In a significant leap forward for India's technological prowess, the Shakti and Vega microprocessors, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), have emerged as formidable contenders in the global arena, boasting performance on par with their international counterparts.
According to V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, these homegrown processors are operating at what he describes as "generation minus one" compared to the latest contemporary microprocessors. In essence, this means that Shakti and Vega have achieved performance levels akin to what cutting-edge processors achieved two to three years ago.
"The benchmarks depend on various factors, including the specific silicon and Process Development Kit (PDK) used," Kamakoti explained. "We're very close to, and in some cases better than, contemporary microprocessors according to benchmarks like CoreMark, which is widely used for embedded systems. I'm highly confident in our competitiveness."
The emergence of Shakti and Vega represents a significant milestone in India's technological journey, propelled further by government incentives and subsidies aimed at bolstering the sector.
Several startups across India are already harnessing the power of Shakti for various applications, from enhancing security measures to developing System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions. Notable examples include Mindgrove Technologies and InCore Semiconductors. Kamakoti highlighted the adaptability of the architecture to specific needs, with efforts underway to integrate the processors into existing Internet of Things (IoT) and other solutions.
"We believe our message of innovation and resilience is now clearly understood, as evidenced by the increasing interest and engagement from the community," Kamakoti emphasized.
The evolution of the Shakti project underscores the collaborative efforts to establish a robust indigenous microprocessor ecosystem in India. From its inception to the successful development and testing of processors, including the participation in the Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge, the journey has been marked by determination and vision.
The Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge, in particular, attracted widespread participation, fostering innovation across various fields and showcasing the versatility of indigenous processors. This initiative reflects a strategic approach to foster a vibrant ecosystem conducive to innovation and growth, with startups poised to play a pivotal role in driving technological advancement.
As India continues to assert its presence on the global tech stage, initiatives like the Shakti project exemplify the nation's commitment to harnessing indigenous talent and resources to chart a course toward technological self-reliance and innovation leadership. With Shakti and Vega at the forefront, India is poised to carve out a distinct identity in the realm of microprocessor development, signaling a promising new era in indigenous tech advancement.
