Internet of Things (IoT) Chip Market
Nordic Semiconductor Acquires Memfault in $120M Deal to Lead Chip-to-Cloud IoT Integration

In the era of intelligent everything—homes, cities, factories, and vehicles—the Internet of Things (IoT) has become the invisible network of modern life. At the very core of this ecosystem lies the IoT chip—a miniature marvel responsible for enabling smart devices to sense, compute, and communicate. According to recent estimates, the IoT Chip Market, valued at US$ 12.67 billion in 2024, is projected to nearly double to US$ 23.84 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2032.

But what’s propelling this growth? From geopolitical strategy and homegrown startups to cutting-edge semiconductor designs and strategic acquisitions, the IoT chip landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift.

Access Your Free Sample Report- Internet of Things (IoT) Chip Market
  1. The Global Outlook: Where IoT Meets Silicon Innovation

The IoT chip industry is more than just a segment of the semiconductor market—it’s a nexus where connectivity, AI, edge computing, and embedded security converge. Increasing demand for connected devices across industries such as healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure has driven the need for compact, energy-efficient, and powerful chips.

Key Trends Driving Demand:

  • Edge AI processing for real-time data analytics in industrial and automotive environments.
  • Low-power, long-range connectivity through LPWANs like NB-IoT, LoRa, and Wi-Fi HaLow.
  • Growing adoption of smart cities and smart home devices.
  • Rising investment in post-quantum cryptographic security features in IoT chips.
  1. Arm’s Strategic Shift: From Licenser to Chipmaker

In one of the most surprising developments of 2025, Arm Holdings, the leading supplier of mobile and embedded processor IP, announced a strategic pivot to design and potentially manufacture its own processors and chiplets.

While Arm traditionally licenses its architecture to companies like Qualcomm and Apple, this move marks its ambition to capture more value from the supply chain. Though still early in execution, Arm is exploring specialized IoT SoCs, particularly for edge AI and low-power applications.

Why It Matters:

  • It threatens to redefine Arm’s relationship with existing licensees.
  • Brings Arm into more direct competition with Nvidia and Intel, especially in the edge AI chip space.
  • Could lead to more vertically integrated, optimized chips for IoT systems.
  1. TSMC’s Munich Design Center: Silicon Meets Automotive IoT

The world’s largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is opening a chip design center in Munich, Germany by Q3 2025. This R&D facility will focus on automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, and comes on the heels of its manufacturing joint venture in Dresden with Infineon, NXP, and Bosch.

Strategic Implications:

  • TSMC is not just a foundry anymore—it’s a collaborative design partner in high-growth verticals like automotive IoT.
  • Proximity to Europe’s industrial and automotive base positions TSMC at the center of next-gen IoT development.
  • Demonstrates regional diversification to reduce reliance on East Asian manufacturing amid geopolitical tensions.
  1. India’s Semiconductor Awakening: Mindgrove & Netrasemi Lead the Way

India has long been a software powerhouse—but in 2025, it is turning its gaze toward semiconductor self-reliance. Two startups exemplify this push:

  1. Mindgrove Technologies & Bosch Partnership

Based in Chennai, Mindgrove Technologies signed a major MoU with Bosch Global Software Technologies to co-develop high-performance System-on-Chips (SoCs) for IoT and consumer electronics.

Their chip, called “SecureGrove”, is tailored for:

  • Edge AI inference in home and industrial automation.
  • Built-in cryptographic engines for zero-trust deployments.
  • Optimized power consumption for battery-based smart sensors.
  1. Netrasemi’s Edge AI SoC and Funding Boost

Kerala-based Netrasemi, another fabless startup, raised ₹107 crore (~US$13 million) in Series A funding led by Zoho and Unicorn India Ventures. Their AI-capable SoC integrates:

  • Neural network acceleration.
  • Ultra-low power standby modes.
  • NB-IoT and BLE connectivity stacks.

What This Means:

  • India is emerging as a serious IoT chip contender, especially in edge processing and secure communications.
  • Strategic collaboration with global giants (Bosch, Zoho) is speeding up market readiness.
  • Government programs (PLI, Semicon India) are providing a regulatory tailwind for hardware innovation.
Download Sample Report PDF- Internet of Things (IoT) Chip Market
  1. Acquisitions Reshape the IoT Hardware Landscape

Consolidation is a key theme in the IoT chip ecosystem. Recent acquisitions signal a shift toward platform unification—where companies want not just chips, but software, cloud integration, and lifecycle management.

