satellites and space vehicles, and it supports a special programming language called Ada, which is widely used in aerospace due to its reliability.

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Why is Vikram 32 Special?

Made in India: The chip was designed and built at ISRO’s facility in Mohali, Punjab, using 180nm CMOS technology. This makes it a true “Make in India” product, reducing the need to buy chips from other countries like China or Taiwan.
Tested in Space: The Vikram 32 has already proven itself! It was tested in space during ISRO’s PSLV-C60 mission in 2024, where it worked perfectly as part of the rocket’s control system.
Built for Tough Conditions: This chip can survive the harsh environment of space, including extreme cold, heat, and vibrations during rocket launches. This makes it perfect for ISRO’s rockets and satellites.
Useful Beyond Space: While it’s made for space missions, the Vikram 32’s strong design also makes it useful for other fields like defense, cars, and energy. This could help India build more technology locally.

Why Does This Matter for India?

The Vikram 32 chip is a significant development for India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in technology. Currently, most countries, including India, rely on imported chips for various applications, such as smartphones, computers, and even defense equipment. By producing its own chip, India is taking a step toward developing its own technology and competing in the global market, which is worth over $600 billion and is expected to grow to $1 trillion soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to chips as “digital diamonds” because they power almost everything in our modern world—from watches to medical devices. The Vikram 32 is part of India’s Semiconductor Mission, launched in 2021, which aims to make India a hub for chip design and manufacturing. With 10 major projects worth over $18 billion and five new chip-making units already under construction, India is making rapid progress toward achieving this goal.

What’s Next?

The Vikram 32 is just the beginning. ISRO is also working on another chip called KALPANA3201, and two new chip-making plants are expected to start producing chips soon. India already has about 20% of the world’s chip designers, and companies like Tata Electronics, HCL, and Foxconn are joining the effort to make more chips locally. This could create 300,000 jobs by 2026 and help India become a major player in the global chip industry by 2030.

Conclusion

The Vikram 32-bit microprocessor is a proud moment for India. It shows the world that India can design and build advanced technology for space and beyond. By reducing dependence on foreign chips and boosting local manufacturing, the Vikram 32 is helping India shine as a “lighthouse of stability and growth” in the global tech world. As Prime Minister Modi said, “The day is not far when the smallest chip made in India will drive the biggest change in the world!”

jai hind