In a significant stride towards technological self-reliance, a start-up incubated at IIT-Madras’ Pravartak Technologies Foundation, has unveiled its maiden venture – the Secure IOT microcontroller chip. This groundbreaking achievement marks the first instance of a microprocessor chip being designed, owned, and marketed entirely within India’s borders, promising to revolutionise the landscape of smart electronic devices.
Secure IOT, based on the RISC-V architecture, boasts high-performance capabilities clocked at 700 MHz. Representing a paradigm shift in the realm of chip design, it not only promises enhanced performance but also comes with an estimated price tag that is 30% lower than comparable chips in the market.
With initial shipments received from Taiwan and basic testing successfully completed, the start-up is gearing up to introduce Secure IOT to a diverse array of potential clients, including electronics manufacturers, original design manufacturers (ODMs), and mid-market customers both domestically and internationally.
The introduction of Secure IOT is poised to address longstanding challenges in the Indian electronics industry, particularly in terms of supply chain complexities and overreliance on imported components, especially from China and Western countries.
By offering a homegrown alternative, the start-up aims to streamline the supply chain for its clients while simultaneously empowering them to integrate Indian technology into their products.
Co-founder Sharan Jagathrakshakan said, “Once contracts are signed, clients will be able to use an Indian chip in their products instead of importing them from China or the Western world.”
The applications of Secure IOT span a wide spectrum, ranging from smart variants of household appliances like fans and speakers to wearables and commercial devices such as smart city infrastructure and access control systems. This versatility positions Secure IOT as a game-changer in the burgeoning market of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and deep-embedded applications.
Co-founder TR Shashwath believes, “Consumers seek high-performance gadgets with connectivity, and EMS companies are also looking to design their own products.”
Despite facing challenges such as the recent Taiwan earthquake and geopolitical constraints, the start-up team remains undeterred in its pursuit of technological excellence. With guidance from the esteemed IIT-M ecosystem and a relentless focus on simplicity in design, they have managed to expedite the chip’s development, receiving it almost a year ahead of schedule.
Mentored by IIT-M Director V Kamakoti, whose contributions to India’s microprocessor chip landscape are renowned, the start-up stands as a testament to the potential of indigenous innovation in deep technology.
Backed by venture capital firm Peak XV Partners and poised to unveil additional products in the near future, the start-up epitomises the spirit of innovation and resilience inherent in India’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem.
Co-founder Sharan Jagathrakshakan expressed optimism, stating that if their venture proves successful, he hopes to inspire more individuals to venture into deep tech product development. This highlights the potential transformative influence of indigenous technological progress on India’s path towards self-sufficiency and enhanced global competitiveness.
At IIT Madras, the pursuit of cutting-edge technology is more than just a goal – it’s an ethos. With its world-class research facilities and dynamic academic environment, IIT Madras stands at the forefront of innovation, harnessing cutting-edge technologies to develop groundbreaking solutions across various sectors.
IIT Madras introduced India’s first ‘medical devices calibration facility on wheels‘ under the ‘Anaivarukkum IITM’ initiative, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility and quality nationwide by providing accurate calibration for medical equipment.
The institute is also spearheading a pioneering initiative known as the ‘Mobility and Intelligent Transportation’ (MInT) collaborative, aimed at revolutionising the global mobility landscape.
From pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning to spearheading transformative developments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, IIT Madras continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation.
