India's Semiconductor Revolution
India is rapidly becoming a global hub for chip manufacturing, semiconductor design, and deep-tech innovation. With global chip demand soaring and over 85% of India's semiconductor needs being imported, the government launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) along with specialized support programs including Semiconductor Future 2025—one of the most significant CSR-backed accelerators for semiconductor startups.
The Semiconductor Scheme aims to strengthen India's semiconductor ecosystem by supporting chip manufacturing, design innovation, infrastructure development, and electronics supply chain stability. Whether you are a startup, researcher, innovator, or manufacturing company, this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about India's semiconductor opportunities.
Strategic Opportunity: With subsidies up to 50% of project cost and support from partners like Cadence, India's semiconductor ecosystem offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and scaling.
What Is the Semiconductor Scheme in India?
The Semiconductor Scheme, part of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), is a government-led initiative to promote domestic chip manufacturing, semiconductor design, and supply chain readiness. It covers a wide range of sectors including semiconductor fabs, display fabs, compound semiconductors, chip design companies, advanced packaging, fabless startups, and semiconductor supply chain infrastructure.
Key Objectives:
Coverage Areas:
Semiconductor Future 2025 Accelerator
Semiconductor Future 2025 – Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator is one of the most impactful semiconductor accelerator programs in India. This collaborative initiative brings together:
Technical Partners
- ✓ Cadence (CSR supporter & tech partner)
- ✓ AIC IIT Delhi
- ✓ FITT-IIT Delhi
Support Structure
- ✓ Supported by AIM NITI Aayog
- ✓ Government-backed initiative
- ✓ Industry expert mentorship
Program Purpose:
To empower deep-tech semiconductor startups to:
Focus Areas of Semiconductor Innovation
The scheme prioritizes next-generation semiconductor technologies that address global market demands and India's unique innovation opportunities:
AI & Edge Computing
RISC-V Architecture
Low-Power Design
Supply Chain AI
Yield Forecasting
Technology Priorities
The scheme emphasizes:
Who Is Eligible for the Semiconductor Scheme?
The semiconductor scheme is open to a diverse range of players in the semiconductor ecosystem:
Early-Stage Startups
Semiconductor design and fab startups
Student Teams & Developers
Innovators building semiconductor solutions
Researchers & Innovators
Research-based chip design solutions
Manufacturing Companies
Chip fabrication and packaging units
IDMs
Integrated Device Manufacturers
Research Institutions
Universities and R&D centers
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Indian registered company or organization
- Focus on deep-tech innovation or manufacturing
- Viable project with technical feasibility
- Alignment with ISM and scheme objectives
Benefits of Semiconductor Future 2025
Startups selected under this premium accelerator receive rare, high-value benefits for semiconductor startups:
Seed Funding up to ₹10 Lakhs
Grant support to accelerate prototype development and scaling of semiconductor solutions.
2 Years Incubation
Free incubation at AIC Sonepat (IIT Delhi) with world-class infrastructure and facilities.
EDA Tools Access
Access to advanced Electronic Design Automation tools and semiconductor labs for development.
Cadence Expert Mentorship
Direct guidance from Cadence experts, IIT Delhi faculty, and semiconductor researchers.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with investors, government bodies, and industry leaders in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Specialized Training
Workshops and bootcamps on chip design, RISC-V, and semiconductor innovation practices.
Types of Projects Funded
The scheme funds innovative projects across multiple semiconductor domains:
💻Chip Design Startups
- •AI-enabled semiconductor design tools
- •Custom RISC-V based processor design
- •Embedded systems for edge computing
- •Low-power chip architectures
🏭Semiconductor Manufacturing
- •Advanced fab technologies
- •Display manufacturing solutions
- •Compound semiconductor production
- •Packaging and assembly technologies
⚙️Supply Chain & Infrastructure
- •Semiconductor supply chain optimization
- •EDA tool development
- •Semiconductor ecosystem infrastructure
- •AI-driven manufacturing solutions
🔬Deep-Tech Research
- •Next-generation chip materials
- •Quantum computing research
- •Photonic chip development
- •IoT and sensor technologies
Incentives Under India Semiconductor Scheme
The scheme offers substantial capital support and subsidies for various semiconductor segments:
| Category | Subsidy / Incentive |
|---|---|
| Semiconductor Fabs | Up to 50% capital subsidy |
| Display Fabs | Up to 50% subsidy |
| Compound Semiconductors | 30–50% incentive |
| Semiconductor Packaging | 30–50% support |
| Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) | Up to ₹30 crore per company |
| Electronic Manufacturing Units | 10–20% typically |
Subsidy Examples:
Scenario 1: A ₹10,000 crore semiconductor fab can receive up to ₹5,000 crore in capital subsidy (50% of project cost).
Scenario 2: A ₹1,000 crore display fab can receive up to ₹500 crore in subsidy.
Design Startups: Fabless and chip design startups can receive up to ₹30 crore under the DLI scheme.
How To Apply for the Semiconductor Scheme
Prepare Your Project Proposal
Develop a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) with technical specs and financial projections.
Register Through ISM Portal
Create an account on the official India Semiconductor Mission portal and register your project.
Upload Documents & Reports
Submit DPR, company documents, financial statements, land documents, and technical diagrams.
ISM Review & Assessment
ISM technical team reviews your application for completeness and alignment with scheme objectives.
Expert Committee Evaluation
Presentation to expert committee for technical feasibility and market viability assessment.
Government Approval
Cabinet or committee approval followed by milestone-based subsidy disbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transform India's Semiconductor Future
The India Semiconductor Mission and Semiconductor Future 2025 represent India's bold step toward technological self-reliance and global chip leadership. With large-scale subsidies, world-class mentorship from Cadence and IIT Delhi, and comprehensive support, the semiconductor ecosystem is uniquely positioned for unprecedented growth and innovation.
Whether you're building next-generation chips, deep-tech semiconductor solutions, or manufacturing capacity at scale—now is the best time to leverage India's semiconductor mission and accelerate your growth.
✨ Semiconductor Future 2025 Includes: