T-Hub’s Semiconductor Programme Wins ‘Best Conceived Cohort 2025’ at Startup Mahakumbh!

T-Hub, in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), has garnered significant recognition at the prestigious Startup Mahakumbh 2025 by winning the “Best Conceived Cohort 2025” award for its AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Programme. This award highlights the programme’s impressive achievements in fostering innovation in the semiconductor sector, and its significant contribution to the growth of deep-tech startups in India.

Since its inception, the AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Programme has supported 20 companies that have successfully completed the course, with eight more participants expected to graduate soon. The programme’s focus areas include semiconductor IP design, biomedical devices, data and video analytics, automotive and electric vehicles (EV), as well as 5G and wireless communications. These areas are critical to driving India’s capabilities in semiconductor technology and its overall industrial growth.

The programme has had a profound impact, securing ₹81 crore in financial backing and facilitating the completion of 35 pilot projects. Additionally, four semiconductor chips have been successfully taped out, marking a significant milestone for the participants involved. These achievements underscore the programme’s role in providing critical support and infrastructure for startups to bring their ideas to life.

A key differentiator of the AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Programme is its end-to-end support for deep-tech startups. The programme offers affordable chip prototyping, access to VLSI design tools, connections to foundries for testing, and expert mentorship from global leaders in the semiconductor industry. Participants benefit from various structured offerings, including market and funding gap analyses, investor demo days, and corporate AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions.

Rajesh Adla, CEO of AIC T-Hub Foundation, expressed his pride in the recognition, calling the award a “strong validation of our deep-tech focus and strategic execution.” He further emphasized that the programme was uniquely designed to support the semiconductor sector, offering startups access to MPW (Multi-Project Wafer) shuttle services for chip prototyping, EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools for VLSI design, and direct interfaces with foundries and assembly houses.

In addition to the technical support, the cohort integrates market analyses, expert-led sessions, and collaborations with government and industry partners. This multi-faceted approach ensures that startups not only develop viable technologies but also gain critical insights into commercialization and industry standards.

The AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Programme exemplifies the collaborative efforts between T-Hub, AIM, and various industry stakeholders to boost India’s semiconductor capabilities. Through partnerships with leading experts and access to cutting-edge resources, the programme has provided a platform for startups to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.

The recognition at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 reflects the programme’s role in driving innovation and supporting the semiconductor ecosystem in India. As the world continues to embrace advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and 5G, India’s semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth, and T-Hub’s initiative will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this vital sector.

This award-winning initiative not only supports the next generation of semiconductor companies but also strengthens India’s position as a key player in the global technology landscape. With continued support and investment in deep-tech ventures, the programme is expected to yield even more groundbreaking innovations and contribute to India’s technological self-reliance.