India’s Chip Revolution Calls for a Deeper Conversation- The Week – ryan

India has blessed A quiet revolution in semiconductors in the past five to 10 years. The country is now emerging as a hub for design, development and deep-tech innovation –a shift that is not accidental, but the result of visionary policies and the support of the union and state government.

Karnataka became a pioneer by launching the rs92.5 crore karnataka semiconductor venture capital fund (karsemven fund) in 1999. It laid the foundation for initiatives like Sfal –The Semiconductor Fabless Acccelerator Lab –Further Strong Ecosystem.

My Company, Calligo Technologies, Began its Product Development Journey in 2018, when one could only dream of attracking investment for a chip startup. Venture Capitalists were wary, and support systems were nascent. Survival Meant Ingenuity. Calligo generated revenue through services, and we funneled it back into product development. We saw a flicker of investor interest when we finally reached a point where we could present a rudimentary prototype –a form or ‘virtual silicon’.

It was enough to start conversations, but far from sufficient to bring a chip to life. That is when we turned to the karnataka government. We became the first startup to be incubated by suffl, which helped us address two of the biggest hurdles for a semiconductor startup –The high cost of chip fabrication and access to Eda (Electronic Design Automation) tools. Thanks to suffl, we were able to receive 100 samples of our first chip, without bearing full cost. Suffl’s support served as a critical launchpad for our market entry.

Today, other states are drawing inspiration from karnataka. We are seeing a decentralized, yet coordinated push –state governments are providing the runway, and the union government is offering fuel for liftoff. States Contribute at the Seed Level, While Central Schemes provide next-Level Funding for Market Entry. With the semiconductor startup scene receiving this dual-Engine thrust, the venture capital community has begun to respond –What was once a trickle is becoming a steady flow of interest.

Projects by Micron and Tata Electronics are laying the groundwork for India’s end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem. Many of India’s top talent, who for decades had contributed to leading global semiconductor firms, are now drawn at opportunities at home. Having gained deep knowledge and global insights, they bring not just expertise, but also international networks and entrepreneurial energy to strengthen india’s ecosystem.

As India Tries to Position itself as a global semiconductor hub, a parallel conversation must unfold personal ethics, national responsibility, and creating a global perception. The Recent Discovery of a Component Made by an Indian Semiconductor Company in a Russian Weapon System shows the importance of having that conversation.

It raises concerns around Sanctions Loopholes, Weak Export Controls and Unintended Supply Chain Links, Resting in Indian Companies In advertising transit hubs. Startups, especially in the strategically sensitive semiconductor sector, must recognize that they operate not only in a business environment, but also within a geopolitical ecosystem. Weak export controls or lax due diligence are not minor oversights –They Risk India’s Global Credibility, particularly with key partners like the us.

Kinnal is Cofounder and Managing Director of the Bengaluru-based Calligo Technologies.