India’s First Indigenous Microcontroller Set for Launch in Six Months
In a landmark move for India’s semiconductor industry, Chennai-based Mindgrove Technologies is set to launch the country’s first indigenously designed commercial microcontroller within the next six-to-seven months. The Secure IoT chip, as it is named, is currently in the production phase, with a planned launch by September-October 2025. This development marks a significant step toward India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in semiconductor technology.
A Breakthrough in Semiconductor Innovation
Mindgrove Technologies, a fabless semiconductor design startup founded in 2021, has successfully completed the prototyping and testing phase of its Secure IoT chip. According to Shashwath T R, Co-founder and CEO, the design modifications following prototype testing have been finalized, and the company is preparing for full-scale production.
A microcontroller is a compact, low-cost computer-on-a-chip used to control various devices and tasks. The Secure IoT chip is expected to play a vital role in a range of applications, including:
- Wearable technology: Smartwatches and wireless headphones
- Connected home devices: Smart locks, smart speakers, and intelligent fans
- Smart city applications: Smart electricity, water, and gas meters
- Access control systems: Biometric authentication devices
- Industrial and commercial use: Thermal printers, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, and EV battery management systems
Scaling Production and Future Roadmap
Mindgrove Technologies is in the process of finalizing contracts with businesses that require its microcontroller, which will determine the production scale. In parallel, the company is developing its second chip—Vision SoC (System-on-Chip), designed for high-performance edge computing and video processing. The Vision SoC chip will support devices that require video identification and processing, such as:
- CCTV surveillance cameras
- Dashcams and video recorders
- Automotive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Smart TVs and video processing equipment
The Vision SoC chip is expected to begin prototyping in the coming months, with full production slated for mid-2026. The project has received approval under the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Challenges and Opportunities in Indian Semiconductor Manufacturing
Despite significant progress, India still lacks full-scale semiconductor fabrication facilities (fabs). Currently, companies like Mindgrove must rely on overseas foundries in Taiwan, China, the US, and South Korea for chip production. The prototyping phase—which involves producing 100-1000 chips for testing—requires booking limited slots in foundries, a process that can cost up to $100,000 per slot. Once production begins, costs are expected to reduce due to higher manufacturing volumes.
However, India is making strides in semiconductor packaging and testing, with new domestic facilities coming online. Proximity to packaging centers significantly impacts the cost structure, reducing logistics expenses and improving efficiency. As India builds its semiconductor ecosystem, startups like Mindgrove Technologies are paving the way for a self-sufficient chip manufacturing industry.
Investment and the Road Ahead
Mindgrove Technologies secured $8 million in Series A funding in December 2024, which has been crucial in developing and prototyping the Secure IoT chip. While full-fledged semiconductor fabs in India remain a work in progress, companies like Mindgrove are bridging the gap by innovating in chip design and leveraging global manufacturing capabilities.
With the launch of the Secure IoT chip in 2025 and Vision SoC in 2026, India is taking a definitive step toward technological self-reliance in the semiconductor sector. The upcoming months will be critical in shaping India’s semiconductor industry and strengthening its position in the global market.
Stay tuned as we track the launch and developments surrounding India’s first indigenous microcontroller!
