IIT Madras to host 3rd DIR-V Symposium for India's RISC-V chip push
- The 3rd DIR-V Symposium will be held at IIT Madras.
- The event focuses on advancing India's RISC-V based semiconductor ecosystem.
- It aims to reduce import dependence and boost indigenous chip design.
Chennai to host key semiconductor event
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will host the 3rd Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Symposium. The event is part of the government's push to build a self-reliant semiconductor industry.
RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture. It allows countries and companies to design processors without paying licensing fees to foreign firms. India has bet heavily on this technology to reduce dependence on imports.
What is the DIR-V initiative?
The Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme was launched to accelerate the development of indigenous microprocessors. The symposium brings together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Previous editions saw discussions on chip design, fabrication, and applications in areas like IoT and automotive electronics. The third edition is expected to showcase new prototypes and roadmaps.
IIT Madras role in India's chip story
IIT Madras has been at the forefront of India's processor design efforts. Its Shakti processor, based on RISC-V, is among the first fully indigenous CPUs developed in the country.
The institute's work has drawn attention from global tech firms. Several startups have also emerged from its labs, focusing on RISC-V based solutions for both domestic and export markets.
Government push for semiconductor self-reliance
The central government has committed over ₹76,000 crore to boost semiconductor manufacturing. The DIR-V symposium aligns with this goal by nurturing talent and fostering collaboration.
Officials have stressed that open-source architectures like RISC-V give India a strategic advantage. They allow for customisation in defence, telecom, and critical infrastructure without vendor lock-in.
What to expect at the symposium
The event will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, and demonstrations of working chips. Student teams will also present their projects under the DIR-V challenge.
Details on dates and registration are expected shortly. IIT Madras has not yet announced the full speaker list or specific agenda items.
The symposium is expected to set the tone for India's next steps in chip design and manufacturing. It will likely influence policy decisions and industry investments in the coming months.