India Approves 23 Chip Design Projects Under DLI Scheme to Boost Semiconductor Innovation

India has taken a major step in its semiconductor journey by clearing 23 chip design projects under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, part of the ₹76,000 crore Semicon India Programme, reported Business Standard. 

What Is the DLI Scheme?

• Launched in December 2021 as part of the ₹76,000 crore Semicon India Programme.
• Supports startups, MSMEs, and academic institutions in semiconductor design.
• Offers:
  • Up to ₹15 crore per project for prototyping and commercialization.
  • 4–6% incentives on net sales turnover for five years (capped at ₹30 crore).
  • Access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and IP cores.

Approved Chip Design Projects Under India’s DLI Scheme

While the full list of all 23 projects hasn’t been publicly disclosed, several key initiatives and companies have been highlighted by MeitY and media reports.

Notable Approved Projects

Company	Project Focus	Timeline
Vervesemi Microelectronics	ICs for weighing scales, bridge sensors, smart energy meters, BLDC motor controllers, EV/drone motor control, aerospace data acquisition	Sampling between end-2025 and 2026
SiCSem	Silicon carbide-based chip solutions	Details pending
Continental Device India Pvt. Ltd (CDIL)	Legacy and strategic semiconductor components	Details pending
3D Glass Solutions Inc.	Advanced packaging and interconnect technologies	Details pending
ASIP Technologies	System-in-package innovations for compact electronics	Details pending

Approved Projects Snapshot

• Applications include surveillance cameras, energy meters, microprocessor IPs, and networking systems.
• Vervesemi Microelectronics among key beneficiaries, developing:
  • Smart energy metering ASICs
  • Motor-control chips for EVs and drones
  • Data acquisition ICs for aerospace
  • BLDC controller ASICs for appliances

Strategic Impact

Impact Area	Details
Import Substitution	Reduces reliance on foreign chip designs
Job Creation	Thousands of new jobs across six states
Global Competitiveness	Positions India as a chip design leader
Manufacturing Synergy	Aligns with ₹1.6 trillion investment in fab projects under ISM

Why It Matters

• India is transitioning from a chip consumer to a global contributor in semiconductor design.
• The DLI scheme empowers domestic innovation and builds a resilient tech ecosystem.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the central driving force behind India’s semiconductor design push through the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme. MeitY launched the DLI Scheme in December 2021 as part of the ₹76,000 crore Semicon India Programme to build a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

MeitY has facilitated access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for 72 companies and 278 academic institutions, enabling advanced chip design capabilities.

Through the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), MeitY also oversees manufacturing projects worth ₹1.6 trillion, ensuring synergy between design and production.

India’s Angstrom Ambition: IISc Plots Atomic Leap in Post-Silicon Chip Race

Angstrom-scale semiconductor chips are the next frontier in miniaturizing electronics—pushing beyond the current 3-nanometer (nm) technology into the realm of angstroms, where 1 angstrom equals just 0.1 nm.

To put that in perspective: if today’s most advanced chips are like a grain of rice, angstrom-scale chips are like a single grain of salt. These chips aim to pack more transistors into a smaller space, dramatically boosting performance while reducing power consumption.

Since traditional silicon struggles at such tiny scales, researchers are turning to 2D materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These materials are just one atom thick, yet they offer exceptional conductivity, flexibility, and thermal stability—perfect for building ultra-efficient chips.

India is quietly preparing to leapfrog into the future of semiconductors—and it’s not just chasing nanometers anymore. It’s going angstrom-deep.

In a bold proposal, a 30-member team from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has pitched a ₹500-crore, 5-year mission to craft angstrom-scale semiconductor chips, venturing where even 3nm technology begins to fade. These chips, which measure in tenths of a nanometer, are set to defy the limits of traditional silicon, aiming for devices that are faster, cooler, and up to 10x smaller.

It is to be noted that this angstrom-scale chip initiative echoes the momentum we saw back in April 2025, when India’s semiconductor ambitions were making headlines for multiple reasons. In that month, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India’s first Made-in-India semiconductor chip would be ready by the end of 2025.

This proposal for angstrom-scale chip was first submitted to the Principal Scientific Adviser in 2022, revised in 2024, and now under active review by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

India’s Angstrom-Scale Chip Initiative: A Timeline

Year	Milestone	Details
2021	Early Outreach Begins	Initial communication with MeitY, DRDO, DoS, and NITI Aayog regarding 2D semiconductor research.
April 2022	First Proposal Submitted	IISc submits Detailed Project Report to Principal Scientific Adviser focused on angstrom-scale chips.
September 2022	NITI Aayog Endorsement	NITI Aayog endorses the strategic value of the proposed project.
October 2024	Revised Proposal	IISc refines technical and funding roadmap and submits updated report to MeitY.
April 2025	Public Spotlight	Media reveals ₹500 crore proposal to develop chips 10x smaller than current 3nm tech.
June 2025	National Review	Proposal gains traction with MeitY and ANRF amid discussions on cross-sector deployment.

Backed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), this angstrom-scale chip initiative aligns with the Indian government’s larger push toward next-gen R&D and self-reliance in critical technologies. If greenlit, it could signal India’s emergence as a serious player in the post-silicon era—joining a global race led by the U.S., South Korea, and Taiwan.

Imagine a future where India's edge isn’t just in software, but at the molecular level of hardware. That future might just be a few angstroms away.

India’s angstrom-scale chip initiative and its GPU-powered AI mission are two sides of the same silicon coin—one building the hardware of tomorrow, the other fueling the intelligence of today. Together, they could reshape India’s technological sovereignty across sectors.

How It Ties into IndiaAI’s GPU Push

The IndiaAI Mission has deployed 34,000+ high-performance GPUs to power foundational models, LLMs, and AI applications tailored to Indian languages and needs. But as AI models grow more complex, they demand denser, faster, and more energy-efficient chips—precisely what angstrom-scale semiconductors promise.

By investing in angstrom-scale R&D, India is laying the groundwork for next-gen AI accelerators that could outperform today’s GPUs in speed and efficiency. Imagine training a 120 Billion-parameter LLM not in weeks, but in days—with a fraction of the energy.

