Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IIT-H) launched a first-of-its-kind incubator programme focusing on creating an ecosystem to groom startups in the area of chip design.
Called the Fabless Chip Design Incubator, a flagship programme being executed with the support of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) and in partnership with Cadence Design Systems, a leading provider of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software, hardware and IP.
According to the Telangana Today, speaking at the launch of FabCI, U B Desai, Director, IIT-Hyderabad, said, “This incubator programme demonstrates our commitment to generate IP in chip design.”
“I am confident that FabCI will make great contributions to the growth of chip design in the country. This programme will also be a shot in the arm to ‘Make in India’ campaign and help India become a global hub for chip design,” added Prof Desai.
The vision is to leverage research and expertise of IIT-Hyderabad faculty as well as external mentors to create Indian IP and to make a mark in chip design internationally.
The incubator is fully functional already and is soliciting applications from fabless startups. Speaking about the partnership with IIT-H for FabCI programme, Jaswinder Ahuja, corporate vice- president and Managing Director, Cadence Design Systems (India) Private Limited said, innovation and entrepreneurship were essential for the growth of Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem in India.
“Incubators play a catalytic role in lowering entry barriers and fostering entrepreneurship. Cadence has been working with Government of India, industry and academia for many years now. We are excited to partner with IIT-H for FabCI, a unique incubator, which we expect can provide a boost to home grown semiconductor innovation,” he added.
Hemant Kanakia, Chief Advisor and Mentor for FabCI, said: “India has enormous potential to become a centre of excellence for fabless semiconductor products and service companies. FabCI is a good step in realising that potential by creating an ecosystem for start-ups in the semiconductor sector.”
In addition to its world-class EDA technologies, Cadence will also provide its platforms for emulation, rapid prototyping and access to its engineering expertise to ensure success of the incubator and incubatees.
