The Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator, led by AIC IIT Delhi with FITT IIT Delhi and Cadence, supports start-ups building advanced semiconductor and deep-tech solutions. It provides infrastructure, expert mentorship, and commercialization support to help innovators move from prototype to market. The programme aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor innovation ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported technologies.

Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator: A Deep-Tech Launchpad for Semiconductor Innovation

Overview

The Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator is a national strategic initiative designed to accelerate semiconductor, chip design, and deep-tech start-ups in India. Led by AIC IIT Delhi, in partnership with FITT IIT Delhi and Cadence, the accelerator provides end-to-end support for early-stage innovators developing next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Why It Matters

This accelerator directly supports India’s long-term goal of semiconductor self-reliance by:

• Reducing dependence on global semiconductor imports

• Encouraging indigenous innovation in chip design and fabrication

• Supporting deep-tech entrepreneurship at the early stages

• Strengthening India’s talent pipeline for semiconductor engineering

• Enabling start-ups to convert prototypes into market-ready products

• Enhancing India’s technological and digital sovereignty

Focus Areas

The programme encourages applications from start-ups and research teams working in:

• Chip design and microarchitecture

• Embedded systems and hardware-software co-design

• Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools

• AI and edge-computing hardware

• Low-power and energy-efficient chip technologies

• RISC-V based processor architectures

• Semiconductor manufacturing and fabrication innovations

• Deep-tech hardware systems with commercialization potential

What the Accelerator Offers

Start-ups receive comprehensive support tailored to semiconductor development, including:

• Access to advanced semiconductor design and prototyping infrastructure

• Technical expertise from IIT Delhi faculty and Cadence industry specialists

• EDA tools, chip design software, and simulation environments

• Support for building manufacturable prototypes

• Business mentoring, IP guidance, and go-to-market strategies

• Deep-tech commercialization pathways

• Access to investors, industry partners, and semiconductor ecosystems

Who Is Eligible?

The accelerator targets early-stage innovators with prototypes or strong research foundations.

Eligible applicants typically include:

• Early-stage semiconductor start-ups

• Student-led or researcher-led teams

• University-affiliated semiconductor innovation groups

• Founders working on deep-tech, hardware, or chip design technologies

• Innovators addressing critical semiconductor challenges

Ideal applicants should:

• Have a functional prototype or validated concept

• Demonstrate strong technical feasibility

• Show potential for commercialization or market deployment

• Work in semiconductor or deep-tech domains aligned with the focus areas

How to Apply

Application Steps

1. Prepare a Technical Overview
   Describe the semiconductor problem, innovation, and core architecture.

2. Create a Prototype or Proof of Concept Summary
   Provide details on design progress, simulation results, or hardware testing.

3. Outline the Commercial Potential
   Define market segments, use cases, and scalability.

4. Submit Through the Accelerator’s Official Portal
   Complete the application form with team details, technical documentation, and required attachments.

5. Participate in Pitch or Screening Rounds
   Shortlisted teams present their technology to technical and industry experts.

6. Begin Accelerator Cohort Activities
   Work with mentors, refine prototypes, and engage with the semiconductor ecosystem.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly highlight the deep-tech or semiconductor specificity of your solution

• Provide evidence of technical depth (design files, simulations, prototypes)

• Show understanding of fabrication, design workflows, or hardware constraints

• Demonstrate commercial viability and potential impact on India’s semiconductor ecosystem

• Highlight team expertise in chip design, hardware engineering, or embedded systems

FAQ

1. Who runs the Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator?

It is led by AIC IIT Delhi in collaboration with FITT IIT Delhi and Cadence.

2. What types of start-ups should apply?

Start-ups working on chip design, EDA tools, embedded systems, AI-edge hardware, RISC-V processors, or semiconductor manufacturing solutions.

3. What stage of development is required?

Early-stage teams with prototypes, simulations, or strong technical concepts are ideal.

4. Is this accelerator only for hardware start-ups?

Primarily yes, but software innovations tied to semiconductor design or EDA workflows are also eligible.

5. Does the programme provide funding?

Support typically includes infrastructure, mentorship, tools, and ecosystem access; funding may vary by cohort and partnerships.

6. Can student teams apply?

Yes. Student research groups or university-affiliated teams are encouraged to participate.

7. Does participation guarantee chip manufacturing access?

The programme provides design support and prototyping pathways, but manufacturing access depends on design readiness and partner availability.

Conclusion

The Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator is a powerful platform for transforming India into a global semiconductor innovation hub. By combining advanced infrastructure, expert mentorship, and commercialization support, it empowers start-ups to convert deep-tech ideas into market-ready products that strengthen India’s technological independence and semiconductor leadership.