India Targets Indigenous GPU Development Within Two Years
MeitY plans to reduce foreign chip dependence through domestic semiconductor manufacturing and RISC-V processors.
1Ambitious Domestic GPU Roadmap
India aims to develop its own graphics processing unit within the next 24 months. S. Krishnan, secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, outlined this goal under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. This initiative seeks to build a comprehensive domestic hardware ecosystem to support the nation's growing AI infrastructure requirements.
2Strategic Semiconductor Ecosystem Layers
The government identifies five essential layers for AI development, including energy, accelerator chips, and computing infrastructure. Indian companies like VVDN and Kaynes are already manufacturing servers, while the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing produces the Rudra server range. These systems are specifically designed to handle intensive AI workloads for local manufacturers.
3Economic Potential of AI
Officials compare the current AI transition to the Y2K software boom, which significantly boosted India's IT services sector. While NITI Aayog estimates two million jobs may become redundant, four million new roles could emerge. The government believes Indian firms can assist global businesses in integrating AI operations, mirroring past software service successes.
4Global Partnerships and Fabrication
India is actively attracting international expertise to bolster its semiconductor fabrication capabilities. Tata Electronics is partnering with ASML to equip a new facility in Gujarat, targeting a capacity of 50,000 wafers per month. Additionally, Intel has established a strategic partnership with Tata Group focused on semiconductor manufacturing and packaging for domestic markets.
5RISC-V Processor Commercialization
Beyond GPUs, India is pushing to commercialize its homegrown SHAKTI and VEGA processors. These chips utilize the open-source RISC-V architecture, allowing developers to bypass proprietary CPU designs. While currently focused on microcontrollers and embedded devices, these platforms represent a critical step toward reducing reliance on foreign-designed central processing units for local applications.
6Practical Application Progress
The SHAKTI and VEGA platforms are moving beyond development boards into real-world use cases. Recent projects include an autonomous water-cleaning robot, a digital telescope, and forest monitoring systems. These initiatives demonstrate the practical utility of indigenous hardware, supported by the government's Design-linked Incentive program which has assisted 24 companies in securing investment.
7Incentive Programs Driving Innovation
The Design-linked Incentive scheme provides critical support for startups developing microcontrollers, drone flight controllers, and smart meter chips. By fostering these smaller-scale projects, the government aims to create a robust foundation for more complex hardware. This strategy encourages private investment and helps local firms capture a larger share of the domestic market.
8Market Growth and Future Outlook
India's semiconductor market is currently valued at approximately $50 billion and is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. By prioritizing indigenous GPU and CPU production, the government intends to capture this growth domestically. This long-term strategy aims to transform India from an import-dependent nation into a self-reliant global semiconductor hub.
Original article: Tom's Hardware — India Targets Indigenous GPU Development Within Two Years