India’s Leap into Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing
India has made a remarkable advancement in semiconductor chip production. Traditionally dependent on imports from places like Taiwan and Brazil, the country is now crafting its own chips. The Indian Institute of Technology in Dhanbad, led by Professor Rajiv Kumar Ranjan, has created the indigenous integrated circuit named ‘APEC 1’.
In a chat with ETV Bharat, Professor Ranjan expressed pride in this achievement. Unlike previous designs, which were fabricated in Belgium, ‘APEC 1’ is entirely made in India. This is a significant milestone for India’s vision of self-reliance, reducing its reliance on other countries for technology.
Smart Glasses for the Visually Impaired
The ‘APEC 1’ chip is intended for smart glasses aimed at helping the visually impaired. Professor Ranjan mentioned that it can be adapted for various needs, such as data storage and high-frequency performance. With slight modifications, it can even fit into defense systems and other applications.
The prototype is still being refined, with research focusing on enhancing brain neurostructure and adding new functionalities.
The Journey of Chip Design
The journey of this chip began in 2023, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology backing the project with Rs 1.12 crore. According to Professor Ranjan, his team faced numerous challenges during the design phase. After several attempts, they finalized their circuit design and sent it to the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali for fabrication. The joy of receiving the finished chip was indescribable, marking the hard work of the entire team.
The chip, named ‘Memristor Emulator,’ is designed for low power use and can last up to two days on a single charge.
A Step Towards Self-Reliance
The debut of this chip was showcased at Semicon India 2025, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. Professor Ranjan highlighted that this innovation is not just about technology; it’s a key step toward India’s self-reliance amid the complexities of global trade.
With this development, India not only aims to cut down on imports but also hopes to gain a stronger foothold in the global semiconductor market.
The Future of Semiconductor Education
Professor Ranjan emphasized the need for young professionals to pursue careers in VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) design. He noted that the Indian government, under the Make in India initiative, actively promotes semiconductor manufacturing. As research continues, new breakthroughs are likely to emerge, opening up countless opportunities for the youth.
In 2023, the global semiconductor market size was valued at over $600 billion, and projections suggest it could reach $1 trillion by 2030. As countries compete to boost their tech industries, innovations like ‘APEC 1’ place India in a promising position for the future.
For more insights on India’s semiconductor journey, check out this report from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
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