The Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IIT-H) has launched Fabless Chip Design Incubator (FabCI) with the aim to boost the Indian chip design sector. Three startups are already being incubated, and FabCI has called for fledgling startups to apply.
FabCI provides a bouquet of offerings, including free software tools with leading technology partners in Electronic Design Automation (EDA), a good characterisation facility for testing the chips and equipment for performing DC and RF characterisation.
The primary motivation for this unique incubator program is to provide a one-stop solution for startups focusing in the area of chip design. The goal is to incubate at least 50 ‘Make-in-India’ chip design companies that can compete globally and generate Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), according to a press release on Tuesday.
Speaking about FabCI, IIT-H director U.B. Desai said: “This incubator exemplifies the commitment of IIT-H to develop semiconductor and chip design industries in India and enhance its IPR. We are looking forward to incubating startups that will roll out the next generation of disruptive products. This incubator will also contribute to the ‘Startup India’ and ‘Make In India’ campaigns of the Government of India.”
FabCI is funded by Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. FabCI technology partners, Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and Mentor Graphics, are leading providers of EDA software, hardware and IP.
FabCI is already incubating three start-ups — Lemonflip, SenseHealth Technologies and WiSig Networks — which are at different stages of evolution. It also offers virtual support to non-Hyderabad-based startups.
