Indian chip design startups have become a pivotal part of the global semiconductor industry, particularly as the world increasingly recognizes the importance of diverse supply chains in technology. This surge has been primarily supported by India's government initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, which offer financial and infrastructural support to startups. Prominent Indian startups in the sector include Saankhya Labs, Mindgrove Technologies, Terminus Circuits, and Netrasemi. These startups focus on a variety of applications including AI, telecommunications, and IoT. As of 2025, the semiconductor market in India is projected to become a $150 billion opportunity by 2030, establishing the nation as a significant player in the global semiconductor fabric.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | Varies among startups, prominent ones since 2000s |
| Headquarters | Various locations, predominantly Bengaluru |
| Founders | Multiple notable founders include alumni from IIT |
| Revenue | Data varies across companies |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Multiple global VCs and domestic banks |
| Industry | Semiconductor, chip design |
| Number of Employees | Several thousands collectively |
Indian chip design startups have their roots in India’s transition towards digital self-reliance. Predominant in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the semiconductor landscape in India began shaping with the establishment of cutting-edge educational institutes like the IITs and IISc, which became incubators for high-tech talent. However, many startups initially designed systems for foreign entities due to the lack of domestic manufacturing facilities. Notable early players such as Saankhya Labs and Mindgrove Technologies set the stage by focusing on developing indigenous solutions for complex systems-on-chip (SoC) designs. Founders, generally emerging out of these academic institutions, fostered alliances with international tech giants to incorporate best practices, gradually creating a robust foundation for this sector.
Indian chip design startups operate predominantly in developing System on Chips (SoCs) using both proprietary and open-source platforms such as RISC-V. Notable companies include:
These startups have yielded significant achievements:
In 2025, Indian startups are increasingly establishing themselves as pivotal players in the semiconductor design sector. The burgeoning focus on "Designed in India" chips is propelled by policy initiatives from the government, unfolded through the DLI and C2S schemes that provide critical fiscal incentives. Prominent startups such as Netrasemi and Fermionic Design are driving forward innovations in applications like smart cities, IoT devices, and automotive systems. The strategic emphasis remains on securing intellectual property and creating scalable production capabilities that can anchor India in the global value chain.
Indian chip design startups are revolutionizing the semiconductor landscape, not only by catering to local needs but also by positioning themselves prominently on the international front. Through synergies between academia and industry, government backing, and entrepreneurial vigor, these startups are poised to leverage their groundbreaking ideas, securing India as a formidable hub for semiconductor innovation. As businesses pursue agility and innovation, India's burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem can provide tailored solutions, lending considerable momentum to its prospects as a global technology leader.