Angstrom-scale chips could power ultra-compact, secure edge devices for surveillance, autonomous drones, and encrypted battlefield communications. With DRDO already looped into the IISc proposal, the defense implications are clear: faster, stealthier, smarter systems.

From real-time climate modeling to smart grid optimization, these chips could enable low-power sensors and AI models that run in remote or harsh environments. Think satellite-based carbon tracking or AI-driven disaster prediction—all on chips smaller than a virus.

In diagnostics and wearables, angstrom-scale chips could lead to implantable biosensors, AI-assisted imaging, and personalized medicine. Their low heat and power footprint make them ideal for continuous health monitoring—even inside the body.

In essence, India isn’t just scaling up compute with GPUs—it’s redefining the substrate of intelligence itself. Want to explore how this could position India as a global chip design hub or how it compares to what the U.S. and South Korea are doing?

If successful, angstrom-scale chips could power everything from quantum computers to AI systems, wearables, and space tech, all while using less energy and generating less heat.

IG Drones & VoxelSensors Join Forces to Elevate UAV Navigation in GPS-Denied Zones

IG Drones, a leading Indian drone technology company, has announced a strategic collaboration with Belgian DeepTech pioneer VoxelSensors to integrate next-generation 3D perception systems into its UAV platforms. This partnership is set to transform how drones navigate and operate in GPS-denied and visually complex environments, such as dense forests, urban infrastructure zones, tunnels, and industrial interiors.

At the heart of this partnership lies the integration of VoxelSensors’ SPAES (Streaming Perception for AI Enhanced Systems) technology—renowned for its ultra-low latency and high-precision spatial sensing—with IG Drones’ fleet of intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles. The result is a new generation of drones with advanced environmental awareness, enhanced obstacle avoidance, and higher-fidelity mapping capabilities for infrastructure inspection, emergency response, environmental monitoring, and smart city applications.

Mr Paneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, welcomed the announcement, stating, “This partnership between IG Drones and VoxelSensors marks a significant step forward in the evolution of autonomous aerial technology. By combining India’s deep-rooted commitment to scalable drone solutions with VoxelSensors’ cutting-edge 3D spatial intelligence, we are witnessing the kind of global cooperation that advances innovation in a responsible, civilian-first manner. MeitY supports such collaborations that not only strengthen India’s digital and industrial capabilities but also foster meaningful international partnerships aligned with sustainable and high-impact technological progress.”

“This collaboration truly marks a new chapter for us,” said Mr Sambit Parida, Chief Technology Officer at IG Drones. “By embedding VoxelSensors’ breakthrough 3D sensing technologies into our systems, we’re enabling smarter, safer, and more autonomous drone operations. These capabilities are vital for civilian missions where situational complexity and safety demand real-time perception and adaptive decision-making. We remain committed to our vision of delivering cutting-edge, indigenous drone technologies aligned with India’s broader digital and infrastructure goals.”

The partnership comes at a time when IG Drones is expanding rapidly, with over 200 drones deployed in FY25, a 330% jump in revenue, and the rollout of 50 Drone Centres of Excellence in collaboration with AICTE across India. As the demand for intelligent drone systems increases across sectors—from disaster management to industrial inspection—IG Drones is positioning itself to meet the challenge through global technology collaborations that fuse precision with performance.

Mr Andre Miodezky, President of VoxelSensors, also commented on the partnership: “We’re excited to join forces with IG Drones to bring our sensing innovation into practical, high-impact use cases. Our SPAES technology provides real-time depth perception and motion awareness that empowers UAVs to function reliably, even in visually complex and dynamic environments. This partnership bridges European innovation with India’s drone ecosystem, and together we’re helping shape the future of aerial intelligence.”

Both companies share a commitment to sustainability, safety, and scalability in autonomous systems. By combining VoxelSensors' advanced 3D sensor suite with IG Drones' versatile drone platforms, the collaboration aims to redefine operational efficiency in industries such as energy, infrastructure, urban planning, environmental conservation, and public safety.

This strategic alliance underscores IG Drones’ ongoing journey to become a global leader in unmanned aerial solutions—while reaffirming that innovation, when grounded in collaboration, can push the boundaries of what's possible across borders and industries.

ISRO Achieves Major Milestone With Indigenous Microprocessors for Space Missions

India has achieved a significant milestone in space-grade electronics with the development of two fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessors, VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201, designed specifically for ISRO's launch vehicle applications.

On March 5, 2025, the first production lots of the 32-bit microprocessors developed for space applications, VIKRAM3201 & KALPANA3201, were handed over to Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, DOS /Chairman, ISRO by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, in a function organised at New Delhi by the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh.

• VIKRAM3201: This is the first fully indigenous, space-qualified 32-bit microprocessor fabricated in India. It supports custom instruction sets, floating-point computation, and high-level language support for Ada. It has already proven its space-worthiness in the PSLV-C60 mission.
• KALPANA3201: Based on the SPARC V8 RISC architecture, this microprocessor is versatile and compatible with open-source software tool sets.

These chips were developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and manufactured at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Chandigarh. They represent a generational leap from the earlier 16-bit processors and mark a step forward in India's self-reliance in critical space technologies.

Notably, VIKRAM1601 was ISRO's first indigenous 16-bit microprocessor, operational in launch vehicle avionics since 2009. A fully "Make-in-India" version was introduced in 2016 after domestic fabrication capabilities matured.

Four other devices that were jointly developed with SCL were also handed over towards significant miniaturisation of the launch vehicle Avionics system. This includes two versions of a Reconfigurable Data Acquisition System (RDAS) integrating multiple indigenously designed 24-bit Sigma-Delta Analog to Digital Converters on a single chip along with a Relay driver Integrated Circuit & a Multi-Channel Low Drop-out Regulator Integrated Circuit for high reliability applications.

7 Colleges Showcase 100+ IPs and Over 50 Technologies in India’s 1st Nano Electronics Roadshow

• MeitY leading India’s semiconductor surge with innovation, 85,000 Skilled workforce and $100 Billion market by 2030: Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY
• Semiconductor roadshow unveils Next-Gen Chip design, Nanoelectronics breakthroughs and celebrates India's revolutionary startups

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with IISc Bengaluru, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Guwahati, successfully hosted India’s first Nano Electronics Roadshow on March 27, 2025, at the National Science Seminar Complex, IISc Bengaluru.

