New Delhi [India], August 22: It is not every day that India’s push for technological sovereignty makes tangible strides. But on a humid Friday afternoon in Delhi, the country’s semiconductor story turned a new page. The Government of India, under its ambitious Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, announced the sanction of 23 chip-design projects led by homegrown startups and MSMEs. And right in the spotlight stands Vervesemi Microelectronics, a fabless semiconductor firm from Bengaluru, now armed with a roadmap that could reshape the nation’s semiconductor future.
Government Push: Chips for Atmanirbhar Bharat
The DLI Scheme is more than a policy initiative; it is India’s attempt to reduce its dependency on imported chips that power everything from energy meters to surveillance cameras. With 72 companies already gaining access to industry-grade Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, the playing field is finally being leveled for domestic talent.
These sanctioned projects are not just symbolic gestures. They are strategic investments into areas such as microprocessor IPs, networking applications, and SoC solutions, all critical to India’s digital backbone. In the middle of this action is Vervesemi, one of the first firms to secure approvals under both the DLI Scheme and the Chips to Startup (C2S) program.
Vervesemi’s Rise: From Startup to Global Player
Founded in 2017, Vervesemi is no stranger to bold moves. As one of the first Indian companies to export semiconductor intellectual property (IP) globally, its portfolio today boasts over 110 IPs, 25 IC SKUs, 10 patents, and five trade secrets.
Its proprietary machine learning-powered analog chain IPs already sit inside products made by leading global manufacturers. From space and defense to industrial automation and smart energy, the firm’s designs are quietly shaping the future. Customers worldwide are currently evaluating its chips, signaling that “Designed-in-India” no longer means second-best; it means world-class.
Rakesh Malik, the company’s Founder & CEO, puts it simply: “By building high-performance, Made-in-India ICs for strategic and consumer markets, we are not only driving import substitution but also showcasing India’s capability to lead on the global semiconductor stage.”
Roadmap ICs: Where Innovation Meets Necessity
Vervesemi has set its sights on late 2026 and early 2027 for volume production of its new integrated circuits. The roadmap includes several groundbreaking designs:
- BLDC Controller ASIC: Targeted at small motor applications, fans, appliances, and more, this design under the MeitY-supported C2S program aims to slash import dependency. Samples are due in 2026.
- Precision Motor-Control ASIC: A DLI-approved project focused on EVs, drones, and industrial automation. The future of electric mobility could very well hinge on chips like this.
- Multifunction Data Acquisition ASIC: A high-stakes chip designed for space and avionics, fortified with machine learning for mission-critical aerospace performance. Engineering samples land in 2026.
- Weighing Scale & Bridge Sensor ASIC: Enabling next-generation weighing systems and Force Touch devices with ultra-precision. Samples will roll out by the end of 2025.
- Smart Energy Metering ASIC: India’s answer to the global energy challenge, this IC promises ultra-accurate, high-speed energy measurement compliant with Class 0.2S precision standards. Samples are also expected by the end of 2025.
The common thread? Machine learning at the core. These chips are not just functional; they are adaptive, predictive, and self-healing.
Pratap Narayan Singh, Co-Founder & CTO, captures the spirit: “At Vervesemi, we integrate advanced signal-chain design with machine learning to deliver fault tolerance, adaptive calibration, and predictive diagnostics.”
India’s Moment in the Semiconductor Sun
It’s rare to witness a sunrise moment in an industry as complex as semiconductors. But with the DLI Scheme backing 23 projects and companies like Vervesemi charting bold roadmaps, India’s ambition to become a chip powerhouse no longer feels far-fetched.
Smt. Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator (R&D), MeitY, put it best: “India’s ambition is to become a world leader in semiconductor design, envisioning a future where every device in the world has a designed-in-India chip.”
Final Thoughts
The race to semiconductor self-reliance is not just about technology; it is about resilience, sovereignty, and pride. With policy push from New Delhi and innovation flowing from startups like Vervesemi, India is scripting a story that could inspire generations. Come 2026, when the first of these chips powers up homes, factories, and satellites, the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat in semiconductors may no longer be a dream but a lived reality.