30% Cheaper: Mindgrove Launches India's First Commercial SoC

Introduction:

In a significant stride for India’s semiconductor industry, Mindgrove Technologies, a fabless semiconductor startup backed by Peak XV Partners, has unveiled Secure IoT, the country’s maiden commercial high-performance System on Chip (SoC).

This groundbreaking development marks a pivotal moment in India’s technological advancement, poised to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape.

Called ‘Secure IoT,’ the RISC-V (open-source architecture)-based chip will help domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) use a homegrown chip in their devices. The IIT Madras-incubated startup said that the chip is likely to cost 30 per cent less than other chips in the same segment.

This chip is significant for a couple of reasons:

Cost-effective and competitive: Secure IoT is priced at around 30% less than similar SoCs in the market, making it an attractive option for Indian manufacturers.

Designed for diverse applications: Secure IoT is a RISC-V based chip suitable for a wide range of applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain, including smart wearables, smart city devices, smart home appliances, and even electric vehicle battery management systems.

Key Features of Secure IoT:India’s First Commercial High-Performance SoC

Secure IoT is meticulously engineered to cater to the burgeoning demand for sophisticated yet cost-effective semiconductor solutions in the IoT domain. Boasting a 700 MHz microcontroller, Secure IoT stands as a testament to indigenous innovation, offering unparalleled performance and efficiency. Notably, it is the sole Indian chip commercially available in this segment, signifying a significant milestone for the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

Here are the key features of Mindgrove’s Secure IoT:

High Performance: This SoC is clocked at 700 MHz, making it a powerful option for various IoT applications.

Security Focus: As the name suggests, security is a major focus. It includes hardware-accelerated encryption for secure data handling and secure boot features to prevent unauthorized access .

Programmable and Flexible: Secure IoT is compatible with bare-metal code or any microcontroller RTOS (Real-Time Operating System), offering developers flexibility in customizing the chip for their specific needs.

Extensive I/O Capabilities: This chip provides a large number of input/output options, allowing it to connect with various sensors and devices within an IoT system.

On-chip Memory: Secure IoT includes on-chip programmable memory, offering additional storage space for programs and data.

Application Versatility: This SoC caters to a wide range of applications due to its combination of features. It can be used in smart wearables, smart home devices, smart city infrastructure, industrial automation systems, and even electric vehicle battery management systems.

Versatility and Applicability: India’s First Commercial High-Performance SoC

At the heart of Secure IoT is a commitment to programmability, flexibility, and security. These attributes are crucial for controlling a diverse array of smart devices.

Secure IoT transcends boundaries, enabling seamless integration into various applications. It applies to wearables like smartwatches and smart city infrastructure like connected meters.

Moreover, it extends to connected home devices, EV battery management systems, and control systems. This showcases its versatility and adaptability across different domains.

Affordability and Market Impact: India’s First Commercial High-Performance SoC

Secure IoT stands out for its affordability, expected to be 30% lower in cost compared to competitors. This cost-efficiency empowers local companies to use Indian SoCs in their products. It lowers barriers to entry, fostering innovation. Indian brands can boost their global competitiveness with Secure IoT. They contribute to the nation’s self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing.

Comprehensive Support and Collaboration:

Mindgrove Technologies’ strategic approach extends beyond chip development.

In addition to offering India’s First Commercial High-Performance Soc, Secure IoT, the company provides comprehensive design support to Indian brands, facilitating accelerated innovation and scalable production within the country.

This holistic approach underscores Mindgrove’s commitment to nurturing a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India, characterized by innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Focus:

Shashwath TR, CEO, and Co-founder of Mindgrove Technologies, emphasized the significance of Secure IoT in bridging the gap between high-end and low-end players in the embedded systems space.

By prioritizing performance without compromising on cost-effectiveness, Secure IoT embodies a paradigm shift, catering to the dynamic needs of the middle market.

This strategic focus positions Mindgrove Technologies as a catalyst for transformative change within the semiconductor industry, both domestically and globally.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact:

Looking ahead, Secure IoT holds immense potential across diverse sectors, including traffic control systems, autonomous vehicles, and medical equipment. Its compatibility with bare metal code or any microcontroller real-time operating system (RTOS) unlocks a myriad of possibilities. This paves the way for innovation and disruption across industries.

Conclusion:

Mindgrove Technologies’ journey epitomizes the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, bolstered by the support of prominent investors such as Peak XV Partners, Speciale Invest, and Whiteboard Capital. With Secure IoT, the company embarks on a mission to redefine the boundaries of possibility, empowering businesses and driving technological progress in India and beyond.