The Roadshow was inaugurated by Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, along with Shri Abhishek Singh, Addl. Secretary, MeitY.

This marked a significant milestone in India's vision of a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem. The roadshow showcased over 100 intellectual properties (IPs), more than 50 groundbreaking technologies, and the innovation of over 35 promising startups—all backed by six state-of-the-art nanoelectronics centers across the country.

The event not only served as a platform for pivotal industry dialogues but also emerged as a hub for collaboration between the startup ecosystem and academia. This synergy aimed to accelerate the journey of cutting-edge technologies from labs to consumers’ reach.

The roadshow also facilitated the signing of 4 MoUs between the academia and the industry, driving partnerships and technological advancements- IISc with KAS Technologies and Antigone Solutions Private Limited, Center for Nano Science and Engineering with India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA), and Madnani Chemdist Novatech LLP with Primary Healthtech Private Limited.

The roadshow represents a significant step forward in India’s semiconductor journey, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in chip design, fabrication, and nanoelectronics. Alongside, it also recognized and rewarded the innovative startups, celebrated for their exceptional contributions and transformative work in the sector.

With this, the event witnessed many startups coming forward and demonstrating technology that can revolutionize the Indian tech ecosystem. This event holds great significance in the semiconductor domain, as it paves the way for the development of more indigenous technologies aimed at addressing critical societal challenges.

Bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and startups, the event served as a catalyst to shape India’s next big leap in technology and innovation.

Utpal Shah, SVP, Tata Electronics; Anand Ramamoorthy, Micron; Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc; and Juzer Vasi, IIT Bombay. Other prominent dignitaries included Dr. V. Narayanan, Chair, ISRO; Rangesh Raghavan, India Head, Lam Research; V. Ramagopal Rao, VC, BITS Pilani; Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, also present at the event.

Govt.'s 'Nano Electronics Roadshow' to Showcase Breakthroughs in Quantum Tech, Neuromorphic Computing, AI, Electronics and Indigenous Nanoelectronics Advancements

• MeitY to host 'Nano Electronics Roadshow and Conference on Semiconductor Ecosystem in India' at Bengaluru on March 27, 2025
• Grand roadshow to showcase breakthroughs in quantum technology, neuromorphic computing, AI, IT, electronics and indigenous nanoelectronics advancements

The Nanotechnology Initiatives Division of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in partnership with IISc Bengaluru, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Guwahati, will be organizing the Nano Electronics Roadshow and Conference on Semiconductor Ecosystem in India. The event is scheduled for March 27, 2025, starting from 9:00 AM onwards at the National Science Seminar Complex, IISc Bengaluru.

This initiative aims to bring together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, strategic sectors, startups, and the VC ecosystem to drive innovation and collaboration in the segment.

Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, will grace the event as the Chief Guest in the august presence of our Guests of Honour— Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY; Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation; Utpal Shah, Senior VP, Strategy and Business Development, Tata Electronics; Anand Ramamoorthy, Managing Director, Micron; V. Narayanan, Chair, ISRO.

Roadshow on tech innovations

The roadshow will encompass a diverse range of topics, including quantum technology, neuromorphic computing, opportunities in AI, IT, and electronics, as well as a showcase of indigenous advancements in nanoelectronics technology.

Speaking about the conference, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said, “The Nanotechnology Roadshow is a very critical part of India’s pathway towards semiconductor self-sufficiency in the years to come. MeitY had promoted Nano science centres in 6 IITs and the Indian Institute of Science across the country in order to ensure that we have a dedicated team of scientists, technologists, and professionals in the semiconductor space built up over a period of time. Today we have an occasion to actually have many of the deep tech startups, many technology demonstrations, industries who have benefited from this programme coming together. Almost 50 technology demonstrations are being held, 25 deep-tech startups are participating who are specifically involved in the Nano Electronic space, 25 Venture Capitals will be participating alongside 25 more industries. We expect that this event will be the first of many more which will lead India in its part towards semiconductor self sufficiency and in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-sufficient, self-reliant India under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).”

The roadshow will also serve as a platform for India's vibrant electronics startup ecosystem to showcase their innovations and pitch to an extensive network of Venture Capital firms, aiming to secure investment and accelerate growth.

With India's increasing focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat, this initiative underscores the Government's commitment to achieving self-reliance in electronics innovation and manufacturing. By fostering collaboration between industry and academia, the Ministry aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem that encourages innovation and sustainable growth in the nanoelectronics sector.

MeitY Funded Ink-Manufacturing Technology Transferred to Two Startups

The indigenous conductive ink manufacturing technology, based on silver nanowires, has been successfully transferred to two startups: Chematico Technologies Private Limited (incubated at IIT Ropar, Punjab) and Vasanthbala Functional Materials Pvt Ltd (incubated at NIT Warangal, Telangana).

This technology, developed under a project funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is a significant step towards reducing India's dependency on imported conductive ink.

The indigenous conductive ink manufacturing technology was jointly implemented by Prof. Sarang Gumfekar from IIT Ropar and Prof. Shirish Sonawane from NIT Warangal.

Conductive ink technology has a wide range of applications across industries due to its ability to conduct electricity while being lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective.

The ink has versatile applications, including flexible electronics, wearable devices, solar panels, RFID tags, and more. The global market for such technology is projected to surpass $16.87 billion by 2032, driven by demand in electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy.

This development not only supports India's self-reliance in advanced materials but also aligns with the broader goals of fostering innovation and boosting the semiconductor ecosystem.

This collaboration highlights the synergy between academic institutions and government initiatives in advancing India's technological self-reliance.

MeitY Unveils ‘Entity Locker’, A Cloud-based Business Document Management Infrastructure

The Entity Locker is a new digital public infrastructure developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) through its National eGovernance Division (NeGD). It's designed to streamline the management, verification, and storage of business documents.

Entity Locker is a secure, cloud-based solution that simplifies the storage, sharing, and verification of documents for a wide range of entities, including large organisations, corporations, micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSMEs), trusts, startups and societies.

