Powering Next-Generation Technology

 Fueling innovation through indigenous 7 nm processor

India has steadily advanced its indigenous semiconductor capabilities over the past decade, developing home-grown processor architectures, nurturing design talent, and strengthening research infrastructure. These efforts have built a strong foundation for the country’s emergence as a key player in the global chip design ecosystem.

Building on this progress, India is now taking a major step forward with the development of a

7 nanometre processor, marking its entry into advanced node semiconductor design. Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 18 October 2025, the initiative signifies a defining moment in India’s semiconductor journey and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to self-reliant, next-generation technology innovation.

The Implementation framework                                                                   

• The 7 nm processor is being developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras), a key institution in India’s processor design ecosystem through its SHAKTI  initiative. Started in 2013, SHAKTI is based on open-source instruction set architecture, allowing anyone to adopt and use it freely without restrictions.

• India is presently adopting RISC-V architecture, an open-source architecture, and a family of microprocessors is being developed based on different types of devices. As part of the SHAKTI project, a medium-range open-source processor has been developed so that any start-up can take up and carry the work forward.

• The project functions under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which leads national efforts in semiconductor R&D, chip design, and innovation infrastructure.

• The initiative aligns with the India Semiconductor Mission, a dedicated programme to establish end-to-end semiconductor and display manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the national electronics value chain.

• The framework fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and startups to enhance R&D infrastructure and expand talent capacity.

India’s leap to 7nm: Why it matters                                                                  

• Designed for high performance and energy efficiency, the 7 nm processor targets server applications across financial services, communications, defence, and strategic sectors.

• Represents a major leap in semiconductor design, with higher transistor density and enhanced computing efficiency.

• Strengthens India’s readiness for future fabrication (fab) integration, aligning with national efforts to establish domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities under the India Semiconductor Mission.

• Forms the backbone for emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, and supercomputing — key focus areas under the Digital India initiative.

• Reinforces India’s strategic goal of technological self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, reducing dependence on imported chips for critical applications.

India in Global Semiconductor Landscape                                                  

• Under the ₹76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), 10 semiconductor projects with investments exceeding ₹1.6 lakh crore have been approved across six states.

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• More than 288 academic institutions are supported under MeitY’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme.

• The indigenous 7 nm processor design initiative marks India’s entry into advanced node R&D, placing it among the emerging nations advancing research and design at cutting-edge technology nodes such as those pioneered by the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea.

• Together, these initiatives strengthen India’s position as a trusted partner in global semiconductor value chains and advance its vision of building an end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem.

The future roadmap                                                                                      

• Continued progress toward sub-7 nm nodes through the Semicon India Programme.

• Establishing advanced chip design, testing, and packaging facilities within India.

• Semiconductor initiatives under MeitY and ISM are expected to attract very large investments and create thousands of high-skill jobs.

• 24 chip design projects have been sanctioned and 87 companies now use advanced design tools.

• The initiative aims to build chips in India for the world.

The indigenous 7 nm processor initiative represents more than a technological feat — it is a statement of intent. By bridging innovation, academia, and industry, India is laying the foundation for a self-reliant, globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem. Through sustained R&D and strategic investment, the nation is set to emerge as a vital hub in the global semiconductor value chain.

References:

https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150300

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2155456

https://cdn.digitalindiacorporation.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PIB2163622.pdf

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2150464

https://x.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1979531474950095199

Click here to see PDF

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