India’s Semiconductor Revolution: Empowering the Nation through Chip Design and Innovation

The Indian government is working to make chip design more accessible through initiatives by MeitY, aiming to democratize semiconductor design across the country. The C2S (Chips to Start-up) Program will train 85,000 professionals in chip design, offering hands-on experience and access to advanced tools. The ChipIN Centre at C-DAC will provide state-of-the-art facilities for chip design and fabrication. Recently, the government announced the winners of the ‘Analog & Digital Design Hackathons,’ highlighting student innovation in the field.

The indigenous development of a BLDC Motor Controller Chip by Vervesemi Microelectronics was also recognized. Additionally, the launch of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Grand Challenge invites applications for innovative uses of open-source VEGA and SHAKTI processors. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized India’s shift toward becoming a product-driven nation, with a focus on semiconductors as a key area of growth. This initiative opens opportunities for startups, researchers, and engineers to drive India’s tech innovation forward.

India’s Semiconductor Revolution: Empowering the Nation through Chip Design and Innovation

The Indian government is making significant efforts to boost the country’s capabilities in semiconductor chip design, aiming to empower both students and professionals to contribute to this critical field. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the focus is not just on manufacturing (“Make in India”) but also on fostering homegrown innovation (“Design in India”). The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched multiple programs to make chip design more accessible, ensuring that skilled individuals from all corners of the country can participate in shaping India’s semiconductor future.

A flagship initiative in this mission is the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Program, designed to train 85,000 professionals in semiconductor chip design. The program targets students at all academic levels—from undergraduate (B.Tech) to PhD—and equips them with hands-on experience in designing, fabricating, and testing chips. Participants receive mentorship, access to advanced tools, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects like Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), System-on-Chip (SoC) designs, and Intellectual Property (IP) Core development. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the C2S Program aims to create a talent pool ready to meet global semiconductor demands.

To support these efforts, the government has set up the ChipIN Centre at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This state-of-the-art facility provides designers with access to the latest tools and technologies needed to develop advanced chips, including those as small as 5 nanometers (nm). The center also offers services for chip fabrication and packaging, reducing dependency on foreign facilities and accelerating India’s journey toward self-reliance in semiconductor production.

In addition to training, the government is encouraging innovation through competitions like the Analog & Digital Design Hackathons. Recently, over 2,200 teams and 10,000 students participated in these hackathons, tackling real-world challenges in chip design. Six winning teams were recognized for their groundbreaking solutions. A standout achievement was the development of an indigenous Brushless DC (BLDC) Motor Controller Chip by Vervesemi Microelectronics. Remarkably, 90% of its components were sourced locally, and its scalable design makes it a milestone in India’s quest for semiconductor independence.

Another exciting initiative is the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Grand Challenge, which invites innovators to build applications using India’s homegrown VEGA and SHAKTI processors. These open-source processors, developed by C-DAC and IIT Madras, are part of India’s strategy to lead in semiconductor technology. The challenge aims to spur creativity in areas like IoT, robotics, and AI, leveraging India’s engineering talent to create globally competitive products.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that India is shifting from a service-based economy to one driven by product innovation. The semiconductor industry is central to this vision, and the government is actively creating opportunities for startups, researchers, and engineers to collaborate and innovate. By nurturing a robust ecosystem—from education to fabrication—India aims to become a global hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing.

These initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy to position India at the forefront of technology. By democratizing access to chip design tools, fostering industry-academia partnerships, and celebrating grassroots innovation, the government is laying the foundation for a self-reliant, tech-driven economy. As Prime Minister Modi’s vision gains momentum, India is not just preparing to meet global semiconductor demands but also paving the way for homegrown solutions that could transform industries worldwide.

In summary, India’s semiconductor push is about more than just chips—it’s about building a culture of innovation, reducing reliance on imports, and creating high-value jobs. With programs like C2S, ChipIN, and DIR-V, the country is empowering its youth, supporting startups, and signaling its ambition to become a key player in the global tech landscape.