NEW DELHI: In a significant technological initiative aimed at promoting indigenous semiconductor design in India, the ‘Vihaan-I’ broadband networking chip has been unveiled. The chip is being seen as an important step towards strengthening the country’s capabilities in domestically developed broadband and networking technology.

‘Vihaan-I’ is based on the RISC-V architecture. It has been designed to handle several important functions associated with broadband and internet networks through a single chip. This could help reduce dependence on separate chips in networking equipment and contribute to a more integrated technological infrastructure.

The development of the chip is considered significant for India’s semiconductor ecosystem. Along with expanding electronics and chip manufacturing capabilities, the country is also focusing on indigenous design and technological research. In this context, a locally developed networking chip could be useful in addressing India’s digital and telecommunications requirements.

‘Vihaan-I’ is expected to be used in broadband network equipment and digital infrastructure in the future. This could provide domestic companies with opportunities to develop new products in the networking hardware sector.

Amid India’s growing role in the technology sector, the development of the chip is also being viewed as a step towards advancing chip design, RISC-V-based technology and semiconductor research in the country.

The commercial launch of ‘Vihaan-I’ is expected to take place in early 2027. Its actual applications and market acceptance after launch could determine how much further India’s indigenous networking chip ecosystem expands.