Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme

Context

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has reported that more than 68,000 students have received training in semiconductor chip design under the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme.

About the C2S Programme

1. It is a key capacity-building initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in 2022.
2. Nodal Agency: Implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bengaluru.
3. Financial outlay: ₹250 crore for five years.
4. Human-resource target: Development of 85,000 industry-ready professionals at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.
5. It also aims to support 25 start-ups and facilitate 10 technology transfers.

Key Objectives

1. Skill Development: Build a skilled workforce for India’s growing semiconductor industry.
2. Practical Training: Provide students practical exposure to the complete chip-development process, including design, fabrication and testing.
3. R&D and Innovation: Promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship in semiconductor technology.
4. Research Output: Support the development of 50 patents and around 2,000 research publications.
5. Infrastructure Access: Provide access to SMART laboratories and advanced semiconductor-design infrastructure.

Key Components of the C2S Programme

1. Industry-linked training: Students receive technical training, mentoring and practical guidance with support from industry partners.

2. ChipIN Centre: The ChipIN Centre at C-DAC, Bengaluru provides centralised access to advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, design support and related facilities.

1. Fabrication Support: Student designs can undergo Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) fabrication at the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, followed by packaging and testing.
2. Hands-on projects: Students undertake R&D projects to develop functional semiconductor prototypes.
3. Technology development: The programme covers:
   1. ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits): Chips designed for a particular application.
   2. SoCs (Systems-on-Chip): Multiple functions or components integrated into a single chip.
   3. IP Cores: Reusable blocks of semiconductor design that can be incorporated into different chips.

Significance

1. Helps reduce the skill gap in India’s semiconductor sector.
2. Connects academic institutions with industry requirements.
3. Promotes domestic capabilities in chip design and semiconductor R&D.
4. Supports India’s broader objective of building a self-reliant and globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.

Conclusion

The C2S Programme strengthens India’s semiconductor capabilities by combining skill development, industry-academia collaboration, R&D and shared infrastructure. It can support Atmanirbhar Bharat, technological self-reliance and India’s integration into the global semiconductor value chain.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme?
Ans. It is a capacity-building programme launched in 2022 to develop skilled human resources and promote innovation in semiconductor chip design.

Q2. Which ministry implements the C2S Programme?
Ans. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Q3. What is the target of the programme?
Ans. It aims to develop 85,000 industry-ready professionals, support 25 start-ups and facilitate 10 technology transfers.

Q4. What are EDA tools?
Ans. Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools are software used to design, simulate, test and verify electronic circuits and semiconductor chips.