# Shakti

> RISC-V open source processor from India

**Wikidata**: [Q96403502](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q96403502)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SHAKTI_(microprocessor))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shakti

## Summary
Shakti is a RISC-V-based open-source processor developed in India, designed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It is part of India's efforts to create indigenous semiconductor technologies and is licensed under the Apache Software License 2.0.

## Key Facts
- **Instruction Set**: Implements the RISC-V open-source instruction set architecture.
- **License**: Released under the Apache Software License 2.0, enabling free use and modification.
- **Design & Sponsorship**: Designed by IIT Madras and sponsored by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- **Manufacturer**: Produced by the Semi-Conductor Laboratory.
- **Repository**: Source code hosted on GitLab at [https://gitlab.com/shaktiproject](https://gitlab.com/shaktiproject).
- **Website**: Official site at [https://shakti.org.in/](https://shakti.org.in/).
- **Classification**: Functions as both a processor and microcontroller.
- **Social Media**: Active on Twitter (@ShaktiProcessor) and YouTube (UCW_zRvcYedhikIfRRZczyrg).

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed the Shakti processor?
A: The Shakti processor was designed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) with sponsorship from India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

### Q: Why is Shakti significant?
A: Shakti is India's first indigenously developed RISC-V open-source processor, promoting self-reliance in semiconductor technology and fostering innovation through open-source collaboration.

### Q: What is Shakti used for?
A: Shakti processors are designed for a range of applications, including IoT devices, drones, and educational platforms, supporting both research and commercial use.

## Why It Matters
Shakti represents a milestone in India's semiconductor sector, addressing the need for domestically designed processors and reducing reliance on foreign technologies. As an open-source project, it enables global collaboration and customization, accelerating innovation in hardware design. By leveraging the RISC-V architecture, Shakti contributes to a growing ecosystem of modular and adaptable computing solutions. Its development underscores India's commitment to advancing its electronics manufacturing capabilities and fostering technical expertise within the country.

## Notable For
- **First Indian RISC-V Processor**: Marks India's entry into the development of open-source processors based on the RISC-V architecture.
- **Open-Source Licensing**: Uses the Apache 2.0 license, allowing free access and modification to encourage community-driven improvements.
- **Government-Academia Collaboration**: Combines research from IIT Madras with governmental support to drive technological sovereignty.
- **Modular Design**: Supports customization for diverse applications, from embedded systems to high-performance computing.

## Body
### Development and Design
- **Origin**: Conceived at IIT Madras as part of India's initiative to build indigenous semiconductor technologies.
- **Instruction Set**: Based on the RISC-V ISA, emphasizing simplicity, scalability, and open collaboration.
- **Sponsorship**: Funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

### Technical Specifications
- **Cores**: Includes a range of cores for varying applications, from simple microcontrollers to complex processors.
- **Fabrication**: Manufactured by the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), India's premier semiconductor fabrication facility.
- **Documentation**: User manuals and technical resources available at [https://shakti.org.in/documentation.html](https://shakti.org.in/documentation.html).

### Licensing and Collaboration
- **Open-Source Model**: Apache 2.0 license ensures permissive use, enabling academic, industrial, and hobbyist adoption.
- **Community Engagement**: Hosted on GitLab with active developer contributions and transparency in source code.

### Applications
- **Target Domains**: Suitable for IoT, embedded systems, drones, and educational platforms due to its modular and adaptable design.
- **Customization**: Supports tailored configurations for low-power devices or high-performance computing tasks.

### Recognition and Outreach
- **Online Presence**: Maintains an official blog ([https://blogshakti.org.in/](https://blogshakti.org.in/)) and social media channels for updates and community interaction.
- **Multilingual Support**: Documented in multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi, and English, reflecting its inclusive outreach.

## References

1. YouTube API