The C2S (Chips to Startup) Programme supports semiconductor design innovation in India with funding assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakh per approved project for eligible institutions and startups. Applicants can explore the programme by submitting proposals through designated academic or industry collaboration channels.
In summary
- The C2S (Chips to Startup) Programme is a Government of India initiative aimed at strengthening semiconductor design and innovation capabilities across academic institutions, startups, and industry partners.
- It focuses on building a skilled semiconductor ecosystem by supporting chip design projects, research, and prototype development with structured funding support.
- Funding assistance can go up to Rs. 15 lakh per project for eligible participants, depending on project scope and approval criteria.
- The programme is implemented through collaboration with C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) and the ChipIN Centre under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- It encourages innovation in areas such as VLSI design, embedded systems, and chip architecture development.
- This page covers objectives, eligibility, application process, institutional roles, career outcomes, and scheme comparisons.
What is the C2S (Chips to Startup) Programme?
The C2S (Chips to Startup) Programme is a national initiative focused on developing India’s semiconductor design ecosystem by enabling students, startups, and researchers to build chip design capabilities.
It provides financial and technical support for semiconductor-related projects, including VLSI design, system-on-chip development, and embedded system innovation.
Key objectives of the C2S programme
- Strengthen India’s semiconductor design ecosystem.
- Promote indigenous chip design and prototyping capabilities.
- Bridge the gap between academic research and industry requirements.
- Encourage startups and institutions to develop semiconductor solutions.
- Build a skilled workforce in VLSI and microelectronics domains.
- Reduce dependency on imported chip design technologies.
- Enable innovation-driven research in electronics and computing systems.
Eligibility criteria for C2S programme
- Applicants must be Indian institutions, startups, or recognised research organisations.
- Students and faculty members can participate through approved institutions.
- Projects must focus on semiconductor design, VLSI, or related technologies.
- Applicant teams must demonstrate technical feasibility and innovation potential.
- Institutions must have basic infrastructure for electronics or chip design research.
- Collaboration with industry partners is encouraged for advanced projects.
- Proposals must comply with guidelines issued by implementing agencies.
- Preference is given to projects aligned with national semiconductor priorities.
How to apply for C2S programme
- Identify a semiconductor design problem aligned with programme objectives.
- Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Submit the proposal through the designated institutional or portal-based submission system.
- Ensure institutional approval from the host academic or research organisation.
- Proposals are evaluated by technical experts for feasibility and innovation.
- Shortlisted applications may undergo presentation or review by screening committees.
- Approved projects receive funding support and technical mentorship.
- Selected teams begin execution under supervision of implementing agencies such as C-DAC.
- Regular progress reports must be submitted for monitoring and compliance.
Role of C-DAC and ChipIN Centre in C2S
- C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) provides technical expertise and infrastructure support.
- ChipIN Centre acts as a coordination platform for semiconductor innovation activities.
- Both organisations evaluate and monitor project proposals under the programme.
- They facilitate access to advanced chip design tools and platforms.
- They support collaboration between academia, startups, and industry partners.
- They guide participants on design validation and prototyping processes.
- They ensure alignment with national semiconductor development goals.
Career opportunities created by C2S programme
- Semiconductor design engineer roles in VLSI companies.
- Research positions in electronics and embedded systems.
- Startup opportunities in chip design and hardware innovation.
- Academic research careers in microelectronics and computing systems.
- Internship opportunities in semiconductor design labs.
- Roles in system-on-chip (SoC) development and verification.
- Opportunities in India’s growing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
C2S programme vs other semiconductor schemes
| Parameter | C2S programme | Other semiconductor schemes |
|---|---|---|
| Focus area | Chip design and innovation | Manufacturing and broader electronics ecosystem |
| Target group | Students, startups, institutions | Industry players and large manufacturers |
| Funding type | Project-based support | Capital and incentive-based support |
| Implementation | C-DAC and ChipIN Centre | Government ministries and agencies |
| Scope | VLSI and design innovation | End-to-end semiconductor ecosystem |
| Objective | Skill and design development | Infrastructure and production scaling |
Conclusion
The C2S (Chips to Startup) Programme is a Government of India initiative focused on strengthening semiconductor design capabilities by supporting students, startups, and institutions with funding and technical guidance, including project assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakh.
For broader financial support needs related to scaling ventures, users can explore business loans, check repayment structures using the business loan interest rate page, and estimate EMIs using the business loan EMI calculator.
