In a historic leap towards self-reliance in semiconductor technology, India’s premier institution, IIT Madras, has developed the SHAKTI processor—an open-source, indigenous microprocessor that is set to disrupt the global chip industry. This innovation positions India as a serious player in the semiconductor race, reducing dependence on foreign technology and proprietary chip designs.

The SHAKTI project, initiated by IIT Madras’ RISE group, is an ambitious effort to design and manufacture India’s first homegrown processor. Unlike traditional processors that are locked behind expensive patents and foreign control, SHAKTI is completely open-source, making it flexible, customizable, and royalty-free for businesses, startups, and developers.

With global tensions over chip shortages and supply chain disruptions, SHAKTI emerges as a game-changer for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat movement.

Unlike foreign chipmakers that charge heavy licensing fees, SHAKTI is open-source, meaning startups, enterprises, and academic researchers can modify and use it for free. This democratises access to high-quality chip technology, allowing Indian companies to innovate faster without foreign restrictions.

With India investing billions into semiconductor manufacturing and chip design, SHAKTI has the potential to challenge global giants like Intel, AMD, and ARM. While it is still in its early stages, the SHAKTI processor’s success could mark India’s entry into the elite club of semiconductor powerhouses.

With its open-source nature, security benefits, and industry-wide applications, SHAKTI is set to revolutionise India’s semiconductor industry. As the world shifts towards custom, power-efficient processors, SHAKTI could be the answer to India’s long-standing reliance on foreign chipmakers.