In a significant stride towards technological self-sufficiency, an Indian startup incubated at IIT Madras, Mindgrove Technologies, has introduced India’s inaugural homegrown microcontroller chip, Secure IoT.
This pioneering achievement marks a milestone in the country’s semiconductor industry, offering a cost-effective and high-performance solution for a wide array of electronic devices.
The Genesis of Secure IoT
Secure IoT, a system-on-chip (SoC) based on the RISC-V architecture, is the brainchild of Mindgrove Technologies, founded by Shashwath TR and Sharan Srinivas J.
This innovative chip is designed to cater to the middle market, bridging the gap between high-end and low-end players in the embedded systems sector.
Clocking at 700 MHz, Secure IoT boasts versatility, adaptability, and top-notch security features, addressing the demand for budget-friendly yet high-performing chips.
Implications for the Industry
The introduction of Secure IoT is poised to revolutionize the Indian semiconductor landscape by empowering domestic Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate an Indian SoC into their products.
This move not only reduces costs for OEMs but also enhances self-sufficiency in the semiconductor sector.
The chip’s affordability, coupled with its high computing power, opens up a plethora of possibilities for smart devices, ranging from wearables to smart city infrastructure and electric vehicle management systems.
Global Prospects and Future Endeavors
Mindgrove Technologies’ foray into chip design is not only a significant achievement for India but also holds promise on a global scale.
With a vision to replace millions of chips in India and cater to global demand, the company anticipates a surge in interest from international buyers.
The successful development and launch of Secure IoT underscore the potential for Indian startups to make a mark in the deep tech product landscape.
The unveiling of India’s first indigenous microcontroller chip by Mindgrove Technologies signifies a paradigm shift in the semiconductor industry, emphasizing innovation, cost-effectiveness, and performance.
This groundbreaking achievement not only propels India towards technological self-reliance but also paves the way for future advancements in chip design and manufacturing.
By harnessing local talent and expertise, Mindgrove Technologies has set a precedent for indigenous innovation, inspiring a new wave of deep tech product development in the country.
The launch of Secure IoT heralds a new era of technological prowess and self-sufficiency, positioning India as a key player in the global semiconductor market.
Potential Applications of the New Microcontroller Chip
Smart Devices
The chip can be used in various smart devices such as smartwatches, smart city devices like connected electricity, water, and gas meters, fans, speakers, and even in the battery management and control systems of electric vehicles
IoT Devices
Secure IoT’s versatility, security, and efficiency make it suitable for various IoT applications, including smart home devices like smart locks, smart home automation systems, and industrial automation systems
Automotive Systems
The chip’s high computing power and security features make it suitable for use in automotive systems, such as EV battery management systems and control systems
Vision and Signal Processing
The choice of a 28-nanometre technology node allows for the design of chips for machine learning and characterisation-focused signal processing and vision, delivering the required performance without excessive complexity or gate counts, resulting in power efficiency
Embedded Systems
The chip’s adaptability and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for use in embedded systems, bridging the gap between high-end and low-end players in the embedded systems space
New Microcontroller Chip Impact the Semiconductor Industry
Cost Efficiency
Secure IoT is expected to cost 30% less than other chips in similar segments, making it a cost-effective solution for Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) firms.
This cost efficiency can drive adoption and innovation within the industry
Technological Advancement
The chip’s high-performance capabilities, clocked at 700 MHz, and its design based on the RISC-V architecture position it as a competitive and innovative product in the semiconductor market.
Its ability to control a wide range of devices, from smartwatches to smart city infrastructure, showcases its versatility and technological prowess
Market Expansion
By offering a homegrown chip with superior computing power and security features, Secure IoT opens up opportunities for Indian brands to accelerate innovation and scale production within the country.
This move can potentially reduce dependency on imported chips and simplify the supply chain for OEMs and ODMs, aligning them with an Indian partner
Global Recognition
The introduction of Secure IoT not only addresses the demand in the Indian market but also attracts global buyers who are likely to be excited about a new semiconductor option from India.
This chip has the potential to replace millions of chips in India and cater to worldwide demand, showcasing India’s capabilities in the semiconductor industry on a global scale
COUNZ MEDIA STAFF
Senior Features Writer
Anil Panchal is a senior features writer at Counz.com. He is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University