India's TDB commits ₹130 crore (~$14.6M) in convertible debt to BigEndian for a sovereign AI vision chip

India's Technology Development Board, part of the Department of Science and Technology, committed ₹130 crore (about $14.6M) in optionally convertible debt to Bengaluru fabless designer BigEndian Semiconductors, covering half of a ₹260 crore project. The money takes its VeerAI vision system-on-chip, aimed first at CCTV and surveillance with on-device security and privacy features, from technology-readiness level 5 to production, with later targets in defence, automotive, industrial and medical imaging. The chip is pitched as reducing dependence on imported silicon for India and the Global South. It is one of the larger government-backed financings for an Indian AI chip startup to date.