Netrasemi, a Kerala-based semiconductor startup founded in 2020, is currently developing two system-on-chip (SoC) products: the A2000, a high-performance AI chip for video analytics, and the R1000, an AI microcontroller for smart IoT sensors, both at the tapeout stage using TSMC's 12nm technology.

The company has successfully raised ₹107 crore (approximately $12.5 million) in its Series A funding round, co-led by Zoho Corporation and Unicorn India Ventures, following prior funding rounds that showcased strong investor confidence.

Netrasemi aims to double its workforce from 83 to 166 chip engineers and is focused on completing the production of its SoC families within 12 to 18 months, with next-generation ultra-high-performance chips targeting edge servers.

The startup is supported by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under various incentive schemes, which aligns with the government's broader initiative to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

The Indian government has launched the India Semiconductor Mission, a $10 billion program aimed at enhancing domestic chip manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.

Zoho's investment reflects a commitment to building India's deep-tech ecosystem, with a focus on indigenous technology and collaboration with Netrasemi on R&D projects in robotics and AI.

Anil Joshi from Unicorn India Ventures expressed confidence in Netrasemi's potential to lead innovation in the semiconductor field, highlighting the rapid evolution of the global edge AI market.

In addition to its current projects, Netrasemi has initiated development of a CCTV AI camera chip specifically for the Indian market and has established partnerships for product development.

The startup's active engagement in the semiconductor ecosystem is further demonstrated through partnerships for evaluation boards and co-development of platforms.

Co-founder and CEO Jyothis Indirabhai emphasized the advantage of being an Indian player, which builds trust in both domestic and international markets, while also highlighting the efficiency of Netrasemi's chips for advanced machine learning applications.

Netrasemi's SoC circuits are designed to optimize computing for IoT products, enabling local data processing and reducing reliance on cloud computing.

These funds will be used to accelerate research and development, expand manufacturing capabilities, and enhance marketing efforts, with plans to produce four advanced SoC variants targeting sectors such as surveillance, industrial robotics, and smart infrastructure.