India Boosts Domestic Chip Design with Government Support and New Innovations
India is making great progress in becoming self-reliant in semiconductor technology, thanks to the government’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme. This initiative is helping Indian companies grow their chip design capabilities across important sectors like surveillance, energy metering, networking, and motor control.
So far, 23 chip design projects have received approval under the DLI Scheme. Additionally, 72 companies now have access to advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, which are crucial for developing modern chips. Several startups showcased their innovative plans at Semicon India 2025, highlighting India’s growing strength in chip design and Intellectual Property (IP).
One prominent startup, InCore Semiconductors, is making waves with its groundbreaking System-on-Chip (SoC) Generator Platform. Founded by the team behind the first open-source RISC-V processor in India, the company has developed a platform that cuts chip design time from months to just minutes. This automation speeds up product development, lowers costs, and reduces design risks—benefiting companies and customers alike.
InCore recently tested a chip built on TSMC’s 40nm process, featuring six RISC-V cores, a custom Network-on-Chip (NoC), and multiple peripherals. The chip runs a complete software stack, including a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), proving the platform’s strength and reliability.
Another innovative company, Aheesa Digital Innovations, plans to launch its indigenously designed SoC in early 2026. The company will offer its SoC and reference platforms to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and ODMs (Original Design Manufacturers), helping them create local networking and broadband solutions—truly Made-in-India.
Furthermore, Indian firms like 3rdiTech, Netrasemi, BigEndian Semiconductors, and Mindgrove Technologies are developing indigenous SoC solutions for critical applications such as surveillance cameras and CCTV systems. This highlights India’s growing capabilities in designing chips for security and other key industries.
During Semicon India 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the exhibition stalls in New Delhi. He was accompanied by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Jitin Prasada. The Prime Minister emphasized the vital role of startups in achieving India’s semiconductor goals and stressed the importance of creating Indian IP to foster innovation and self-reliance.
India’s focus on advancing domestic chip design and supporting startups is paving the way for a stronger, more independent semiconductor industry, helping the country compete globally in the future of technology.
