India’s Tech Future Housed in a Chip Smaller Than a Grain of Rice: How It Will Be a Game Changer

India is advancing into next-generation semiconductor technology. A new ARM design office in Bengaluru will work on 2-nanometer (nm) chip technology, positioning India among the few countries capable of producing such high-tech chips. This technology is considered a significant step towards making India a global semiconductor hub. 2nm chips are set to be manufactured and designed in India itself, with the British semiconductor company ARM handling the chip production. The new center was launched in Bengaluru on September 16th by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, where the 2nm chips will be developed. Prior to this, 3nm chip design centers were opened in Noida and Bengaluru in May 2025. Semiconductor chips contain millions of transistors controlling the flow of electricity. The smaller the transistor, the faster and more energy-efficient the chip. 2nm technology signifies even smaller transistors, enabling better performance in smartphones, AI devices, and supercomputing. Only Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, China, and Japan were previously close to this technology. India’s entry places it among global technology leaders. Currently, flagship smartphones like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy use 3nm chip processors, with 2nm chips expected in the next year or two. By 2030, the global semiconductor market is expected to reach $1 trillion, with India poised to contribute $100-110 billion. The move towards 2nm technology will boost ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ establishing India as a strong option in the global chip supply chain. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, 10 projects have been approved across 6 states, involving a total investment of ₹1.6 lakh crore. The mission includes ₹76,000 crore in government assistance. Electronics manufacturing in the country has increased sixfold in the last 11 years, rapidly increasing the demand for semiconductors. The government aims to achieve self-reliance not just in assembly, but also in design and manufacturing.