Indigenous chip maker signs pact to power CCTV cameras with made-in-India silicon

A semiconductor design start-up incubated at IIT Madras has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Indian video security company to fit indigenously designed chips into CCTV cameras and advanced surveillance systems. The companies have described the tie-up as one of the largest commercial uses of Indian-designed silicon so far.

Under the agreement, the security firm will build the start-up's home-grown Vision System-on-Chip (Vision SoC) into its range of video surveillance and security products. The chip was developed with backing from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under its Design Linked Incentive scheme, which supports companies that design semiconductors within India. The two firms will also work together on joint design and development.

The leaders of both companies said the partnership shows that the indigenous chip is ready for large-scale, real-world use, where reliability and performance are critical. They added that the work would strengthen India's semiconductor ecosystem, make supply chains more resilient, and support the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) goal in critical technology areas.

The move is significant because CCTV cameras and surveillance equipment handle sensitive data and are used in security-related settings. Depending on imported chips for such gear raises concerns about supply security and possible vulnerabilities. By using chips designed and controlled within the country, India aims to cut its reliance on foreign chipsets in sensitive domains.

The agreement reflects India's wider push to build a domestic semiconductor industry, reducing dependence on imports for the tiny chips that run everything from phones and cars to security systems and defence equipment.