12 December 2025
India’s drive to build a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem just got a fresh boost. IndieSemiC, a homegrown semiconductor design firm, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram to jointly develop indigenous semiconductor and embedded technologies — a partnership that could reshape domestic chip innovation for years to come.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will pool their strengths to design and build advanced processors and embedded systems that address key technology needs across industrial, automotive, infrastructure, and connected-device sectors. This collaboration taps into government priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), strengthening local capabilities in core semiconductor IP, chip design, and system integration at a time when global supply chain resilience has become strategic.
A new chapter for India’s semiconductor ambitions
C-DAC operates under India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and has a long track record in advanced computing and processor development, including its in-house 64-bit VEGA architecture. IndieSemiC, meanwhile, specialises in system-level engineering, RF design and embedded system integration — the practical muscle needed to turn processor blueprints into deployable hardware. By joining forces, they aim to co-develop an AI-enabled processor built on C-DAC’s VEGA core but enhanced with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This processor is being tailored for a wide range of applications, from smart metering and smart city infrastructure to industrial IoT, defence systems and sensor-driven automation.
What makes this partnership particularly noteworthy is the emphasis on creating a fully domestic hardware and software stack. Beyond just chips, the teams plan to build a complete ecosystem around C-DAC’s THEJAS-32 microcontroller — positioning it as a viable indigenous alternative to widely used imported microcontrollers. This could help reduce India’s dependency on foreign platforms for embedded systems that power everything from robotics to automotive electronics.
Bringing together complementary expertise
Under the MoU terms, C-DAC will contribute its processor intellectual property and provide technical support across system-on-chip (SoC) integration, validation, and testing. IndieSemiC will lead the chip architecture, RF module development and overall system execution, bridging the gap between conceptual IP and real-world embedded solutions. Through this synergy, the partnership aims to accelerate the roadmap for Indian-designed semiconductor products that can compete in both domestic and global markets.
The initiative reflects a deeper trend: as India expands its footprint in semiconductor manufacturing and design, there is a growing focus on holistic development — not just fabrication, but also the ecosystems of tools, reference designs, software stacks, and validation frameworks needed to bring chips from concept to market.
Impact across industries
The joint technology effort is poised to influence multiple sectors:
- Industrial automation and robotics, where embedded processors and AI capabilities can enhance performance and reliability
- Smart infrastructure and IoT, enabling smarter systems in cities, utilities and logistics
- Defence and strategic electronics, with secure, sovereignly developed components
- Automotive and consumer electronics, where embedded chips are core building blocks for intelligent systems
This collaborative push aligns with India’s broader semiconductor strategy, which aims to foster domestic design prowess alongside manufacturing capability — a combination seen as essential for long-term technological competitiveness.
Looking ahead
The three-year MoU lays the foundation for deeper collaboration, with possibilities for extension based on progress and mutual goals. While specific product launch timelines remain under wraps, this partnership signals a significant step toward strengthening India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem — advancing innovation, reducing reliance on imports, and stimulating growth across technology sectors that increasingly rely on smart, connected silicon solutions.
