India Semiconductor DLI Scheme Boosts Chip Design and Talent Development

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw met semiconductor chip design companies approved under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme on January 27, 2026, to assess progress and reaffirm government support for an indigenous design ecosystem. 

Key Achievements of the DLI Scheme 

The programme now supports 24 startups that have completed 16 tape‑outs, including six chips fabricated at advanced nodes as small as 12 nm. Academic institutions have taped out 122 designs and fabricated 56 chips at 180 nm through SCL Mohali.  

A total of 75 patents from academia and 10 patents from startups have been filed. Advanced EDA tools have recorded roughly 2.25 crore tool‑hours of usage, engaging 67,000 students and over 1,000 startup engineers. 

Talent Development and Infrastructure 

Against a target of 85,000 skilled professionals in ten years, more than 67,000 semiconductor professionals have been trained in four years across 315 academic institutions.  

SCL Mohali will continue to support tape‑outs in the 180 nm range, while the upcoming Dholera facility will enable nodes up to 28 nm, strengthening the manufacturing base. 

Read More: India Unveils New Roadmap to Strengthen Semiconductor Ecosystem! 

Strategic Focus Areas and Expansion Plans 

The government has identified six design domains – compute systems, RF and wireless, networking, power management, sensors and memory – as foundational blocks for defence, space, automotive, railways and drone applications.  

The next phase aims to enable at least 50 fabless semiconductor companies. Startups have attracted nearly ₹430 crore in venture capital, with 14 firms securing funding. Ongoing projects include 10 under construction and four slated to start production this year. 

Deep Tech Awards Initiative 

To encourage innovation, the Deep Tech Awards will be instituted in 2026, recognising achievements in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space and other deep‑tech sectors. The first round is expected towards the end of the year. 

Conclusion 

The DLI Scheme has delivered tangible outcomes in chip design, talent development and venture funding. Government plans to expand the programme, target 50 fabless firms and reinforce key design domains, while the Deep Tech Awards aim to further stimulate indigenous innovation. 

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