MeitY launches indigenous silicon photonics PDK & PPIC Test Engine at IIT Madras

What: MeitY launched Silicon Photonics Process Design Kit (50+ verified components) and a Universal PPIC Test Engine at CoE‑CPPICS (IIT Madras) to support domestic photonic integrated circuit development; partners: SilTerra (Malaysia), izmo Microsystems (Bengaluru).

Significance: Reduces dependence on foreign photonics IP, accelerates indigenisation in photonic chips for telecom, defence and sensors.

UPSC relevance: Semiconductor and photonics policy, strategic tech development.

Practice Q: How can indigenous PDKs and test infrastructure accelerate India’s photonics and semiconductor ambitions?