How Are Indian Startups Advancing the 'Aatmanirbhar Chips' Initiative Under the DLI Scheme?
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Synopsis
Discover how Indian startups are revolutionizing the semiconductor industry with innovative technologies under the government's Design Linked Incentive Scheme. This article delves into the latest advancements, showcasing the potential of indigenous chip design for various critical sectors.
Key Takeaways
- 23 projects sanctioned under DLI Scheme.
- 72 companies have access to EDA tools.
- Innovative SoC Generator Platform introduced by InCore Semiconductors.
- Focus on indigenous chip design for various applications.
- Support from government enhances self-reliance in technology.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) - With the support of the government's Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, the nation is witnessing a surge in domestic chip design and intellectual property rights (IPR) across vital sectors, including surveillance, energy metering, networking, and motor control, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Electronics and IT on Thursday.
The ministry reported that a total of 23 chip design projects have been approved under the DLI Scheme, allowing 72 companies access to industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools.
Many of these innovative startups presented their progress at Semicon India 2025, showcasing India's growing expertise and self-sufficiency in semiconductor chip design.
InCore Semiconductors, initiated by the developers of the SHAKTI Processors - India's first open-source RISC-V processor - has introduced a groundbreaking System-on-Chip (SoC) Generator Platform that slashes frontend chip design time from months to mere minutes.
This level of automation not only speeds up development cycles but also reduces costs and mitigates design risks, fostering quicker innovation for their clientele.
A test chip, fabricated using TSMC’s 40nm process node, features six heterogeneous RISC-V cores from InCore’s IP portfolio, a custom Network-on-Chip (NoC) with automatic protocol bridging, multiple integrated peripherals, and a fully operational software stack, including a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), highlighting the platform's resilience, the ministry stated.
Aheesa Digital Innovations plans to provide its SoC and reference platforms to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) in early 2026, allowing them to create tailored networking and broadband solutions utilizing a fully indigenously designed, Made-in-India SoC.
Additionally, four Indian firms—3rdiTech, Netrasemi, BigEndian Semiconductors, and Mindgrove Technologies—are actively developing indigenous SoC solutions for key applications such as surveillance and CCTV.
On the second day of Semicon India 2025, which took place at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the exhibition stands.
He was joined by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada.
During his visit, the Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of startups in advancing India’s semiconductor goals and the significance of creating Indian Intellectual Property (IP).
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the vital role that startups play in shaping India's semiconductor future. The recent advancements under the DLI Scheme showcase the nation's commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance, reinforcing the importance of building a robust ecosystem that supports homegrown technology and intellectual property.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Design Linked Incentive Scheme?
The Design Linked Incentive Scheme is a government initiative aimed at promoting domestic chip design and intellectual property rights across various critical sectors.
How many projects have been sanctioned under the DLI Scheme?
A total of 23 chip design projects have been sanctioned under the DLI Scheme.
What is the significance of the Semicon India 2025 event?
Semicon India 2025 is a platform where startups showcase their innovations in semiconductor technology, reflecting India's growing capabilities in chip design.
What innovations are being developed by Indian startups?
Indian startups are developing innovative solutions such as System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, advanced networking solutions, and indigenous chip designs for critical applications.
Who visited the Semicon India 2025 event?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Semicon India 2025 event, highlighting the role of startups in advancing India's semiconductor industry.
