TDB backs BigEndian Semiconductors’ AI Vision chip with ₹130 crore
Why in the news
On 5 October 2026 the Technology Development Board (TDB) announced support of ₹130 crore to BigEndian Semiconductors for developing an indigenous AI Vision chip under Project VeerAI.
Key facts
- Funding: ₹130 crore from the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, given as Optional Convertible Debt.
- Project cost: ₹260 crore in total.
- Company: BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Product: an AI Vision System-on-Chip (SoC) for camera-based uses, first for CCTV and surveillance.
- Maturity: to move from Technology Readiness Level 5 to 9.
- Later uses: defence, automotive, industrial and medical sectors; initial markets in India and the Global South.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project | VeerAI |
| Support | ₹130 crore |
| Total cost | ₹260 crore |
| TRL path | 5 to 9 |
About TDB
The Technology Development Board functions under the Department of Science and Technology. Its Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, said that building domestic capacity in application-specific AI chips strengthens India’s technology base. The project aims to cut dependence on foreign chip supply chains and use India’s VLSI design talent.
Exam angle
- Note the fund: RDI Fund, with support routed through TDB.
- Project VeerAI: AI Vision SoC by BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru.
- Focus on application-specific rather than general-purpose chips for faster commercialisation.