Semicon 2.0 Targets 200 Chip Design Startups in India

India is expanding its semiconductor ambitions under Semicon 2.0, with the government targeting at least 200 chip-design startups and companies. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the plan at SEMICON India 2026, as the government moves to strengthen the domestic chip ecosystem.

The programme has an outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore and is built around six areas: chip design, machines and materials, fabrication, advanced packaging, research and development, and talent development. The government also plans to develop 1 lakh skilled semiconductor technicians and factory-floor workers.

Under the earlier phase, more than 105 startups attempted chip design, with around 20 securing venture capital funding of about ₹800 crore. Semicon 2.0 aims to expand capabilities across the wider value chain, including equipment, materials, fabs, packaging and industry-led R&D.