India’s C2S Programme Signals a Structural Push in Semiconductor Design Talent

India’s C2S program trains thousands on chip design, aiming to build industry‑ready talent and grow India’s semiconductor design capabilities.

TechInsights analyzes India's groundbreaking Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme, a strategic initiative transforming semiconductor design talent development through hands-on training and practical silicon execution. Launched in 2022 with ₹250 crore (~$27.2M), the programme has already trained over 67,000 participants across 305 institutions, providing comprehensive chip design exposure from architecture to fabrication. By offering access to commercial EDA tools, actual wafer runs, and targeting 85,000 industry-ready professionals across BTech, MTech, and PhD levels, C2S is positioning India to evolve from a talent supplier to a potential semiconductor design hub with growing IP creation and strategic technological independence.