SmartSoC Solutions and Cortus have joined forces in a strategic partnership to accelerate secure chip design and manufacturing in India, underscoring the nation’s aspirations for self-reliance in critical semiconductor technology.
The collaboration, announced amidst expanding government support for indigenous silicon production, is positioned to advance the development of chips for secure applications including SIM cards, smart cards, banking cards, and e-passports—integral to India’s digital and financial infrastructure.
Advanced Chip Solutions for Indian Markets
SmartSoC Solutions, an Indian semiconductor design and engineering specialist with over 1,400 engineers globally, has established itself in VLSI, embedded software, IoT, and AI-based solutions.
French partner Cortus S.A.S. brings a track record of secure microcontroller IP and expertise in secure identification systems.
Together, their collaboration aims to not only provide advanced chip solutions for Indian markets but also support global demand for secure processors.
Target applications for the partnership include:
-
-
SIM cards
-
Smart cards
-
Banking and payment cards
-
E-passports and identity solutions
-
-
The alliance will prioritize technologies that reinforce data security and privacy, which are increasingly central to the evolving regulatory context in India.
-
SmartSoC and Cortus will leverage their respective strengths—Cortus’ proven silicon IP portfolio and SmartSoC’s design engineering capacity—to deliver bespoke solutions to both Indian and international clients.
India’s Semiconductor Push
This move is set against India’s broader push for semiconductor self-reliance, encouraged by substantial government incentives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Policymakers are focusing on boosting secure digital identity and financial transaction platforms to sustain national digital growth.
Estimates indicate India’s wearable technology market, a sector closely tied to chip innovations, is likely to grow from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $1.5 billion by 2026, reaffirming the critical role of homegrown silicon capabilities.
-
The industry at large has advocated for an increase in financial outlays for domestic semiconductor projects, with some suggesting a doubling of government support in future budgets.
-
These developments follow a global trend of nations securing their technology supply chains in light of recent geopolitical and supply chain disruptions.
Leadership Comments
Bharath Desareddy, CEO of SmartSoC Solutions, emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“SmartSoC Solutions is excited to collaborate with Cortus in bringing advanced secure chip technologies to India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to enable secure and self-reliant silicon manufacturing in India. With Cortus’ proven IP and expertise in secure identification and our deep design and engineering capabilities, we are confident of delivering chipsets tailored for the Indian and global markets.”
SmartSoC–Cortus Alliance
The SmartSoC–Cortus alliance is poised to catalyze local chipmaking, strengthen India’s strategic position in secure, high-value silicon, and directly support national ambitions for digital sovereignty.
