Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi
The Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator, a CSR initiative by Cadence, collaborates with AIC IIT Delhi and FITT-IIT Delhi, with support from AIM-NITI Aayog, to foster semiconductor innovation.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IHFC, IIT Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator is a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative led by Cadence. It operates in partnership with AIC IIT Delhi and FITT-IIT Delhi, receiving backing from AIM-NITI Aayog. The program's core mission is to propel India's self-sufficiency in semiconductor technology.
This accelerator is specifically tailored to empower deep-tech startups engaged in creating, developing, and expanding advanced semiconductor solutions. The initiative prioritizes groundbreaking work in areas such as chip design, embedded systems, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools.
Participants in the program benefit from several key offerings:
- Funding: Selected startups can receive seed grants of up to ₹10 Lakhs.
- Incubation: Successful applicants are provided with two years of complimentary incubation at AIC Sonepat, a facility managed by AIC IIT Delhi.
- Technical Support: Access to advanced laboratory facilities, EDA tools, and prototyping resources is available. Startups also receive technical mentorship from Cadence experts and professors from IIT.
- Networking: Opportunities for connecting with government bodies and investors are facilitated, alongside specialized workshops.
Highlights
- Offers seed grants up to ₹10 Lakhs for deep-tech semiconductor startups.
- Provides two years of free incubation at AIC Sonepat (AIC IIT Delhi facility).
- Features technical mentorship from Cadence and IIT professors.
- Focuses on innovations in chip design, embedded systems, and EDA tools.
- Application deadline is December 31, 2025.
- Supported by Cadence, AIC IIT Delhi, FITT-IIT Delhi, and AIM-NITI Aayog.
Who can apply
This accelerator program is open to a diverse group of applicants, including Early Stage startups, student teams and individual developers, researchers, and other innovators.
The program specifically targets deep-tech innovations within the semiconductor sector. Key focus areas for eligible projects include:
- AI and Edge Computing applications for chip innovation.
- Development of AI-powered tools for semiconductor design.
- Utilizing AI for semiconductor supply chain management and yield forecasting.
- Innovations promoting energy efficiency and sustainable manufacturing processes for chips.
- Designs and architectures based on RISC-V technology.
Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
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.
What the funding covers
Selected startups are eligible to receive seed grants of up to ₹10 Lakhs. Beyond financial support, the program offers significant non-monetary benefits designed to accelerate growth. These include two years of free incubation at AIC Sonepat, a dedicated facility of AIC IIT Delhi. Participants gain access to advanced labs, crucial EDA tools, and prototyping facilities. Furthermore, they receive invaluable technical mentorship from experts at Cadence and professors from IIT. The program also provides opportunities for networking with government entities and investors, complemented by specialized workshops.
About the provider
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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process for the Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator involves several key stages:
- Application Submission: Innovators must submit their applications through the designated online portal. The final deadline for applications is December 31, 2025.
- Evaluation: Submitted applications undergo a thorough screening. This assessment focuses on verifying eligibility, evaluating the technical merit of the proposed innovation, and ensuring its alignment with the accelerator's core focus on deep-tech semiconductor solutions.
- Selection: Following evaluation, successful startups are chosen and subsequently awarded a grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs.
- Acceleration and Incubation: The first cohort of selected teams will be officially announced on February 10, 2026. These teams will then commence a two-year period of free, dedicated incubation at AIC Sonepat. Throughout this phase, they will receive comprehensive technical support from both Cadence and FITT-IIT Delhi.
Documents you’ll need
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.
Who this is best for
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator?
The Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator is a strategic CSR initiative by Cadence, in collaboration with AIC IIT Delhi and FITT-IIT Delhi, and supported by AIM-NITI Aayog. Its goal is to advance India's technological self-reliance in the semiconductor sector by empowering deep-tech startups.
Who is eligible to apply for this accelerator?
The program is open to Early Stage startups, student teams, individual developers, researchers, and other innovators.
What kind of funding is provided to selected startups?
Selected startups can receive seed grants of up to ₹10 Lakhs.
What are the specific deep-tech focus areas for innovations?
The program focuses on deep-tech innovations in semiconductors, including AI and Edge Computing for chip innovation, AI-powered semiconductor design tools, AI-driven supply chain and yield forecasting, energy efficiency in chip manufacturing, and RISC-V based designs and architectures.
What non-financial benefits do participants receive?
Participants benefit from two years of free incubation at AIC Sonepat, access to state-of-the-art labs, EDA tools, prototyping facilities, and technical mentorship from Cadence experts and IIT professors. They also gain opportunities for government and investor connections and specialized workshops.
What is the application deadline for the program?
Innovators must submit their applications by December 31, 2025.
When will the first cohort of selected teams be announced?
The first cohort is scheduled to be announced on February 10, 2026.
Does the Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator take equity from participating startups?
No, as this program offers grants, it does not take any equity from the selected startups.
Where will the incubation take place?
Selected teams will receive two years of free, dedicated incubation at AIC Sonepat, which is a facility of AIC IIT Delhi.
How can I apply for the Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator?
Applications must be submitted online via the designated portal. The application link is typically provided on the program's official website.
How much funding does Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi provide?
Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi provides ₹10L (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi?
Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi is offered by IHFC, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from IHFC, IIT Delhi
IHFC, IIT Delhi runs 4 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi
Not sure Bharat Byte Semiconductor Accelerator at AIC IIT Delhi is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.