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Top-Level Exits Cloud Krutrim's AI Chip Plans as Fundraising Delays Loom
Nearly half a dozen senior chip engineers have left Ola-backed Krutrim since September, raising concerns over the future of its AI semiconductor ambitions.
Executives walk away from Krutrim AI chip amid leadership turmoil.
Bengaluru: Ola's AI subsidiary, Krutrim, is facing turbulence in its semiconductor aspirations as several senior executives from its chip design team have exited the firm over the past two months. The development casts doubt over the company's roadmap to launch its first AI chip, Bodhi 1, by 2026.
Among the key departures are Sanjeeb Ghosh (Senior Director of Engineering), Vishnu KGJ (Director – Engineering), and founding team members Lakshmi Bai and Rathina Balan Thalaiappan. All four were integral to Bodhi Computing, the chip startup acquired by Krutrim in 2023 to fast-track its entry into the high-stakes AI chip design space.
Sources close to the matter told The Economic Times that Krutrim has seen a broader churn with multiple exits across technical and managerial roles since September. The wave of resignations comes as the company grapples with delays in securing new funding, a crucial requirement to sustain the capital-intensive process of chip development.
Despite these setbacks, Sambit Sahu, co-founder of Bodhi Computing, continues to lead the remaining chip design team at Krutrim.
The company, which is yet to respond to media queries, had made headlines in August 2024 by announcing its plans to launch Bodhi 1, a homegrown AI chip targeting generative AI and edge computing applications. The chip was touted as India’s answer to NVIDIA and AMD’s dominance in AI compute infrastructure.
Krutrim’s troubles come at a time when global tech majors are aggressively investing in custom silicon, and India is positioning itself as a rising semiconductor hub. The recent spate of high-level exits may not only delay its 2026 chip rollout target but also impact investor confidence at a time when the company is seeking to raise fresh capital.
Industry experts say that leadership continuity and deep engineering talent are non-negotiable in chip development a field that demands long R&D cycles and sustained investments. With experienced hands leaving, Krutrim may face an uphill battle in staying on track with its chip roadmap.
As of now, the firm has issued no official statement addressing the recent developments.
