Sharan Srinivas J (Mindgrove Technologies): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Sharan Srinivas J is a co-founder and the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mindgrove Technologies, a cutting-edge semiconductor design startup based in Chennai, India. Established as a fabless company, Mindgrove is renowned for its focus on designing high-performance System-on-Chips (SoCs) that cater to both the domestic and global markets. The company has carved a niche in the Indian technology sector by marrying innovation with cost-efficiency, an approach that has earned it acclaim and substantial financial backing. Dive in to explore more about Sharan Srinivas J and Mindgrove Technologies and discover key aspects that highlight their significance and contributions to the semiconductor industry.

1. Founding Vision

Mindgrove Technologies was founded by Sharan Srinivas J and T.R. Shashwath with a vision to establish an Indian presence in the global semiconductor ecosystem. Their intent was to design and produce advanced microprocessor technology that is efficient in cost and power consumption. The company primarily focuses on creating RISC-V chips that serve power-constrained environments, ranging from industrial automation to defense industries.

2. Headquarters and Incubation

Mindgrove Technologies is headquartered at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai. The startup is incubated by the IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation and the IIT Madras Incubation Cell. These incubators provide essential resources and a fertile environment for Mindgrove to innovate and accelerate its growth trajectory, emphasizing the strong academic-industry collaboration in India's innovation landscape.

3. Recent Funding Milestone

In December 2024, Mindgrove Technologies secured $8 million in a Series A funding round. This round was co-led by Rocketship.vc and Speciale Invest, with significant participation from Mela Ventures and Whiteboard Capital. The funds are earmarked for expanding the company's workforce and enhancing its in-house engineering capabilities, underlining investor confidence in Mindgrove's business model and technological prowess.

4. Innovative Chip Designs

Mindgrove is lauded for its introduction of the "Secure IoT," India’s first commercial-grade high-performance microcontroller SoC, which was launched in May 2024. Designed for smart connected devices like watches and meters, this chip is crucial for the burgeoning IoT ecosystem, offering robust performance while being cost-effective. The Secure IoT is slated for market release by mid-2025, marking a significant milestone for the company.

5. Governmental Support and DLI Scheme

Mindgrove received approval for funding under India’s semiconductor Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, amassing Rs 15 Crore. This initiative assists the development of the "Vision SoC," geared towards high-performance edge computing and vision processing applications in sectors like automotive and video recording. The governmental support signifies the nation’s commitment to nurturing indigenous semiconductor solutions.

6. Expansion and Growth Strategy

With a focus on scaling operations, Mindgrove is actively expanding its team across various departments, including business, engineering, and product applications. The latest funding round provides the company with the necessary capital to increase its workforce and enhance engineering capabilities, supporting its mission to revolutionize the semiconductor industry.

7. Focus on Indigenous Solutions

Sharan Srinivas J emphasizes creating chips tailored for the Indian ecosystem, an aspect often overlooked by foreign suppliers. Mindgrove's strategy involves collaborating with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure that their SoCs come with user manuals and data sheets in native languages, thus simplifying the adoption process and reducing time-to-market for domestic technology firms.

8. Academic and Professional Background

Sharan Srinivas J's affiliation with IIT Madras extends beyond incubation support. He is a PhD candidate at IIT Madras, focusing on RISC-V based application domain-specific projects. His academic insights and technical expertise play a pivotal role in Mindgrove's approach to sustaining innovation and technological advancement in the competitive semiconductor sector.

9. Industry Impact and Future Prospects

Mindgrove’s ambitious projects, such as developing SoCs for high-performance edge computing, indicate its potential to fulfill the growing demand for semiconductors in smart devices and other applications. The company’s progress aligns with the broader "Make in India" initiative, enhancing the country’s technological capabilities on the global stage.

10. Community and Industry Recognition

Mindgrove Technologies is rapidly becoming a recognized name in India's tech startup ecosystem. The company’s efforts to create scalable and reliable chips have not only gained investor confidence but also accolades from industry peers. Its co-founders have been featured in prominent industry magazines and at technology symposiums, showcasing Mindgrove as a leader in India’s semiconductor revolution.

Conclusion

Sharan Srinivas J and Mindgrove Technologies exemplify innovation at the intersection of academia and industry. By leveraging top-notch engineering talent and fostering collaborations, Mindgrove is poised to make a lasting impact on the semiconductor landscape. As the company progresses, its endeavors could redefine India’s position on the global technology map, providing sustainable and effective solutions to complex engineering challenges. For technology enthusiasts and investors alike, Mindgrove represents a burgeoning enterprise with substantial potential to shape the future of semiconductors.