In a landmark move to bolster India’s defense and semiconductor ecosystem, MiPhi Semiconductors Private Limited , a strategic joint venture between Micromax Informatics and Phison Electronics, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). This collaboration aims to establish a Chair of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) , marking a significant step toward achieving technological sovereignty and advancing India’s defense readiness.
The initiative, unveiled in New Delhi, April 2025 , underscores India’s commitment to fostering indigenous innovation in AI-enabled defense technologies. By creating a hub for transformative research and policy innovation, this partnership seeks to address critical challenges in joint warfare, military-grade semiconductor technology, and national defense policy.
Focus Areas of the Chair of Excellence
The Chair of Excellence will serve as a catalyst for cutting-edge advancements in defense and semiconductor technologies. Key focus areas include:
- Advanced Research in AI and Defense : Promoting studies in AI-enabled joint warfare, military-grade semiconductor design, and strategic defense policies.
- Military-Academic-Industry Collaboration : Producing high-impact white papers, capability studies, and policy frameworks to bridge gaps between stakeholders.
- Talent Development : Mentoring future-ready professionals within the armed forces and India’s defense-tech ecosystem, emphasizing AI fluency and strategic innovation.
- Global Representation : Showcasing India’s leadership in AI for defense at national and international forums.
This initiative reflects a holistic approach to integrating AI into India’s defense strategy, ensuring smarter resource allocation, enhanced decision-making, and mission success across all dimensions of warfare.
Leadership Insights on the Initiative
Mr. Prasad Balakrishnan , CEO of MiPhi Semiconductors, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:
“This partnership with CENJOWS exemplifies our dedication to building a self-reliant tech ecosystem that fulfills India’s semiconductor needs while driving secure, AI-driven defense innovations. Our goal is to develop an AI-first war solution playbook grounded in deep research, data analytics, and predictive algorithms. By exploring diverse scenarios, we aim to deliver faster, smarter, and safer outcomes—empowering strategic autonomy and mission success.” 1
Major General Ashok Kumar, VSM (Retd.) , Director General of CENJOWS, highlighted the importance of indigenous solutions:
“AI will be a game-changer for the Indian Defense Forces in future conflicts. Indigenous solutions are essential to maintaining strategic autonomy, and this Chair of Excellence, supported by MiPhi, will play a pivotal role in meeting our defense requirements.”
Vision for India’s Strategic Autonomy
As India advances its vision of jointness, integration, and strategic autonomy , the MiPhi–CENJOWS Chair of Excellence will serve as a cornerstone for driving discourse on AI and emerging technologies in military doctrine 5. By bridging the gap between defense services and domestic tech innovation, this initiative aims to create an intellectual ecosystem that supports India’s long-term leadership in critical defense technologies.
From autonomous systems and cyber warfare to battlefield analytics and secure memory chip design , the Chair of Excellence reflects MiPhi’s broader vision of “AI for Bharat, by Bharat.” Together, MiPhi and CENJOWS are laying the groundwork for next-generation defense solutions and positioning India as a global leader in semiconductors and AI innovation.
About MiPhi Semiconductors
Founded in 2024, MiPhi Semiconductors Private Limited is a pioneering joint venture between Micromax Informatics and Phison Electronics . The company is at the forefront of AI-enabled storage solutions and semiconductor design, aiming to revolutionize the global AI and storage markets. With a focus on cost-effective, high-performance products, MiPhi supports India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by fostering technological self-reliance, generating local employment, and enhancing global competitiveness.
About CENJOWS
Established in 2007 under the Ministry of Defence , the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) is a premier tri-services think tank registered under The Societies Registration Act, 1860 . CENJOWS focuses on examining joint warfare and synergy issues, facilitating collaboration between government, academia, and industry, and initiating unbiased discussions to identify optimal solutions for India’s defense challenges.
Why This Partnership Matters
This collaboration between MiPhi and CENJOWS represents a transformative step toward achieving India’s vision of technological sovereignty and defense modernization . By leveraging AI and advanced semiconductor technologies, the initiative is poised to redefine India’s defense capabilities, foster innovation, and position the nation as a global leader in AI-driven defense solutions.
For more information, visit MiPhi Semiconductors and CENJOWS .
Key Takeaways:
- MiPhi and CENJOWS have partnered to establish a Chair of Excellence in AI , focusing on defense innovation and semiconductor technology.
- The initiative aims to promote advanced research, talent development, and military-industry collaboration.
- This collaboration aligns with India’s vision of achieving strategic autonomy in defense technologies.
- MiPhi’s focus on AI-enabled storage solutions complements CENJOWS’ expertise in joint warfare studies, driving a holistic approach to defense modernization.
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