India's Semiconductor Revolution: Introducing Iris the First RISC-V Microprocessor

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India's Semiconductor Revolution: Introducing Iris, the First RISC-V Microprocessor for Space Applications

For decades, India relied on imported semiconductors for its space missions—but that is now changing. In a landmark achievement, IIT Madras and ISRO have jointly developed Iris, India’s first RISC-V–based microprocessor for space applications. This “Made in India” chip was designed, fabricated, packaged, and tested entirely within 

India Iris Processor

the country, using a proprietary process as its baseline. This breakthrough marks a significant leap toward self-reliance in semiconductor technology.

A New Era of Indigenous Chip Development

Historically, space missions have required radiation-hardened, high-reliability processors, especially amid the global chip shortage. Recognizing this critical need, India is building its own semiconductor ecosystem. IIT Madras has highlighted that Iris’s advanced fault-tolerant design and high computing reliability are essential for the rigorous demands of ISRO’s missions.

The Collaborative Journey Behind Iris

The development of Iris is a stellar example of cross-institutional collaboration:

  • Design & Testing: Carried out at IIT Madras.
  • Fabrication: Completed at SC Chandigarh, one of India’s premier semiconductor labs.
  • Packaging: Managed by Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka.
  • Motherboard Development: Executed by PCB Power in Gujarat.
  • Final Assembly: Conducted by SAA SGS in Chennai.

In the truest sense, this marks India’s first fully in-house semiconductor project for space applications.

What Makes Iris Special?

Iris stands out for several reasons:

  • Open-Source & Scalable: It leverages an open-source RISC-V architecture that is adaptable to various applications.
  • Powerful 64-Bit Controller: Designed for strategic computing and IoT applications, ensuring robust performance in extreme environments.
  • Multiple Boot Modes & Hybrid Memory: These features not only enhance reliability in space but also future-proof the chip for evolving technological needs.

With these capabilities, Iris is poised to power future space missions, satellites, and deep-space probes. ISRO is already planning flight tests, signaling a new era in indigenous space technology.

Impact on India’s AI and Semiconductor Ecosystem

The advent of Iris is more than a technological milestone—it is a paradigm shift. It demonstrates that India is transitioning from being a chip consumer to becoming a chip producer. This development is bolstered by government-backed initiatives such as Digital India and other semiconductor development programs that promote full-stack indigenous solutions. Major players like Tata, along with emerging startups, are entering the space ecosystem, setting the stage for a silicon revolution.

While ISRO focuses on building space-grade chips, India’s commercial semiconductor industry is also gearing up. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced that India's first commercial semiconductor chip, developed by Tata Electronics, is slated for launch by September or October 2025. This chip will be produced at India’s first semiconductor lab in Gujarat in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC). This initiative, part of the Semicon India project—a 76,000 crore INR drive to establish a robust semiconductor and display ecosystem—will power India’s AI revolution.

Additionally, the government is launching the India AI Mission portal soon, which will provide 14,000 GPUs for enhanced computer access. With 10,000 GPUs already secured from major industry players such as Yotta Data Service, Data Communications, AWS, and E2E Networks—and the remaining 4,000 to be procured from Geo Platforms and Control S Data Centers (70% of which are high-end Nvidia H100s)—this initiative will democratize AI, lower entry barriers for smaller players, and accelerate the entire AI ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier

Iris is not just a milestone—it’s a launchpad for India’s ambitious semiconductor revolution. As the nation transitions from established 180nm processes to cutting-edge sub-28nm (and beyond) technologies, its semiconductor ecosystem is poised for exponential growth. This evolution is set to transform not only space exploration but also AI, IoT, and next-generation computing. With robust government initiatives and increasing private-sector investments, India is rapidly shifting from a chip consumer to a global chip producer. The world is watching as India redefines technological boundaries and sets the stage for a new era of innovation in semiconductor manufacturing.

Location: India

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