– Centers on chip-level advancements tailored for Telecom, IoT, AI, and Automotive sectors

– Selection criteria emphasize product innovation, technological prowess, and the founders’ experience

India, November 22, 2023 – T-Hub, India’s premier startup incubator, has unveiled the semiconductor cohort 2 as part of the AIC T-Hub Foundation program. In collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, this initiative is set to nurture and elevate promising semiconductor startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the sector.

Building on the success of previous cohorts focused on healthcare, mobility, and sustainability under the visionary partnership with AIM, the new semiconductor cohort is poised to make a significant contribution to India’s technological landscape. Over the next six months, the program will support 10 startups, including notable names like FaceIntel Systems, Clupav Scientific Pvt Ltd, Deep Grid Semi, Sego Automobile Solution Pvt Ltd, Spidex Technologies Pvt Ltd, Geocon, Chipex Technologies Pvt Ltd, and Zealy Smart System.

The cohort will emphasize critical areas such as Chip-level and Systems development for Telecom, IoT, AI, and Automotive. Startups will be selected based on criteria such as product innovation, patent strength, technological advancement, and the experience of the founding team. The comprehensive six-month cohort-based program will feature group sessions, mentor meets, investor demo days, and market access mixers. Additionally, startups will benefit from support such as Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) assistance, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, access to T-works prototyping labs, and opportunities to connect with potential investors and customers.

Mahankali Srinivas Rao, CEO of T-Hub, expressed the commitment of T-Hub to provide startups with essential support, strategic partnerships, and an innovation-rich environment crucial for scaling their semiconductor breakthroughs. The cohort, with its focus on innovative technologies, is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping and advancing the semiconductor sector, contributing to the sector’s growth and innovation landscape.

Rajesh Adla, CEO of AIC T-Hub Foundation, stated, “Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that not only inspires but actively engages entrepreneurs to explore the semiconductor domain. AIC T-Hub Foundation is committed to nurturing the spirit of innovation in this dynamic industry.”

The cohort launch event featured esteemed speakers, including Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Information Technology (IT) & Industries and Commerce (I&C), Government of Telangana, industry leaders such as Dr. Satya Gupta, President VLSI Society of India; Founder EPIC; Open-Silicon and IESA Chairman; Intel, Navin Bishnoi, Country Head (Marvell Technologies India) & AVP Engineering (Compute and Custom Solutions), Nazir.S, Senior Partner Manager ARM, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Director, Innovations and Partnerships, STMicroElectronics PadmajaRuparel, Co-Founder at Indian Angel Network & Founding Partner of IAN Fund.

The AIC programs have excelled with 150+ startups, supported by 8+ Cr in funding and enriched by an extensive network of 300+ mentors, marking a testament to its impactful journey. Two startups launched chips, and market access flourished with pilots for Mahindra, Schindler, Birla Group, and TCS. Interested startups can apply until November 2024.