Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday presented India’s first domestically designed Vikram 32-bit processor chip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ‘Semicon India’ 2025 conference.

The processor has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Semiconductor Laboratory and marks the country’s first completely made-in-India 32-bit microprocessor.

At the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said oil was “black gold” but semiconductor chips were a “digital diamond”.

The inaugural set of Vikram 3201 devices was successfully tested in space during the PSLV-C60 mission, paving the way for its use in future space applications.

During the conference, Vaishnaw handed over the processor to Modi along with test chips from four other sanctioned projects.

He explained that the Vikram chip has been built to endure the extreme conditions of space launch vehicles, calling it a major step in reducing India’s reliance on imported semiconductors.

Fabrication and packaging of the processor were completed at the Semiconductor Hub in Mohali, Punjab.

The Vikram-32 chip can handle a wide range of tasks. It can process decimal numbers such as 3.14, uses a 32-bit architecture that manages data in 32-bit chunks, and is designed to survive high temperatures and other challenging environments in space.

According to ISRO, the chip can process large volumes of memory and execute complex instructions essential for satellite launches and space vehicles.

Its versatility also makes it suitable for defence, aerospace, automobile, and energy industries, positioning it as a key player in strategic sectors.

The new processor is the successor to the Vikram 1601, a 16-bit chip that has powered ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009.

The chip is designed to perform navigation, control, and mission functions in launch vehicles, carrying out rapid calculations that keep rockets balanced and on course.

With Vikram 3201, India has achieved self-reliance in this domain, cutting down imports and reducing risks tied to global supply chain disruptions. The development also reflects the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Aiming to position India as a global hub for semiconductor innovation and manufacturing, Modi inaugurated the fourth and largest edition of Semicon India in New Delhi on September 2.

This year’s conference has drawn more than 350 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions, alongside a record turnout of international stakeholders.

The event is jointly organised by the India Semiconductor Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association.

Across its three-day programme, the conference will feature discussions on the future of Semicon India, fabrication and packaging initiatives, infrastructure, smart manufacturing, R&D, artificial intelligence, and allied fields.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the event has drawn over 20,750 participants, including more than 2,500 delegates from 48 countries, over 150 speakers, 50 global industry leaders, and upwards of 350 exhibitors.