1. Real-time Access: Integrates with government databases to provide real-time document verification.
2. Consent-based Sharing: Allows secure sharing of documents with the user's consent.
3. Role-based Access: Implements Aadhaar-authenticated access to ensure accountability.
4. 10 GB Encrypted Cloud Storage: Provides secure storage for business documents.
5. Legally Valid Digital Signatures: Ensures documents are properly authenticated

The platform aims to minimize administrative overhead, speed up processing times, and enhance operational efficiency for businesses. It also supports compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements and integrates with systems like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, GST Network, and Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

The Entity Locker offers numerous benefits across various industries by simplifying and securing business document management. Here’s how it can be particularly beneficial:

For Startups and Small Businesses:

Streamlined Compliance: Easily manage and submit necessary documents for various registrations and compliance requirements.

Document Security: Store critical business documents securely with encryption and control who has access to them.

Efficiency: Reduce the administrative burden of handling physical documents, leading to faster processing times.

For Large Corporations:

Centralized Repository: Maintain a central repository for all business documents, accessible to authorized personnel only.

Audit Trail: Keep a detailed log of document access and modifications to enhance accountability and transparency.

Scalable Solutions: Handle large volumes of documents efficiently with scalable cloud storage.

For Financial Institutions:

Verification: Quickly verify documents for loan applications, opening bank accounts, and other financial transactions.

Risk Management: Reduce the risk of fraud by ensuring documents are authenticated and legally valid.

Customer Convenience: Improve customer experience by enabling seamless document submission and verification.

For Government Agencies:

Inter-agency Collaboration: Facilitate the sharing of verified documents across different government departments and agencies.

Reduced Paperwork: Minimize the need for physical document submission, making processes more efficient and eco-friendly.

Transparency: Enhance transparency in administrative processes by maintaining a reliable digital record of documents.

For Healthcare Providers:

Patient Records: Securely store and manage patient consent forms, insurance documents, and other essential records.

Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for document handling and storage.

Operational Efficiency: Streamline administrative tasks and improve overall operational efficiency.

By leveraging the capabilities of the Entity Locker, businesses and organizations can achieve better document management, enhanced security, and improved operational efficiency.

Senior officials from MeitY emphasise that Entity Locker is more than just a technological innovation. It is a strategic initiative designed to reduce administrative friction, catalyse productivity, and unlock new opportunities for businesses. The platform reflects the government’s commitment to creating a digitally empowered and efficient business environment.

MeitY Grants ₹2 Crores Funding to 5 Start-ups Incubated at BIMTECH AIC

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) Greater Noida, a leading Business School in India, is at the forefront of fostering start-up growth under the SAMRIDH program, an initiative by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Through this program, AIC-BIMTECH has supported eight startups, five of which have successfully secured ₹2 crores in funding from MeitY. The funded 5 startups are:

1. Cunomial, 
2. Credit Siddhi, 
3. Origin Connect, 
4. Transport Simple, and 
5. Vacus. 

This achievement underscores the program's pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to an aggregated valuation of ₹75 crores, and driving economic growth towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH stated "SAMRIDH program has been instrumental in enabling BIMTECH to further this mission by providing resources and insights tailored to the unique needs of early-stage ventures. Our researchers and faculty actively contribute to building a knowledge foundation that startups can draw upon to make informed decisions, innovate more effectively, and stay ahead in competitive markets. BIMTECH is committed to creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where startups can grow with a strong foundation in research, continuous learning, and a passion for meaningful impact."

Dr. Shalini Singh, Chairperson; Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development and Acting CEO of AIC BIMTECH, sheds light by stating “At AIC BIMTECH, we provide comprehensive support for startups offering not just soft infrastructure and co working spaces but also invaluable mentorship, extensive networking, opportunities for market access, investor connections, and a range of business development activities. This approach ensures that startups are equipped with the right tools and resources to scale their operations, innovate, and thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape.”

With a strong commitment to create a dynamic ecosystem, AIC BIMTECH has successfully supported around 400 startups and established more than 200 partnerships, fostering a vibrant incubation environment. Birla Institute of Management Technology has also empowered these startups to accelerate their growth by providing tailored mentorship, strategic business networking, team-building support, investor relations, and helping them secure the resources essential for scaling.

The eight start-ups supported by AIC BIMTECH are Cunomial, Credit Siddhi, Origin Connect, Transport Simple, Vacus, Fabrik, Detrocel, and Ecotio. These start-ups are making notable progress in their respective fields, fostering innovation, creating Job opportunities, generating revenue, and making a significant impact on India’s economy.

Inspired by its founders Late Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, BIMTECH pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. Also, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 8000 individuals.

IISc Researchers Develop Brain-inspired Computing Platform That Can Store and Process Data

Researchers at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a groundbreaking brain-inspired analog computing platform. This platform can store and process data in an impressive 16,500 conductance states within a molecular film. This innovation mimics the human brain's neural networks, allowing for more efficient and powerful data processing.

Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Education and the Department of Science and Technology., the team at IISc tapped into tiny molecular movements to design a highly precise and efficient neuromorphic accelerator, which can be seamlessly integrated with silicon circuits to boost their performance and energy efficiency.

Key Features:

High Efficiency: The platform integrates data storage and processing, reducing the need for data transfer and significantly improving energy efficiency.

Advanced AI Capabilities: It can handle complex AI tasks, such as training large language models, on personal devices like laptops and smartphones.

Neuromorphic Design: By using molecular movements to create a "molecular diary," it can access a vast number of memory states, far beyond the binary states of traditional digital computers.

This development could revolutionize AI hardware, making advanced AI tools more accessible and energy-efficient. It's a significant step forward in neuromorphic computing and positions India as a potential leader in global tech innovation.

Published in the journal Nature, this breakthrough represents a huge step forward over traditional digital computers in which data storage and processing are limited to just two states.

Neuromorphic computing differs significantly from traditional computing architectures in several key ways. For an instance, Traditional Computing uses the von Neumann architecture, where the CPU and memory are separate entities. Data is shuttled back and forth between them, which can create bottlenecks. While, Neuromorphic Computing mimics the brain’s neural networks, integrating processing and memory storage in a more interconnected manner, reducing data transfer bottlenecks.

