Demand for chips in IoT, automotive, and 5G likely to rise: Mindgrove

Started in 2021, Mindgrove Technologies has been designing innovative SoCs and hardware in India, for the world. Shashwath TR, Co-founder and CEO of Mindgrove Technologies, tells us more. Excerpts from an interview:

DQ: How is the potency of chip design in accentuating the performance of connected devices?

Shashwath TR: Chip designing forms the nascent stage of any semiconductor chip. It involves the conceptualisation and foundation-setting processes determining the design specification corresponding to the target devices' requirements and the end-user's purpose.

We have entered a phase where IoT has become a daily-use technology and no longer just one of the emerging technologies. The demand for connected devices is on an ever-rising trajectory thanks to the consumer's interest in smart appliances and devices like fans, digital locks, speakers, etc. 

Chip designing involves setting the right ingredients in the right proportion for every specific dish that a customer orders -- which acts as a unique recipe for a unique chip that serves a unique purpose.  

From performance to efficiency, the designers at the fabless establishment determine every factor of the chip's process. We understand that as the demand for connected devices grows, their performance is largely driven by the efficiency, security, and functionality of the chips that power them.

By embracing innovation and utilizing advanced technologies, chip designing forms the backbone of the next generation of smart devices, creating more efficient, secure, and reliable solutions for consumers and industries. A thoughtfully designed chip facilitates smooth connectivity and elevates the user experience by boosting speed, lowering power consumption, and extending the device's lifespan. 

At Mindgrove, we focus on creating custom semiconductor chips that are precisely designed to meet the unique requirements of IoT-enabled and vision processing devices, ensuring optimal performance for every application.

DQ: Do you think there is a formula for the perfect chip design?

Shashwath TR: Like any design, chip design is an art, and not a science. There is no single definition of what is a “perfect” design, leave alone a formula. It all depends on the end use and the final requirements. 

For example, designing something for the automotive industry (high reliability and safety requirements) is different from designing for the consumer electronics segment (cost conscious, value conscious) or the mobile phone industry (high performance requirements, small form factors). 

The specific domain requirements are crucial to understand. On top of this, comfort features for designers (like easy programmability, testability, etc) must be built and balanced out. The science aspect of it comes from the actual design elements, the chip layout, electrical characteristics, etc. 

A chip designer might have a particular idea in mind, but understanding the specific requirements of the device and its users becomes paramount when a customer comes up with a unique request. 

At Mindgrove Technologies, over and above our design, we have consciously saved room for customization, which gives customers an added convenience, especially those targeting a very specific use case. Any device or equipment manufacturer that needs its efficiency game stronger can get a chip that focuses more on efficiency, rather than maxing out on performance, and vice versa.

The ultimate goal is to ensure the chip works smoothly, provides great performance, keeps data secure, and, most importantly, is a perfect fit for the buyer’s needs. In short, the ideal chip design meets all the device requirements and delivers a great user experience.

DQ: What are the opportunities that can open up if India focuses on designing chip for connected devices?

Shashwath TR: India could unlock numerous opportunities if it focuses on designing chips for connected devices. Digital India has opened up and implemented expansive usage of cloud storage and connected devices for ease of storage and access with high security and privacy. 

The devices and appliances once used for a singular purpose have become integral to a connected devices ecosystem - eventually becoming 'smart.' This smartness is attributed to the way the devices, with minimal human intervention, communicate with each other and transfer data.

India, being a growing economy, has shown potential in the areas of emerging technologies by building innovations around them. Any smart device will need a completely different or advanced chip to wield technologies such as IoT and machine learning. 

This creates a need for a potent chip that can do the job, which depends on advanced chip designing capabilities. In short, India needs to push beyond just making the equipment/devices and start innovating newer and more advanced chips that serve every unique purpose in the connected devices ecosystem. 

Moreover, designing our chips for our devices will also help reduce the country's reliance on imports, making the supply chain more robust and self-sufficient.

This focus also has the potential to generate jobs in chip designing, attract investments, and encourage collaboration between businesses, universities, and the government, leading to innovative solutions for connected devices. 

With the growing demand for IoT devices, India could position itself as a leader in creating custom chips that address the unique needs of its market.

DQ: What is the current scenario of India's chip design potential. What can be improved?

Shashwath TR: India has great potential to become a global chip design leader based on the availability of resources, talent, academia, expert guidance, and supportive government leaders. We also have several indigenous chip design players in our country, each of whom, in their own expertise, is contributing immensely to the semiconductor vision.

Our government's firm support is displayed through various initiatives and incentives towards the semiconductor players. One notable example would be the DLI (Design Linked Incentive) scheme -- a monetary incentive targeted towards chip designers of Indian origin. 

The fabless chip designer companies that showed potential were evaluated and approved for a grant roughly summed up to Rs. 15 crores. This motivates startups like us and ensures that gaps in processes, establishment, or functions are filled.

It all comes down to drawing talent, attracting investments, and creating partnerships -- to stand out in the global play field. By spreading awareness of the attributes of the semiconductor industry -- the sheer complexity involved and the ever-rising need for semiconductors we will create excitement among young aspirants to take a road to achieve a national vision. 

Symposiums, national and international conferences, and events must be arranged and conducted frequently to fuel the exchange of ideas and techniques for the holistic development of the industry. 

Furthermore, measures promoting semiconductor advancement and aiding startups in this field can drive innovation. By taking swift action and implementing the right initiatives, India can satisfy the increasing need for chips and establish itself as an important contender in the global arena.

DQ: What are the expected trends for semiconductors in India and globally for 2025?

Shashwath TR: By 2025, major changes are expected in India's semiconductor industry. The focus will be on increasing local chip production, reducing reliance on imports, and strengthening India's position in the global semiconductor market. Government support will be key to making this happen.

Demand for chips in IoT, automotive, and 5G sectors is expected to rise. The demand is poised to grow further with the increase in smart devices and connected technology. We expect a rise in funding and the need for sophisticated chips that can enhance device AI and machine learning functionalities. 

Energy efficiency and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques are other key subjects that cannot be evaded in the present era. Design has been moving in the direction of higher performance, but there is a correction coming towards more power-efficient chips. 

This is expected to continue in the coming year. In addition, 2025 appears to be bright for India's semiconductor sector, offering numerous chances for advancement.