Introduction:
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) and Arm, the world’s leading semiconductor IP company, have joined forces to enhance support under the Design Linked Incentive Scheme (DLI) and boost the growth of India’s semiconductor market. This momentous partnership, announced in Gandhinagar, marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation, empowering startups, and propelling the nation towards becoming a technology leader in the semiconductor domain.
The Arm Flexible Access for Startups Program:
As a pivotal part of this collaboration, the Arm® Flexible Access for Startups program has expanded its qualification criteria to welcome applications from startups eligible under MEITY’s SemiconIndia futureDESIGN DLI scheme. The program, renowned for its generosity, offers startups a $0 license fee access to a wide range of verified Arm IP, cutting-edge tools, and comprehensive training, enabling them to experiment, innovate, and design with confidence.
A Launchpad for Startup Success:
The Arm Flexible Access for Startups initiative provides a low-risk, easy pathway to industry-proven technology, backed by extensive technical support and a robust ecosystem. Embracing this opportunity, silicon startups can accelerate their journey to develop groundbreaking products in various markets, from AI to autonomous vehicles and IoT. The program equips these startups with the tools to build working prototypes, secure vital funding, and inspire confidence in potential investors, setting them on a trajectory to lead the future of the semiconductor industry.
Guru Ganesan, President of Arm India, emphasized the commitment to support startups in their pursuit of life-changing technologies, propelling them to become the technology leaders of tomorrow. This collaboration resonates with India’s burgeoning pool of semiconductor designers, providing a low-cost, low-risk opportunity for young entrepreneurs to foster import substitution and value addition in the electronics sector.
Objectives of the Collaboration:
The collaboration between CDAC and Arm is driven by a set of broad objectives to empower startups and bolster India’s semiconductor ecosystem:
- Access to Arm Flexible Access for Startups: Startups selected under the DLI scheme will be eligible to participate in the Arm Flexible Access for Startups program, opening doors to a plethora of cutting-edge technologies and resources.
- Comprehensive Technology Support: Arm will provide startups with access to a diverse range of processor and system IPs, reference designs, GPU, ISP, and AI accelerator IPs, alongside top-notch software development tools.
- Artisan Physical IP Products: The collaboration will enable startups to access thousands of Artisan physical IP products, supporting multiple foundries and process nodes, enabling them to take their designs from concept to implementation seamlessly.
The Design Linked Incentive Scheme (DLI) and its Impact:
The DLI scheme, led by CDAC, offers financial incentives and design infrastructure support across different stages of semiconductor design(s) for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores, and semiconductor-linked designs over a five-year period. The initiative has already seen the approval of five startups/MSMEs for support, with the current announcement adding two more startups to the list. These startups will be dedicatedly working on developing chip and IP cores for crucial sectors like automotive, mobility, and computing.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between CDAC and Arm marks a transformative step towards nurturing India’s semiconductor startup ecosystem. By providing unprecedented access to state-of-the-art technologies and support, this partnership aims to empower startups to drive innovation and create life-changing technologies across various industries. As the program unfolds and startups flourish, India is poised to emerge as a global technology leader, shaping the future of the semiconductor industry and pioneering advancements in AI, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and beyond. With the support of the government, industry leaders, and visionary entrepreneurs, this collaborative vision is set to redefine the landscape of the Indian semiconductor sector, propelling it towards a future of boundless possibilities.
