Dhruv64 is India’s first homegrown 64-bit dual-core 1.0 GHz microprocessor, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the chip’s launch is part of broader government initiatives, such as the Digital India RISC-V program, which promotes the design, testing, and prototyping of indigenous chips. Dhruv64 is the result of these efforts, prioritising domestic technology to meet India’s national and strategic needs.
The microprocessor is designed for both commercial and strategic applications, helping reduce dependence on imported processors for critical infrastructure sectors, particularly in defence and high-performance computing. PIB data notes that India consumes 20% of all microprocessors manufactured globally, making a homegrown alternative crucial for startups, academia, and industry.
While India has launched smaller-scale chip projects in the past, Dhruv64’s 64-bit architecture and 1.0 GHz dual-core design represent a major technological leap. The processor’s enhanced performance allows it to support a wide range of applications, including:
Embedded systems
High-performance computing tasks
Critical defence infrastructure
Industrial automation
The new architecture ensures modern, secure, and efficient hardware tailored to India’s unique requirements, paving the way for advanced domestic semiconductor solutions.
The launch of Dhruv64 is expected to:
Reduce dependency on foreign processors
Encourage local startups and academia to adopt indigenous solutions
Expand India’s capabilities in high-performance computing and defence technology
Inspire further investment in chip design and innovation
Following Dhruv64, next-generation indigenous processors, including Dhanush and Dhanush+, are already under development. These upcoming chips are expected to further bolster India’s self-reliance in strategic technology sectors.
Dhruv64 was launched just a few months after ISRO unveiled the Vikram 32-bit chip, showing a rapid progression in India’s indigenous semiconductor efforts. These initiatives reflect a strategic push by the government to enhance domestic capabilities in critical industries and national defence.
Conclusion
With Dhruv64, India has achieved a milestone in semiconductor self-reliance, setting the stage for future advancements in high-performance, secure, and homegrown technology solutions. The momentum from this launch is expected to drive further innovation and investment, ensuring that India can increasingly meet its critical industrial and defence technology needs indigenously.