Neuromorphic computing holds great promise for the future, especially in areas requiring high efficiency and adaptability.

Such a platform could potentially bring complex Al tasks, like training LLMs, to personal devices like laptops and smartphones, taking us closer to democratising the development of Al tools.

Neuromorphic computing is a fascinating area. It aims to mimic the neural structure and functioning of the human brain to create more efficient and powerful computing systems. This approach can potentially revolutionize various fields by significantly improving computing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Recent advancements in neuromorphic platforms have shown promising results. For instance, these platforms can process information in a way that is more akin to how the human brain works, enabling faster and more efficient data processing. This can be particularly beneficial for applications in artificial intelligence, robotics, and real-time data analysis.

MeitY Approves Incentives for 12 SemiCon related Startups Under DLI Scheme

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Government of India, has approved incentives for 12 start-ups under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster the semiconductor ecosystem in India. The selected start-ups will receive financial assistance totaling over ₹130 crore for their projects, which include developing integrated circuits for telecommunications, AI hardware accelerators, and more.

This move is aimed at fostering innovation and self-reliance in semiconductor design, a critical area for technological advancement and economic growth.

Part of the overall $10 billion incentive scheme for the semiconductor ecosystem, the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme is a program by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to support the semiconductor chip design ecosystem in India. The scheme aims to Strengthen the ecosystem, Move up the value chain, Provide financial incentives, and design infrastructure support.

The selected start-ups are:

1. DV2JS Innovation - Image sensor system on chip for automotive applications
2. Vervesemi Microelectronics - Microcontroller integrated circuit for industrial applications
3. Fermionic Design - Beamformer IC for satellite communication
4. Morphing Machines - RISC-V multi-core accelerators for telecom applications
5. Calligo Technologies - Hardware accelerators for AI
6. Sensesemi Technologies - Wearable SoC for healthcare applications
7. Saankhya Labs - Basestation SoC for 5G communication
8. Aheesa Digital Innovations - Networking SoCs for telecom applications
9. Netrasemi - Edge-AI SoC for smart vision and IoT applications
10. Green PMU Semi - Energy harvesting power management IC for IoT and sensing applications
11. WiSig Networks - NarrowBand IoT SoC
12. MosChip Technologies - Smart energy meter IC

This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster the semiconductor ecosystem in India and foster innovation and self-reliance in semiconductor design. 

India Launches Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack To Offer Blockchain-As-A-Service

The Indian government has launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack, a comprehensive national blockchain framework designed to enhance digital trust and governance.

This initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aims to provide Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) with a geographically distributed infrastructure.

Unlike many private blockchain platforms, Vishvasya is backed by the Indian government and hosted across multiple NIC Data Centers, ensuring robust infrastructure and security.

Key features of the Vishvasya stack include:

NBFLite: A lightweight blockchain platform for rapid prototyping, research, and learning. It is developed especially for startups/academia for rapid prototyping of applications, carrying out research and capacity building. These technologies have been developed by collaborating efforts of C-DAC, NIC, IDRBT Hyderabad, IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad and SETS Chennai under the MeitY support.

Praamaanik: A blockchain-enabled solution for verifying the authenticity of mobile apps. Praamaanik aims to address issues related to app authenticity, helping users and developers ensure that the apps they use or distribute are genuine and have not been tampered with.

Geographically distributed infrastructure: : The stack is hosted across NIC Data Centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad, ensuring robust and scalable service delivery.

This framework is expected to support various permissioned blockchain applications, enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency in digital service delivery.

More - Document by MeitY

With $700 Mn Investment Plan, Zoho Entering Semiconductor Chip Designing

Zoho, the Indian SaaS giant, is making a significant move into the semiconductor industry with a planned investment of $700 million into chipmaking. This strategic decision aligns with India's broader business agenda to strengthen its position in the high-tech sector, particularly in semiconductors, which are crucial for various industries including defense, automobiles, and telecommunications.

The company is seeking government incentives to support this venture, which focuses on compound semiconductors. These are made from materials other than the commonly used silicon and have specialized commercial applications. Zoho's proposal is currently under review by the panel that oversees India's chip initiatives at the IT Ministry – MeitY.

Moreover, Zoho is believed to have secured a strategic partnership with a technology company to establish chip manufacturing operations, which could lead to further collaborations and business opportunities.

This move comes as part of a larger national effort, with India having already approved the construction of three semiconductor plants worth over $15 billion. The country aims to compete with global semiconductor hubs like Taiwan and has projected its semiconductor market to be worth $63 billion by 2026.

Zoho's foray into chipmaking marks a significant diversification for the company, which has been known for its software and related services offered to businesses in over 150 countries. It's a bold step that could potentially reshape India's technological landscape and contribute to the global semiconductor supply chain.

The substantial investment of $700 million indicates a major financial commitment. While Zoho has a strong financial background with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, this new venture could initially divert resources from its core software business. The move could create synergies between its software and hardware capabilities, potentially leading to the development of integrated tech solutions.

As Zoho enters a new market, it may gain a competitive edge by becoming one of the few companies that offer both software services and semiconductor products.

IIIT Hyderabad Now in India’s Elite Semiconductor Club of Few that Can Tape-Out Full Test Chip

The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) has reached a significant milestone in the semiconductor domain. The Integrated Circuits inspired by Wireless and Biomedical Electronic Systems (IC~WiBES) lab at the Centre for VLSI and Embedded Systems Technologies (CVEST) at IIIT-H has made headlines with a historic chip tape-out and its selection into the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) prestigious Special Manpower Development Program (SMDP).

This achievement is particularly notable because chip design and fabrication are relatively uncommon in academic institutions in India, with only a few IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) engaging in such activities. The test chip was designed and fabricated by a team of MS students under the guidance of Prof. Abhishek Srivastava, and it includes advanced components crucial for modern communications, such as mmWave (near 20 GHz) and Sub-6 GHz circuits.

The lab's focus on R&D has led to innovations in healthcare, high-speed communication, and quantum sensing, using their own Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) or commercially available components. The IC~WiBES lab has also developed an IC characterization facility and an electronic system design and test facility, which are being utilized by both the institute and external parties.

