How Vega processor is different from Arduino?

First of all, let me clarify that Shakti and Vega are micro controllers, not microprocessors, i.e. they have RAM, ROM, GPIO, counter/timer, UART etc. on the chip. We can compare it with Intel 8051, ATMEGA 320 used in Arduino or STM 32 (also programmable on Arduino platform). Shakti and Vega are based on Reduced Instruction set architecture (RISC) which is the modern way of designing. That way it comes close to STM 32 but STM 32 is based on ARM instruction set and Shakti/Vega are based on RISC V instruction set.

The chip is not commercially available in physical form. You have to load its Verilog code on FPGA, Arduino compatible I/O will be available on FPGA board. So you can easily port your Arduino projects here. But I am not sure if you can use Arduino libraries.

ou may find the details of SHAKTI & VEGA Microprocessors at following weblinks:

SHAKTI : https://vegaprocessors.in/

VEGA : https://vegaprocessors.in/

The details of Chips fabricated are available at https://shakti.org.in/tapeout.html The SHAKTI & VEGA are based on variant of RISC aka RISC-V (like ARM), which is not CISC (like Intel). The SHAKTI processor, being Open Source, has no licensing encumbrances. Both VEGA/ SHAKTI, like other processors, support standard interfaces and I/Os.

Under the scope of the Challenge, during Semi-Final Stage, you would be provided with one of the processors (VEGA or SHAKTI) already ported on one of the FPGAs (ART7 100-T or Arty7 35-T) as per the timelines at https://innovate.mygov.in/swadeshi-microprocessor-challenge/. The offering of the processors/ FPGAs will be made based on your proposal to be submitted by you during the Quarter Final Stage. You will be shared with further details to browse through at appropriate stage shortly.

Meanwhile, you may quickly find the details of offerings under the Challenge at following weblinks:

SHAKTI: https://shakti.org.in/sp2020-shakti.html

VEGA: https://vegaprocessors.in/hwchallenge.html