A transformative collaboration is underway in the world of technology as the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) and Arm, a renowned global leader in semiconductor IP, have announced a partnership. The collaboration expands the Design Linked Incentive Scheme (DLI), with Arm providing zero-dollar license fee access to its extensive portfolio via the Arm Flexible Access for Startups program to eligible startups under MEITY’s SemiconIndia futureDESIGN DLI scheme.

This groundbreaking partnership promises startups in the silicon industry low-risk and convenient access to an established technological infrastructure. The framework includes extensive technical support and a robust innovation ecosystem. Thanks to Arm’s comprehensive developer base, startups can confidently explore various markets, diminish risk, expedite the development of working prototypes, secure funding, and bolster investor confidence.

President of Arm India, Guru Ganesan, underscored the pivotal role startups play in driving the future of the semiconductor industry. He emphasized Arm’s dedication to empowering these startups by offering them the freedom to innovate and design via the Arm Flexible Access program. Director General of CDAC, E. Magesh, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the vast and expanding pool of semiconductor designers in India. He recognized the extraordinary opportunity Arm presents for budding entrepreneurs to develop innovative, cost-effective designs that add significant value to the electronics sector.

One of the key objectives of the CDAC and Arm partnership is to enable startups selected under DLI to qualify for the Arm Flexible Access for Startups program. It also aims to provide startups with access to processor and system IPs, reference designs, GPU, ISP, AI accelerator IPs, and software development tools. Additionally, the collaboration will offer startups access to a wide range of Artisan physical IP products compatible with various foundries and process nodes.

With an ambitious five-year plan, the DLI scheme aims to offer financial incentives and robust design infrastructure support for the development and deployment of a range of semiconductor designs such as Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems, and IP Cores. Currently, seven innovative startups under the DLI Scheme are focusing on developing chip and IP cores for sectors such as automotive, mobility, and computing.

The collaboration was announced amid a gathering of distinguished Government and Industries senior officials, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, MeitY Secretary Alkesh Kumar Sharma, and President SEMI Ajit Manocha, to name a few.

  Arm, Arm India, CDAC, DLI scheme, E. Magesh, Guru Ganesan, India, MeitY, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, SemiconIndia futureDESIGN DLI scheme