In the past, chip design and fabrication at the lab was typically undertaken in collaboration with other stakeholders, but a significant milestone was achieved with the designing and taping-out of a full test chip by a team of MS students at CVEST under the guidance of Prof. Srivastava.

The term "tape-out" is a significant milestone in the semiconductor manufacturing process. It refers to the point at which the design of an integrated circuit (IC) is finalized and sent to a semiconductor foundry for fabrication. This step marks the transition from the design phase to the production phase.

This milestone reflects the growing capabilities and contributions of Indian institutions in the global semiconductor industry, which is a critical part of the digital economy. It's an exciting development for the country's technological advancement and innovation in this field.

In the past, chip design and fabrication at the lab was typically undertaken in collaboration with other stakeholders, but a significant milestone was achieved with the designing and taping-out of a full test chip by a team of MS students at CVEST under the guidance of Prof. Abhishek Srivastava. While a tape-out or fabrication is not novel in itself, it is definitely uncommon for academic institutions in India. “Only a few IITs and the IISc do it,” says the Prof. Srivastava.

This achievement is part of the lab's selection into the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) prestigious SMDP program. The project aims to develop a complete mmWave (24GHz) sensing technological platform in India, marking a significant advancement in localized high-frequency technology development.

Furthermore, IIIT Hyderabad's semiconductor research has led to practical applications such as a wireless pneumonia detector, a safety device for factory workers to monitor vital signs, and radar-based healthcare applications for capturing heart and breath rate data of multiple subjects simultaneously.

Impact on Indian Semiconductor Ecosystem

The milestone achieved by IIIT-H in the semiconductor domain can have several impactful implications for the industry:

The success of IIIT-H in designing and fabricating advanced semiconductor components can inspire more academic institutions to engage in semiconductor research. This can lead to a surge in innovation, with new ideas and technologies emerging from research labs.

By involving students in such high-level projects, IIIT-H is contributing to the development of skilled professionals in the semiconductor field. This can help address the talent shortage in the industry and ensure a steady pipeline of qualified engineers.

Such milestones can foster stronger collaborations between academia and industry. Companies may partner with institutions like IIIT-H for research and development, leading to faster commercialization of new technologies.

Overall, the achievement by IIIT-H is not just a win for the institution but a significant step forward for the entire semiconductor industry in India and potentially on a global scale.

Deepfake: Minister Held Digital India Dialogues with Digital Intermediaries on Deep Fakes, IT Rules Compliance

Platforms and Intermediaries Commit to Tackling Deepfakes Under Existing Laws

“Platforms have agreed that within the next 7 days, they will ensure that all terms and contracts with users expressly forbid them from engaging in the 11 types of content laid out in the IT rules”: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

“MEITY has confirmed the imminent appointment of a ‘Rule 7’ officer and a digital platform for users to report any violations by intermediaries”: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar 

In a Digital India dialogue session held on Friday, Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, reiterated the need for safe and trusted internet, and for social media intermediaries to be accountable to Digital Nagriks. Following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s concerns about deepfake threats, all platforms and intermediaries agree to align their community guidelines with the IT rules, specifically targeting 11 types of content that causes user harm including Deepfakes.

Addressing the media after the session, the Minister affirmed the collective commitment of platforms and intermediaries to confront deepfake challenges within the bounds of current regulations.

The Minister said, “All platforms and intermediaries have agreed that the current laws and rules even as we discuss new laws and regulations, they provide for them to deal with deepfakes conclusively. They have agreed that in the next seven days they will ensure all the terms and views and contracts with users will expressly forbid users from 11 types of content laid out in IT rules. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji had already highlighted the issue of deepfakes and the threats and challenges that it represents to a safe and trusted internet last year. MEITY has conveyed that there will be an imminent appointment of a rule seven officer shortly and a digital platform for digital nagriks to report violations of law by intermediaries. Digital nagriks have rights to a safe and trusted internet and intermediaries are accountable for providing the same."

Acknowledging the progress in grievance redressal mechanisms, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged continued collaboration with intermediaries to address challenges such as deepfakes and misinformation.

“We have in partnership, the government and platforms done considerably well in terms of addressing grievances. I must congratulate intermediaries for proactively doing this. However, there is more to be done, especially in the areas of misinformation, deepfakes and advertising of betting illegal betting platforms and advertising of fraudulent loan apps. These continue to be threats to safety and trust online,” the Minister further added.

Coming Soon India's Own Semiconductor R&D Lab Equivalent to IMEC, ITRI and MIT Micro-Electronic Labs

Soon India will have its own semiconductor R&D and innovation laboratory called — India Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) —which will be at par with world's renowned institutions like IMEC, NanoTech, ITRI, and the MIT Micro-electronic labs which have been the pioneers of every cutting-edge technology in the world. 

For an uninitiated, IMEC is a Belgium based world-leading R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. ITRI is a Taiwan based innovation and R&D lab. While, MIT Micro-Electronics Laboratory or the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Microelectronics Laboratory is the U.S. government's most capable semiconductor research and fabrication facility.

To come up with semiconductor research institute equivalent to the ones mentioned above, MeitY had formed a India Semiconductor R&D Committee back in 2021 and now in a latest the committee has handed over the report on the India Semiconductor Research Center (ISRC) to Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

While appreciating the efforts made by the members of India Semiconductor R&D Committee, the Minister said, “After months of dedicated research, India Semiconductor R&D Committee has laid out a roadmap of ISRC, realizing what can be the architectural design of PM Modi’s vision for the semiconductor ecosystem. After being absent from the semiconductor ecosystem for decades and missing many opportunities, we are now playing catch up. This institution will be a core institution in India’s growing capabilities in semiconductors. It will be the Indian equivalent of IMEC, Nano Tech, ITRI and the MIT Micro-electronic labs which have been the pioneers of every cutting-edge technology in the world.”

Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar acknowledged the contributions of all Committee members in comprehensively identifying the pillars of ISRC including – Advanced Silicon, Packaging R&D, Compound/ Power Semiconductor and Chip design & EDA.

“The ISRC report is part of a decadal strategy, that will significantly impact India, our young Indian scientists, researchers, and startups. It aligns with the PM's vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’. In the next 4-5 years, the ISRC will become one of the leading semiconductor research institutions in the world,” the Minister further added.

