BigEndian Semiconductors, based in Bangalore, signed an agreement with the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Ministry of Science and Technology of India to enhance India's efforts to build indigenous semiconductor capabilities in critical and emerging areas. This agreement is for financial support amounting to ₹130 crores under the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) fund.
Details of the VeerAI Project
The VeerAI project, with a total cost of ₹260 crores, aims to elevate technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-5 to TRL-9. This financial support will be provided through optional convertible debt (OCD). The project's goal is to develop a system on a chip (SoC) centered around camera and artificial intelligence on an independent technology platform that will address the increasing demand for smart and application-specific semiconductor solutions.
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Goals and Applications of the Project
This project focuses on developing a secure artificial intelligence chip for surveillance applications, particularly CCTV systems, and aims to reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor supply chains and technologies. The proposed platform is designed to integrate artificial intelligence processing and smart features with security, privacy, and connectivity capabilities. This technology is primarily being developed for surveillance applications in India and the Global South, with a roadmap for deployment across various sectors. Beyond surveillance, this platform is intended for applications in defense, automotive, industrial, and medical fields, creating a broader market for indigenous smart semiconductor solutions.
The project also seeks to leverage the growing VLSI design and semiconductor talent in India, transforming internal design capabilities into a scalable product platform. By focusing on application-specific SoCs rather than general-purpose chips, this initiative aims to meet specific industry needs while enabling faster deployment and commercialization. The development of indigenous artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies is increasingly important in the era of connected devices and smart systems that are being integrated into critical infrastructures.
Through RDI support, BigEndian Semiconductors will undertake further activities in technology development, validation, integration, testing, and scalability necessary to advance the VeerAI project from TRL-5 to TRL-9.
S. Rajesh Kumar Patak, Secretary of TDB, stated: “Semiconductors are the foundation of almost every emerging technology, and building indigenous capabilities in application-specific artificial intelligence chips is a crucial part of strengthening India's technology ecosystem. The RDI fund provides continuous support for technologies that require significant investment to move from advanced development to commercial deployment.”
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