Vaishnaw Highlights Computing and Technological Innovation as Key Drivers for India’s Development by 2047
New Delhi, January 11: India’s journey to becoming a developed country by 2047 hinges significantly on computing and technological development, according to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology.
During an event at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) campus in Pashan, Pune, Vaishnaw launched several pioneering products developed by C-DAC. These included the VEGA-based System-on-Chip (SoC) ASIC and two DIR V VEGA processor-based development boards. The newly launched products were the ARIES ECO and ARIES NOVA development boards, along with THEJAS64, India’s first fully indigenous 64-bit SoC.
The ARIES ECO development board is designed with students in mind, offering a hands-on platform for experimenting with various applications such as sensor fusion, smart meters, and wearable devices. The ARIES NOVA, on the other hand, serves as an accessible platform for education, research, and development, particularly in the fast-evolving field of embedded systems. THEJAS64 is a cutting-edge, secure, and robust 64-bit indigenous SoC that is tailored for embedded applications.
These developments come as part of India’s Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) program, in which C-DAC has successfully engineered the VEGA series of microprocessors. This includes the country’s first indigenous 64-bit multi-core RISC-V-based Superscalar Out-of-Order Processor. The VEGA series encompasses 32/64-bit Single/Dual/Quad Core superscalar Out-of-Order high-performance processor cores that are based on the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). This open-source ISA promotes flexibility, fosters innovation, and supports hands-on learning and development in embedded systems.
During his visit, Vaishnaw also explored an exhibition organized by C-DAC and held a review meeting with C-DAC scientists and officers. Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of computing and technological advancements as fundamental elements for India’s development by 2047. He also emphasized C-DAC’s pivotal role in this transformation.
The Minister noted that substantial research is already taking place in the field of semiconductors and computing at esteemed academic institutions like IIT Madras, IISc Bengaluru, and IIT Gandhinagar. He added that the government aims to consolidate and harmonize these efforts to ensure a more unified and strategic approach in the future.
Vaishnaw pointed out that approximately 240 institutions across India now have access to advanced tools used for designing semiconductor chips. C-DAC acts as the fulcrum of this entire initiative, overseeing, enabling, and procuring licenses for these essential research tools. This collaboration has led to a significant shift for students, who previously only learned about semiconductors from textbooks. Now, they have access to advanced tools that allow them to test their ideas and develop new product concepts.
Furthermore, Vaishnaw mentioned that students working with semiconductor design tools are becoming well-equipped for the semiconductor industry. They are not only ready for employment in the field but are also gaining the skills and confidence to launch their own startups or even design their own computer chips.
The Minister also announced that C-DAC would introduce a competition for students trained in semiconductor design tools, connecting them with industry leaders. Additionally, C-DAC will begin offering certification courses to further develop the skill set of these budding professionals.
Through these initiatives, Vaishnaw emphasized the critical role of C-DAC and technological innovation in propelling India toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