In December 2021, the Indian government committed an impressive Rs 76,000 crore (~US$10 billion) to catalyse the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.

The Minister also mentioned that ISRC is part of a graded approach that the Government is taking to make India a global semiconductor research and innovation hub. The unveiling of the report on the India Semiconductor Research Centre (ISRC) signifies India’s commitment to drive innovation and strategy, propelling India to be at the forefront of the global semiconductor landscape.

The ISRC envisions the establishment of a world-class research institution focusing on semiconductor processes, advanced packaging, compound semiconductors and Fabless design and EDA tools. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, ISRC aims to nurture a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem. It is expected to facilitate seamless transfer from lab to fab, bridging the gap between research and manufacturing.

The ISRC plans to invest strategically, focusing on achievable technology nodes and fostering collaborations with global research centres, academia and industry. The initiative aims to transform the centres of Excellence in India’s academic institutions into globally competitive entities, attracting global companies to India.

It aims to establish India as a global foundry supplier for semiconductors, packaging, and integrated systems, from design to products. By investing in cutting-edge research, education, and collaboration, India is poised to transform its semiconductor landscape and secure a prominent position on the semiconductor map of the world.

MEITY’s Electropreneur Park Announces 1st Successful Financial Exit for Its Incubated Health-Tech Startup UnivLabs Technologies

In a major boost to the Indian Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) market, Electropreneur Park (EP) announced the exit of Univlabs, a leading Indian health-tech startup.

With its remarkable growth journey, Univlabs Technologies has established its presence in 6 countries, offering innovative solutions to 2000+ hospitals in India and overseas. So far, the startup has applied for 11 patents while having 2 to its name.

An initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, Electropreneur Park has been set up to primarily to carry out incubation and build an ecosystem to help budding ESDM entrepreneurs. EP is managed by Software Technology Parks of India, implemented by India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and supported by CyberMedia (India) Ltd (CMIL).

Since its inception, Electropreneur Park has incubated 59 companies which have developed 125 products, and applied for 66 patents, along with generating employment opportunities to 885 professionals. The startups of EP have received Rs 21.79 crore of follow-on funding.

UnivLabs Technologies began its growth journey with Electropreneur Park with a mission to revolutionize healthcare by providing affordable and cutting-edge medical devices that improve patient outcomes.

The startup received a valuation of ₹20 crore and initiated an investor buyback from stake holders of EP incubator worth Rs ₹94.64 lakhs, marking a 36X growth for EP’s investment thereby marking a milestone in EP’s history. With this, Univlabs' successful exit leaves an impressive footprint of Electropreneur Park’s role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship over the past seven years of its operations.

The exit was formally announced with a cheque handover ceremony during the inauguration of the Apiary CoE incubation facility. The launch of Apiary CoE incubation facility has marked the beginning of yet another chapter of supporting budding entrepreneurs and startups by STPI. The launch event was graced by the presence Shri S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT and other dignitaries from the IT industry.

“It’s quite inspiring to meet and learn the journey of Sunil Singh, founder of Univlabs Technologies. The level of confidence, vision and ability to persevere over the last eight years have been crucial for his success. He should stand as an example of somebody who everyone can imitate,” said Shri S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT.

On the successful and profitable exit of UnivLabs, Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI expressed how Electropreneur Park has been successful in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and said, “In the last few years since it was set up, Electropreneur Park has incubated ESDM startups aligning with India’s commitment and vision to reach US$ 300 billion worth of electronics manufacturing and exports of US$ 120 billion by 2025-26, this progress is a promising development. Looking forward to witnessing more such startups leading the way of nurturing India’s ESDM market.”

Reflecting upon how an initiative like Electropreneur Park has given a push to India’s Make in India strategy, Shri. Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, IESA emphasized the role played by IESA in nurturing the ESDM startups and wished EP was the first incubator of its kind to set up and create a state-of-the-art electronics lab and other support infrastructure in the country.

On the successful first exit of UnivLabs, Shri. Pradeep Gupta, CMD, CyberMedia Group and Chief mentor of EP, said, “Electronics manufacturing in India is the new sunrise industry and we need to ensure that we continue our efforts to make the Make in India campaign a success through the promotion of indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship in the ESDM sector.”

Delving into Univlabs’ journey with Electropreneur Park, Sunil Singh, Founder & CEO, Univlabs Technologies said, “We are a passionate enterprise committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone. Electropreneur Park gave us the perfect platform in the form of world class infrastructure facilities equipped with cutting edge ESDM Labs and other support which helped channeling our efforts in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Our vision is to become a world No 1 company in the field of EndoVision in the next 10 years.”

This unprecedented success for Univlabs is a beacon of hope for the future of electronic innovation in India. Emphasizing the immense potential within the Indian ESDM sector, the growth journey for Univlabs Technologies, fostered by Electropreneur Park is a significant contribution to the Indian government’s "Make in India" vision.

Ministry Setting Up Graphene Engg. and Innovation Centre for Startups

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Graphene-Aurora program at a function in Maker Village Kochi in Kerala. MeitY Secretary Mr. Alkesh Kumar Sharma launched the program on Monday.

With this, a graphene engineering and innovation centre in Kerala will be setup to drive commercialisation of the advanced material and to empower emerging tech startups.

To recall, in January last year Digital University of Kerala (DUK), along with Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) in Thrissur, launched India's first Graphene Innovation Centre.

With the total budget outlay of Rs 94.85 Crore, the Graphene program shall be implemented by Digital University Kerala (DUK) with joint funding from MeitY, Government of India and Government of Kerala, and industry partners.

Carborundum Pvt Limited joined as one of the main industry partners. Earlier in May, Carborundum signed an MoU with the DUK to set up a Centre of Excellence, where further research and development on Graphene is going on.

The upcoming engineering & innovation Centre dedicated to Graphene, will be set up as section 8 company (not for profit) and is named —‘India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC)’.

The initial operations of I-GEIC will start from the recently opened facility of Government of Kerala at Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram. It shall fill the gap between R&D and commercialization by providing a complete facility to startup and industry.

