India Showcases Vikram-32: First Fully Indigenous Space-Grade Microprocessor
- MGMMTeam
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
On 2 September 2025, a historic moment unfolded at Semicon India 2025 when Union Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the country’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, Vikram-32 (VIKRAM3201), to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Developed by the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) of ISRO in Mohali, the chip is more than a technological achievement; it is a symbol of India’s growing ambition to become a global leader in semiconductor innovation.
Advancing From Vikram-1601 to Vikram-32
The Vikram-32 processor marks a generational leap from its predecessor, the Vikram-1601, a 16-bit microprocessor that has been operational since 2009. Unlike earlier designs, Vikram-32 comes equipped with a custom Instruction Set Architecture, floating-point computational capabilities, and compatibility with aerospace programming languages such as Ada. ISRO engineers have also developed a complete suite of supporting tools, including compilers, assemblers, linkers, and an integrated development environment, ensuring the chip can be seamlessly integrated into critical missions. A C compiler is currently under development, which will further expand the chip’s potential applications.
Built for the Challenges of Space
True to its design intent, Vikram-32 has already proven its resilience in space. It was flight-validated aboard the PSLV-C60 mission, where it operated within the mission management computer of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4). The chip has been engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, high radiation, and the vibrations of rocket launches, making it suitable for the most demanding aerospace and satellite systems. This robustness, however, also makes it a viable candidate for use in terrestrial sectors such as defence, automotive electronics, and energy infrastructure.
Strategic Value and Global Implications
In his address, Prime Minister Modi described semiconductors as the “digital diamonds” of the 21st century, underlining their strategic and economic importance. By unveiling Vikram-32, India has positioned itself among a select group of nations capable of designing and producing advanced microprocessors for high-reliability applications. For a country that has long depended on foreign technology, this achievement strengthens both national security and economic independence.
Strengthening the Semiconductor Ecosystem
The success of Vikram-32 is closely tied to the government’s India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), launched in 2021. In less than four years, the mission has catalyzed over ₹1.60 lakh crore of investments across six states, leading to the construction of new fabrication plants and packaging facilities. Five fabs are already under development, and a pilot facility in Gujarat is preparing to roll out India’s first commercially manufactured chips. Beyond infrastructure, the government has funded more than 23 startups and 280 academic institutions through the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, ensuring a pipeline of future innovators and designers.
Global Recognition at Semicon India 2025
The unveiling of Vikram-32 was the highlight of Semicon India 2025, the country’s largest semiconductor exhibition to date. The event attracted more than 350 exhibitors from 33 countries and over 20,000 participants, including 2,500 international delegates and 50 global industry leaders. This gathering underscored India’s rising reputation as a trusted player in the global semiconductor ecosystem, bridging the gap between domestic innovation and international collaboration.
The Road Ahead
The Semiconductor Laboratory, now functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, has been at the core of this breakthrough. Its legacy includes contributions to Mangalyaan, communication satellites, and the SHAKTI RISC-V processors developed in collaboration with IIT Madras. With projects like the upcoming Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre, India is laying the groundwork for sustained chip design and research excellence.
The MGMM outlook
The unveiling of Vikram-32 stands as a declaration of India’s self-reliance and global ambition in semiconductors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat has been central to this achievement, with his leadership recognizing semiconductors as the “digital diamonds” of the 21st century. The India Semiconductor Mission, launched under his guidance, has not only attracted unprecedented investments but also created a thriving ecosystem of fabs, startups, and academic collaborations that made this milestone possible.
This breakthrough is also a testament to the brilliance of India’s scientific community, which has designed and validated a processor capable of space-grade reliability. With Vikram-32, India signals its capability to compete with the best in the world while reducing dependency on foreign technology. It is more than just a microprocessor—it is a symbol of confidence, resilience, and India’s unstoppable journey toward becoming a trusted global hub for semiconductor innovation.
(Sources: OpIndia, NDTV, Moneycontrol)
Comments