Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme

What it is

Build specialized VLSI and embedded-system capability, strengthen industry-academia R&D, develop reusable IP and ASIC/SoC/system projects, and support commercialization-oriented semiconductor design work.

What you get

• C2S call-specific project support with EDA/fabrication access

Who it is for

• applicant must fit the current C2S project category and notified call
• startup/MSME status is determined under the extant DPIIT or Ministry of MSME norms
• project must state technical novelty, deliverables, targeted TRL, fabrication/testing or prototype plan and commercialization or technology-transfer roadmap as applicable
• collaborative proposals must define nodal institution, roles, financial requirements, timelines and applicable MoUs
• academic institutions must meet the infrastructure, faculty, accreditation and student-project conditions applicable to their category
• the applicant must submit through the current official C2S route and proposal format

Not eligible if

• the umbrella programme is not a universal direct grant for every startup or MSME
• programme-level manpower or institution counts are not applicant benefits
• EDA access, fabrication support, training, grant-in-aid and project funding are separate benefit buckets
• Past call deadlines, including the closed BLDC call, are not open calls; apply only when a new C2S call is announced.
• the RSC call is institution-led and its 22 July 2026 deadline has passed
• no generic C2S grant ceiling may be inferred from the portal without the controlling call and category terms

How to apply

1. 1
   Verify the current C2S call or support route

   Check the official C2S call pages for an open route for startups/MSMEs, academic and R&D institutions, RSC, EDA or other notified categories.

   Official step
2. 2
   Classify the applicant and project category

   Confirm startup/MSME or academic/R&D eligibility, project category, semiconductor-design scope, existing infrastructure, CI/Co-CI and collaborator requirements.

   Official step
3. 3
   Prepare the technical and financial proposal

   Use the current prescribed format and assemble novelty, TRL, deliverables, EDA/fabrication/testing, commercialization, budget, contribution, supporting certificates and collaboration documents.

   Official step
4. 4
   Submit through the official C2S route and track milestones

   Register or log in on the official portal, submit the notified proposal and retain evaluation, approval, agreement, milestone, PFMS, utilization, IP and reporting records.

   Official step

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