Netrasemi, an emerging semiconductor company from Kerala, has officially introduced its first high-performance 12-nanometre AI chip, named the A2000. The company aims to commence commercial production of this innovative chip by the end of this year. This homegrown technology is specifically designed to cater to Edge AI applications, particularly in surveillance and robotics. The chip has reportedly completed the critical initial silicon “bring-up” testing phase, confirming its readiness for the market.

The initial phase involves producing sample chips, which are subsequently subjected to rigorous testing to ensure their functionality. Only after successfully passing through the silicon bring-up process does the chip enter commercial production. This step is crucial for verifying performance metrics and operational capabilities.

Funding and Support for Netrasemi

Netrasemi has garnered a total of Rs 125 crore in funding to date, with notable investors including Zoho and Unicorn India Ventures. This financial backing supports the company’s efforts to enhance its research and development capabilities, facilitating the creation of advanced chipsets like the A2000. The financial confidence from established investors highlights the potential of the firm in India’s growing semiconductor sector.

The company has also reported that it is collaborating with several leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for early sample evaluations and advanced research initiatives. These partnerships aim to refine the chip’s applications and enhance its performance in real-world scenarios.

Moreover, Netrasemi’s A2000 chipset is designed on TSMC’s 12nm process node and incorporates proprietary hardware acceleration components, which are tailored to optimise performance for Edge AI use cases. This positions the A2000 as a competitive player in the semiconductor market.

Comparison with Tata Electronics’ Semiconductor Facility

Netrasemi claims that the A2000’s 12nm technology node is smaller than the chip size that was initially planned for production at Tata Electronics’ semiconductor facility located in Dholera, Gujarat. The Tata facility has recently received backing from the Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML and is expected to produce chipsets with nodes up to 28nm initially. This sets a distinct benchmark within the Indian semiconductor landscape.

The establishment of the Tata facility is part of a broader initiative to bolster India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. By having multiple players in the market, India aims to create a more resilient and self-sufficient semiconductor ecosystem. As the country expands its semiconductor sector, innovations like Netrasemi’s A2000 chip will play a vital role.

Furthermore, Netrasemi was selected among the first four startups to receive Rs 15 crore under the Digital India initiative, aimed at enhancing the semiconductor ecosystem. This recognition underscores the government’s commitment to supporting local startups in achieving critical technological advancements.

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