LTSCT, CDAC, and IIT Gandhinagar collaborate for secure IC solutions

L&T Semiconductor Technologies Ltd (LTSCT), IIT Gandhinagar, and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) have formed a tripartite alliance to collaborate on the research, development, and commercialization of secure integrated circuit (IC) solutions, beginning with electronic passport (e-passport) technology. This partnership, highlighted at SEMICON India 2025, aims to accelerate the development of indigenous chip technologies and support India's chip startups.

The purpose is to jointly develop and commercialize secure chip solutions for India's digital identity systems and other applications. The initial project will concentrate on the secure design and manufacturing of electronic passports (e-passports).

LTSCT is a fabless semiconductor company that designs chips without owning a manufacturing facility. IIT Gandhinagar will contribute to R&D in advanced semiconductor technologies. C-DAC will provide expertise and support in chip development and security.

The partnership is a landmark initiative to boost India's self-reliance in chip technology, and to foster a robust ecosystem for chip startups. The core mission is to create "Make-in-India" solutions for ICs, SoCs, and ESDM. The collaboration aims to serve sectors including automotive, industrial, and energy.

Regarding specific projects, the alliance includes developing a secure chip for future digital identities like e-Passports, creating secure ICs and SoCs for national projects such as e-Driving License, eAadhaar, EVMs, and NAVIC-based navigation ICs, and working on next-generation cryptographic solutions using Post-Quantum Encryption Algorithms (QEA).

LTSCT will commercialize technologies developed by C-DAC, and the alliance is focused on skill development through training and supporting initiatives like IIT Gandhinagar's SAMARTH to build a semiconductor workforce.