Along with the startup products developed, the technologies and products also developed at research and development centers like India Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG), setup at Makers village, Kochi shall be considered for commercialization.

The upcoming Graphene Centre will nurture the deep/emerging Graphene technology & innovation ecosystem that can guide, develop, implement, and support SMEs and startups to commercialize developed graphene technologies for scale adoption.

The MeitY Secretary mentioned that creation of a commercialization eco-system for graphene as an emerging technology would help India take a pole position in the world’s new material market.

Ministry, C-DAC Launches Open Challenge To Create Made-in-India Web Browser with Crypto Token for Digital Sign.

[UPDATED : 18 August 2023]

On Wednesday, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) had launched the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC), which will be spearheaded by MeitY, Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and C-DAC Bangalore.

The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge is an Open Challenge Competition that is open to all technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers from all corners of the country to create an Indigenous "Made in India" web browser with its own trust store with an inbuilt CCA India root certificate, cutting edge functionalities and enhanced security & data privacy protection features.

Differing from other browsers available to use, the proposed home-made web-browser would also focus on accessibility and user friendliness, ensuring built-in support for individuals with diverse abilities. Moreover, the browser envisions the ability to digitally sign documents using a crypto token, bolstering secure transactions and digital interactions.

Speaking during the launch event, Sunita Verma, Scientist G & GC (R&D in Electronics & IT) conveyed the message of Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, MeitY that this challenge marks a significant stride towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, designed to strengthen India’s digital sovereignty through the development of the Indian Web Browser.

According to Arvind Kumar, CCA, the crucial role played by CCA in ensuring the trustworthiness and security of digital certificates issued in India and help create a robust PKI infrastructure, enabling secure electronic transactions across the country. However, for SSL certificates, the country has been dependent for SSL certifies issued by Roots of Foreign entities.

Initialising to develop its Own Browser with inbuilt India Root Certificate (by CCA) would help overcoming this challenge. India has moved a step ahead for making the country Internet Resilient which refers to a country’s ability to withstand and recover from various disruptions and threats that may impact its internet infrastructure and connectivity.

Anybody can take part in this challenge and submit idea. There will be three rounds in the whole challenge, after first round i.e. in ideation round 18 entries would be selected.

In the second round 8 participants would be shortlisted to enter into final round. Finally one winner, first runner up and second runner-up would be selected. Throughout the challenge technical mentorship would be provided.

Out of the total prize pool of Rs. 3.41 crore, winner would be facilitate with Rs. One crore. The winner would also be supported further to take the developed browser to next levels.

In order to enter the challenge, please check eligibility criteria and then register here. 

The open challenge launch programme was participated by more than 200 participants from government departments, industry, start-up and academia through on-line and off-line mode. A panel discussion was also organized wherein the queries of the participants were answered by MeitY, CCA and C-DAC officials.

CDAC Partners SoftBank-owned Arm To Support Indian Semiconductor Startups at Every Stage of Prototyping Development

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) on Saturday announced a collaboration with Arm, a SoftBank-owned leading semiconductor IP Company, to broaden the support under the Design Linked Incentive Scheme (DLI) and boost the growth of the semiconductor market in India.

UK based Arm is a chip design company, which was acquired by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, in September 2016, in a deal worth £23.4bn. At time of acquisition Arm was listed in London and New York. Arm designs the tech behind processors - commonly known as chips - that power devices from smartphones to game consoles. 

As part of Arm's partnership with CDAC, the Arm® Flexible Access for Startups program, which gives $0 license fee access to a broad portfolio of verified Arm IP, tools and training, is now broadening its qualification criteria to welcome applications from startups that qualify under MEITY’s SemiconIndia futureDESIGN DLI scheme.

Arm Flexible Access for Startups allows early-stage startups to move fast, experiment with ease and design with confidence. The program gives startups access to a broad portfolio of extensively verified IP, tools and training, with a $0 license fee to develop system-on-chip (SoC) prototype. This is backed by industry-leading technical support, an extensive ecosystem and a broad developer base for the best chance of success of participating startups in chosen market.

This program for startups provides low-risk, easy access to industry-proven technology, technical support, an extensive ecosystem, and Arm’s broad developer base so silicon startups can move fast, experiment with ease, and design with confidence.

With Arm Flexible Access, startups building products across all markets have the best chance of success with a fast, low-risk journey to building a working prototype, securing the next round of funding, and instilling confidence in potential investors. Arm Flexible Access for Startups also offers technical support and training to rapidly upskill teams, alongside a choice of experienced Arm Approved Design Partners to bring extra capacity and capability along their journey.

Guru Ganesan, President, Arm India, said, "Innovative silicon startups will drive the future of the semiconductor industry as they develop life-changing new technologies in areas from AI to autonomous vehicles and IoT. We are committed to supporting startups, and through the Arm Flexible Access program, we offer the freedom to experiment, innovate and design, so they can become the technology leaders of tomorrow."

E. Magesh, Director General, CDAC, said, "India has a large and growing pool of designers in semiconductor domain and such offerings from semiconductor ecosystem players like Arm will provide a low cost, low risk opportunity to create innovative designs by young entrepreneurs for import substitution and value addition in the electronics sector."

Under this collaboration, CDAC and Arm intend to work towards the following broad objectives:

• Startups selected under DLI will qualify for the Arm Flexible Access for Startups program.
• Arm will provide the startups with access to processor and system IPs, reference designs, GPU, ISP, and AI accelerator IPs, and software development tools.
• Arm will provide access to thousands of Artisan physical IP products supporting multiple foundries and process nodes for physical design and implementation.

The DLI scheme aims to offer financial incentives as well as design infrastructure support across various stages of development and deployment of semiconductor design(s) for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores and semiconductor linked design(s) over a period of five years.

The DLI Scheme is implemented by C-DAC. Under the DLI Scheme, ChipIN centre has been setup at C-DAC as one stop centre to provide chip design & fabrication services to supported companies.

Five startups/ MSMEs were earlier approved by MeitY for support under the DLI scheme and announced during the 2nd and 3rd DLI Roadshows held earlier this year in Bangalore (February) and Delhi (May). With this announcement, total 7 start-ups under the DLI Scheme will be working on making chip and IP cores for automotive, mobility and computing sectors.