Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has inaugurated the nationwide roadshow on Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Program, setting a new milestone in India’s semiconductor manufacturing journey. Organised by C-DAC, IEEE India Council, and the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), the event, held on 17-18 November 2023 in San Francisco, is a testament to India’s growing focus on semiconductor technology and innovation.
The DIR-V program, announced by Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in 2022, has already achieved significant milestones, including the successful development of the 32-bit and 64-bit SHAKTI Processors by IIT Madras and the 32-bit VEGA Processors by C-DAC. These developments underline India’s commitment to nurturing a robust semiconductor ecosystem, crucial for its manufacturing sector. The ARIES Development Boards, based on the VEGA Processor Chip, are a prime example of ‘Made in India’ innovations, targeting applications in learning, embedded system design, and IoT.
Minister Chandrasekhar emphasized that the DIR-V program aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of adopting open-source technologies. By focusing on the growth of the DIR-V ecosystem, India aims to become a frontrunner in the development of semiconductor chips and systems. This initiative is set to open new avenues for startups, students, and entrepreneurs, playing a crucial role in India’s ambition to become a Semiconductor Nation.
The integration of DIR V-based chips and systems into various digital products marks a significant shift in India’s technological landscape. The government’s support for RISC-V in flagship projects, combined with the growth in startup research and innovation around RISC-V, positions India as a hub for semiconductor development. Companies like Incore Semiconductors, Mindgrove Technologies, and Morphing Machines are at the forefront of this revolution, developing RISC-V based designs and systems.
The roadshow is not just a display of technological prowess but also a learning platform, offering 1500 participants insights into the DIR-V VEGA series of processors. The event is concurrently held at 15 academic institutions across India, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving innovation. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities, ensuring a bright and technologically advanced future for the country’s industry.
