Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi

The Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator is a strategic CSR initiative by Cadence, executed in collaboration with AIC IIT Delhi and FITT-IIT Delhi, with support from AIM-NITI Aayog. The program is designed to accelerate India's journey toward technological self-reliance in the semiconductor space. It empowers deep-tech startups to design, develop, and scale next-generation semiconductor solutions, focusing on innovations in chip design, embedded systems, and EDA tools. Selected startups receive seed grants of up to ₹10 Lakhs, two years of free incubation at AIC Sonepat (an AIC IIT Delhi facility), access to state-of-the-art labs and EDA tools, technical mentorship from Cadence and IIT professors, government and investor connect opportunities, and specialized workshops.

• Seed grants up to ₹10 Lakhs per startup.
• Two years of free incubation at AIC Sonepat (IIT Delhi facility).
• Technical mentorship from Cadence and IIT professors.
• Access to state-of-the-art labs, EDA tools, and prototyping facilities.
• Focus on deep-tech semiconductor domains including AI, RISC-V, and sustainable manufacturing.
• Supported by AIM-NITI Aayog and executed by AIC IIT Delhi.

The accelerator is open to early-stage startups, student teams, developers, researchers, and innovators. Focus areas are deep-tech innovations in the semiconductor domain, specifically: AI & Edge Computing for Chip Innovation, AI-Powered Semiconductor Design Tools, AI-Driven Semiconductor Supply Chain & Yield Forecasting, Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Chip Manufacturing, and RISC-V Based Designs & Architectures.

Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Seed Grant: Up to ₹10 Lakhs per selected startup.
• Free Incubation: Two years of free incubation at AIC Sonepat (an AIC IIT Delhi facility).
• Technical Support: Access to state-of-the-art labs, EDA tools, prototyping facilities, and technical mentorship from Cadence and IIT professors.
• Community & Networking: Government and investor connect opportunities, specialized workshops.

Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi is offered by IHFC, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IHFC, IIT Delhi as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

1. Application: Innovators submit their application via the online portal. Applications close on December 31, 2025.
2. Evaluation: Applications are screened for eligibility, technical merit, and alignment with the accelerator's deep-tech semiconductor focus.
3. Selection: Selected startups receive a grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs each.
4. Acceleration/Incubation: The first cohort is announced on February 10, 2026. Selected teams are provided with two years of free, dedicated incubation at AIC Sonepat, along with technical support from Cadence and FITT-IIT Delhi.

Before you apply to Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.