Key Moves:

  • Nordic Semiconductor acquired Memfault for US$ 120 million, bringing OTA firmware management and diagnostics to its hardware suite.
  • TRASNA Solutions (Ireland) took over u-blox’s cellular IoT module business, inheriting NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies.
  • SEALSQ, a security-focused chipmaker, acquired a 28% stake in Wecan Group to integrate post-quantum cryptography into its silicon.
  • Allegion, a smart-access giant, bought Germany’s Elatec, expanding its embedded security hardware portfolio.

Market Impact:

  • Buyers gain end-to-end stacks—from silicon to cloud—which reduces deployment friction.
  • Post-quantum encryption is emerging as a differentiator in secure IoT applications.
  • Companies like Nordic are positioning themselves beyond just chip vendors, as IoT enablement platforms.
  1. Built-In Security Becomes Non-Negotiable

With billions of devices connected globally, IoT security breaches are inevitable—but they can be minimized with better silicon-level safeguards. Modern IoT chips now increasingly feature:

  • Root-of-trust (RoT) and secure boot.
  • Hardware-based cryptography.
  • Tamper detection and device lifecycle control.

This emphasis is underscored by investments from SEALSQ and India’s Mindgrove, both integrating post-quantum and hardware-secure elements directly into chips.

Why It Matters:

  • Regulatory frameworks like EU Cyber Resilience Act and U.S. IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act are mandating embedded protections.
  • Enterprises now prefer “secure by design” chips for large-scale deployments.
  • Quantum-safe chips may become industry standard by 2028.
  1. Next-Gen Protocols and Connectivity Standards

Modern IoT devices are highly power-sensitive and bandwidth-aware. Hence, IoT chip vendors are embracing advanced wireless protocols:

  • NB-IoT & LTE-M: Ideal for smart metering and industrial telemetry.
  • LoRa & Sigfox: For long-range low-data communication in rural and industrial zones.
  • Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah): Tailored for high-density IoT in smart homes and factories.
  • BLE 5.2 & Matter support: For smart home interoperability and reduced latency.

Companies are now pre-integrating these stacks into chipsets to streamline time-to-market for OEMs.

  1. Market Forecast (2025–2032): What Lies Ahead

Based on current momentum and future potential, the IoT Chip Market is expected to grow at 9.4% CAGR, reaching US$ 23.84 billion by 2032. Here’s a closer look at how the market may evolve:

Segment-Wise Trends:

  • Automotive IoT Chips: Demand is soaring for chips that power ADAS, in-vehicle infotainment, and V2X communication.
  • Healthcare IoT Chips: Remote patient monitoring and wearables are key growth segments.
  • Smart Infrastructure: Governments investing in IoT-powered utilities, streetlights, and traffic systems.
  • Agriculture & Environment: Chips for soil sensors, smart irrigation, and air quality monitoring are gaining traction.
  1. Challenges Ahead: Supply Chains, Standards & Sustainability

While the market outlook is bullish, challenges persist:

  • Semiconductor supply chain disruptions still linger due to geopolitical friction and resource scarcity.
  • Lack of global standards in IoT chip protocols can hamper interoperability.
  • E-waste and power consumption concerns require the development of biodegradable and recyclable chip materials.

To address this, industry stakeholders are:

  • Investing in geographically diversified fabs (TSMC in Europe, Tata-PSMC in India).
  • Collaborating on Matter, Thread, and OPC UA standards for unified device communication.
  • Innovating green semiconductor processes and energy-harvesting chips.
Click Here To Download Full Sample Report- Internet of Things (IoT) Chip Market

The IoT Chip Era Has Just Begun

From Arm’s ambitious pivot and India’s semiconductor push to Nordic’s software integration and SEALSQ’s encryption innovations—the IoT chip industry is in its most transformative decade yet.

The forecasted growth to US$ 23.84 billion by 2032 is not just a number—it reflects a world where intelligence is embedded in everything, and chips are the neurons of that reality.

As industries demand smarter, safer, and more sustainable connectivity, IoT chipmakers must stay agile, collaborative, and security-focused. Whether it’s edge AI, post-quantum resilience, or sovereign chip production, the IoT chip landscape is shaping the future of how we live, work, and connect.

Comments (0)


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *