TDB-DST Signs Agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors for ₹130 Crore RDI Support

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru, to provide ₹130 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The money will support Project VeerAI, which aims to build a secure AI chip for CCTV and surveillance systems.

TDB-DST and BigEndian Semiconductors Sign ₹130 Crore Agreement

The support is part of India's effort to build its own semiconductor capabilities for critical and emerging uses. Here are the key details:

• Funding body: Technology Development Board (TDB), DST
• Company: BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Support amount: ₹130 crore from the RDI Fund
• Total project cost: ₹260 crore
• Mode of support: Optional Convertible Debt (OCD)

Project VeerAI to Advance Secure, Application-Specific Semiconductor Technology from TRL-5 to TRL-9

Project VeerAI will develop a camera-focused AI Vision System-on-Chip (SoC) on a sovereign technology platform. TRL, or Technology Readiness Level, measures how mature a technology is. TRL-5 means the technology has been tested in a relevant environment, while TRL-9 means it is proven and ready for real use. With this support, BigEndian will carry out development, validation, integration, testing and scale-up to move the project to TRL-9.

Key Features and Objectives of Project VeerAI

• Build a secure AI chip mainly for CCTV and surveillance systems
• Reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor and technology supply chains
• Combine AI processing with security, privacy and connectivity features
• Focus on application-specific chips instead of general-purpose chips, so industry needs are met faster
• Use India's growing VLSI design and semiconductor talent

Where Will the Technology Be Used?

The chip is first meant for CCTV and surveillance in India and the Global South. Later, it can be used in defence, automotive, industrial and medical sectors.

Why TDB-DST and BigEndian Semiconductors Agreement Matters?

As connected devices spread across critical infrastructure, secure indigenous chips help protect data, ensure privacy and support technology sovereignty. TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said semiconductors are the base of almost every emerging technology and that the RDI Fund supports projects needing large investment to reach commercial deployment.