Inside DHRUV64: How India Is Building Its Own Chip Ecosystem

India’s push to build a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem has reached an important milestone with the launch of DHRUV64, the country’s first indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the chip reflects India’s move from dependence on imports to building capability across design, development and deployment.

What is DHRUV64?

DHRUV64 is a fully homegrown microprocessor designed to meet both strategic and commercial needs. Built on modern processor architecture, it supports better multitasking, efficiency and system stability. It can also be integrated with external hardware, making it suitable for use in defence systems, industrial automation, medical devices and space applications.

Microprocessors are the “brain” of electronic devices. They control how systems process data and respond to commands. By developing DHRUV64 domestically, India now owns a processor platform that can be used without relying on foreign suppliers for critical technology.

Why Building an Ecosystem Matters

India consumes a large share of the world’s microprocessors but imports most of them. This dependence creates long-term risks, especially for sensitive digital infrastructure. DHRUV64 addresses this gap by strengthening India’s secure and trusted chip supply chain.

More importantly, it is not a standalone effort. DHRUV64 builds on earlier indigenous processors such as SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM and THEJAS64. Together, these projects aim to create a connected processor ecosystem, covering research, design, testing and real-world deployment.

Enabling Startups, Research and Skills

DHRUV64 has been designed as a development-friendly platform. Startups, academic institutions and industry players can use it to prototype and test indigenous computing products at a lower cost. Unlike proprietary architectures, it avoids restrictive licensing, making innovation more accessible.

India already has a strong base of chip design engineers. Platforms like DHRUV64 help convert this talent into product development, research and long-term capability building. The chip also supports work on upcoming processors such as Dhanush and Dhanush+, which are part of India’s next growth phase.

The Role of RISC-V and Government Support

DHRUV64 is part of the Digital India RISC-V programme, which promotes open-architecture chip design. RISC-V carries no licence fees, encouraging collaboration and shared innovation across institutions and companies.

This ecosystem is backed by national programmes such as the India Semiconductor Mission, Chips to Startup initiative, Design Linked Incentive scheme and INUP-i2i. Together, they support everything from chip design and fabrication to skill development.

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Conclusion

DHRUV64 represents more than a single chip launch. It shows how India is steadily building its own semiconductor ecosystem, moving from policy vision to practical capability and laying the foundation for long-term technological self-reliance.

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