IIT Dhanbad Develops Indigenous ‘APEC 1’ Chip To Power Smart Glasses For Visually Impaired
On September 5, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology-Indian School of Mines (IIT ISM) Dhanbad announced a significant achievement in semiconductor chip manufacturing with the development of the indigenous integrated circuit named ‘APEC 1’. This chip is designed to power smart glasses specifically tailored for visually impaired individuals.
Significance of the APEC 1 Chip
The development of the ‘APEC 1’ chip marks a pivotal moment for India in the realm of semiconductor technology. Previously, India relied heavily on imports from countries like Taiwan and Brazil for semiconductor chips. However, the successful fabrication of the ‘APEC 1’ chip in Mohali signifies a move towards self-reliance in this critical sector.
Leadership and Development Process
The project was led by Professor Rajiv Kumar Ranjan from the Department of Electronics and Engineering at IIT Dhanbad. In an exclusive interview, Professor Ranjan expressed pride in the fully indigenous nature of the chip, stating, “This achievement is a source of pride for our institute.” He noted that while previous chips designed by IIT ISM were fabricated abroad, the ‘APEC 1’ chip represents a breakthrough in domestic production.
Chip Design and Fabrication
The design process for the ‘APEC 1’ chip began in 2023, supported by an initial funding of Rs 1.12 crore from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Professor Ranjan and his team faced numerous challenges during the design phase, including several failed attempts before finalizing the circuit design. Once completed, the design was sent to the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali for fabrication.
Upon receiving the fabricated chip, Professor Ranjan described the moment as “indescribable,” emphasizing the hard work and dedication that went into the project. The chip, also referred to as a ‘Memristor Emulator’, is designed for low power consumption, allowing it to operate for up to two days on a single charge.
Applications of the APEC 1 Chip
The ‘APEC 1’ chip has been specifically developed for use in smart glasses aimed at assisting visually impaired individuals. Professor Ranjan explained that the chip is versatile and can be utilized in various applications requiring data storage and low-power, high-frequency performance. Potential applications include:
- Central Processing Units (CPUs)
- Static Noise Margin (SNM) architecture
- Defence systems
Moreover, with minor architectural modifications, the chip can be adapted to meet different requirements, showcasing its flexibility and potential for broader use.
Impact on India’s Semiconductor Industry
The introduction of the ‘APEC 1’ chip has garnered significant attention, especially during the Semicon India 2025 event held in Delhi on August 2, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav were present. Professor Ranjan highlighted that this indigenous chip not only represents a technological advancement for India but also a crucial step towards self-reliance in the semiconductor industry amid global challenges such as tariff wars.
By reducing reliance on imports, India aims to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor market. Professor Ranjan encouraged young people to consider careers in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design, emphasizing the vast opportunities available in this field as India continues to promote semiconductor manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
Future Prospects and Research
Efforts are ongoing to refine the prototype of the ‘APEC 1’ chip. Research is being conducted to enhance its capabilities, including improvements to its brain neurostructure and the incorporation of additional functionalities. Professor Ranjan stressed the importance of continuous research and innovation in this domain, stating that new discoveries will emerge as the field progresses.
Conclusion
The development of the ‘APEC 1’ chip by IIT Dhanbad is a landmark achievement that not only showcases India’s growing capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing but also highlights the potential for innovation in assistive technologies for the visually impaired. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of self-reliance and technological advancement in India, paving the way for future developments in the semiconductor industry.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on developments as of September 2025 and reflects the ongoing efforts in India’s semiconductor sector.
