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India Targets 24 Months to Develop Indigenous Chip Tech, Says Vaishnaw

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a 24-month target for developing indigenous, simpler analog semiconductor Intellectual Properties (IPs). He stated India's semiconductor design program has reached a significant level, enabling the country to move from presentations to working projects. The Minister highlighted that free access to Electronic Design Automation tools and easier funding for operational projects are key advantages. Vaishnaw suggested a collaborative effort could yield a full suite of analog IPs within 36 months, leveraging domestic and diaspora expertise.

Key Points: India's 24-Month Goal for Indigenous Semiconductor IPs

  • 24-month target for simpler IPs
  • Free EDA tool access provided
  • Funding easier for working projects
  • Goal for full analog IP suite in 36 months
  • Skills exist in India & diaspora
2 min read

Vaishnaw sets a target of 24 months to develop indigenous analog IPs

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw sets a 24-month target for developing indigenous analog semiconductor IPs, marking a key step in India's chip self-reliance.

"Let's take a target of 24 months then. - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, January 27

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said that India's semiconductor design program has reached a significant level of achievement, enabling the nation to take off in the global chip industry.

During an interaction with 23 semiconductor chip design companies approved under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme of the Semicon India Programme, Vaishnaw stated that the journey started three years ago has positioned the country to move beyond theoretical presentations to developed, working projects.

The Minister emphasised that the provision of free, sovereign access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools under C-DAC gave participants a major lead in the design world. "When we started this program, a major concern was access to EDA tools and access to IP," Vaishnaw noted.

He highlighted that funding for startups becomes more accessible once a project is operational, adding, "Funding becomes much easier once you have developed a working project; otherwise, it's just a PPT presentation."

During the discussion, industry participants raised the challenge of indigenously developing standard Intellectual Properties (IPs), such as USB and PCIe, which require high-speed analog designs. Responding to a query regarding the timeline for such development, Vaishnaw set a target of 24 months for the creation of simpler IPs. "Let's take a target of 24 months then," the Minister said.

The conversation further delved into the complexities of analog IPs, which are critical for real-world applications and strategic sectors. Industry representatives pointed out that proving these IPs across multiple technology nodes, such as those from TSMC or UMC, is a time-consuming process. In response, Vaishnaw said, "This is a journey that we started three to four years ago, January 22. Within four years, we are at a very significantly good level of achievement. And this is a level where we can now take off."

"Suppose we make a request to all of you, and we support it fully. Maybe in a period of 36 months we can have a suite of analog IPs coming out of our country. It is definitely possible," Vaishnaw said.

He noted that the skill set exists within the country and among the Indian diaspora holding senior positions in global semiconductor firms. The Minister suggested that standard IPs developed through this collaborative effort could eventually be housed in a DLI repository and mandated for use in chips utilised within India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the intent is good, I hope this isn't just another announcement that gets delayed. Developing complex analog IPs is not a simple task—proving them across technology nodes takes years globally. The 24-36 month timeline seems very optimistic. Let's hope the execution matches the vision.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Tapping into the Indian diaspora talent in global semiconductor firms is a smart move. We have the brains, we just needed the ecosystem and funding. Free EDA tools from C-DAC is a game-changer for startups. This can reduce our dependency on foreign tech for critical sectors.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see India's push in semiconductors. As someone in the tech industry, I know how vital analog IPs are. If they can create a mandated repository for chips used in India, it could really boost local manufacturing and design. The global supply chain needs more players.
K
Karthik V
The key will be sustained funding and avoiding bureaucratic hurdles. "Funding becomes easier once you have a working project" – absolutely true. But startups need that initial runway. Hope the DLI scheme is streamlined to get money to innovators quickly. Wishing the best to all the companies involved!
M
Meera T
This is about strategic autonomy. In today's world, controlling your own chip design is as important as defense. Developing indigenous IPs will secure our communications, defense, and space sectors. A 2-3 year target is challenging but necessary. Let's get it done! 💪

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