Zoho Corp , India's third-largest Software as a Service (SaaS) company by revenue, has made a significant move into the semiconductor industry. The company has invested ₹107 crore in Netrasemi, a Kerala-based semiconductor startup, leading its Series A funding round alongside Unicorn India Ventures.

Netrasemi: Pioneering Edge AI Computing

Founded in 2020, Netrasemi specializes in developing system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for Edge AI computing. The startup's technology supports real-time AI and video analytics, with applications spanning across surveillance, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Investment Impact and Expansion Plans

The substantial investment from Zoho Corp is set to fuel Netrasemi's growth and innovation in several ways:

1. Product Expansion: The funding will enable Netrasemi to launch four new SoC variants, broadening its product portfolio.
2. Production Advancement: Two chips currently at the tapeout stage on TSMC's 12nm process will move forward to complete production.
3. Team Growth: Netrasemi plans to double its engineering team from 83 to 166, signaling a significant scaling of its operations.
4. Long-term Production Goals: By 2026, Netrasemi aims to achieve full-scale production across three chip families.

Zoho's Strategic Move

This investment marks a strategic expansion for Zoho Corp into the deep-tech and chipmaking sectors. With a reported revenue of ₹8,703.00 crore, Zoho is leveraging its financial strength to diversify its technology portfolio.

Collaborative R&D Efforts

In a move that underscores its commitment to the semiconductor space, Zoho has opened a new R&D centre in Kottarakara, Kerala. This facility will serve as a hub for collaboration between Zoho and Netrasemi, focusing on cutting-edge projects in robotics, AI, and edge processing.

Industry Implications

This investment highlights the growing interest in India's semiconductor industry and the potential for homegrown companies to make significant strides in this critical technology sector. As global demand for advanced chips continues to rise, particularly for AI and IoT applications, Zoho's backing of Netrasemi could play a crucial role in positioning India as a key player in the semiconductor landscape.

The partnership between Zoho Corp and Netrasemi represents a convergence of software expertise and hardware innovation, potentially paving the way for more integrated and efficient AI-driven solutions in the future.

Zoho Corp , India's third-largest Software as a Service (SaaS) company by revenue, has made a significant move into the semiconductor industry. The company has invested ₹107 crore in Netrasemi, a Kerala-based semiconductor startup, leading its Series A funding round alongside Unicorn India Ventures.

Netrasemi: Pioneering Edge AI Computing

Founded in 2020, Netrasemi specializes in developing system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for Edge AI computing. The startup's technology supports real-time AI and video analytics, with applications spanning across surveillance, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Investment Details and Future Plans

The substantial investment from Zoho Corp, which reported a revenue of ₹8,703.00 crore, marks its expansion into deep-tech and chipmaking sectors. This funding is set to fuel Netrasemi's ambitious growth plans:

1. Launch of four new SoC variants
2. Completion of production for two chips currently at the tapeout stage on TSMC's 12nm process
3. Doubling the engineering team from 83 to 166 members

Netrasemi aims to achieve full-scale production across three chip families by 2026, signaling a significant boost to India's semiconductor capabilities.

Zoho's Strategic Move

As part of this strategic investment, Zoho Corp has opened a new R&D centre in Kottarakara, Kerala. This facility will serve as a collaborative hub for Zoho and Netrasemi to work on cutting-edge projects in robotics, AI, and edge processing.

Impact on India's Tech Landscape

This investment represents a notable shift in India's technology sector, with a major SaaS player like Zoho diversifying into semiconductor technology. It underscores the growing importance of chip manufacturing and AI processing capabilities in the country's tech ecosystem.

The partnership between Zoho and Netrasemi is poised to accelerate innovation in Edge AI computing and contribute to India's aspirations in the global semiconductor market. As these developments unfold, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how this collaboration shapes the future of AI and chip technology in India.