Startup Forum

Submission deadline: 20 Oct 2024 

Acceptance to be sent out on: 16 Nov 2024 

Enquiries: Contact us 

Submission deadline: 20 Oct 2024 

Acceptance to be sent out on: 16 Nov 2024 

Enquiries: Contact us 

Objective:

To provide a dedicated platform for  VLSI & embedded  startups to showcase their innovations, connect with industry leaders, investors, and researchers, and foster collaboration opportunities that contribute to the growth of the ecosystem.

Target Audience:

  • Early-stage and established startups in semiconductor, VLSI and embedded system domains. Please refer startup definition here.
  • Entrepreneurs, innovators, and engineers working on VLSI design, embedded systems, chip manufacturing, and related technologies.
  • Investors, venture capitalists, and industry mentors.
  • Academia, R&D organizations, and corporates interested in collaboration and technology commercialization.

Key Themes:

  1. Design and Innovation: Focusing on cutting-edge developments in embedded design, chip design, SoCs, Ips ,RISC-V and ASICs.
  2. Ecosystem and Supply Chain: Addressing challenges related to semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and supply chain sustainability.
  3. EDA Tools & Automation: Startups working on Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for design and verification.
  4. Emerging Technologies: Startups exploring AI/ML-driven semiconductor innovations, quantum computing, edge AI, 5G, and beyond.
  5. Connected products: IoT products for automation in the home, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, smart cities, agriculture and other domains.
  6. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency: Innovations that reduce power consumption and increase sustainability in chip design and production.
  7. IP-based Models: Startups offering IPs, building blocks, and chiplets for complex SoC designs
  8. Manufacturing, Testing, packaging
  9. Manufacturing and Test Equipment– Startups offering designs for equipment used in semiconductor value chain.

Sessions:

  1. Startup Pitch Competition
  2. Masterclasses: Spread across the days of the conference
  3. Networking/Mentoring Sessions – Startup Lounge

Startup Pitch Competition

  • Startups may apply through this link: 
  • Selected startups will be invited to the pitch competition.
  • Selection criteria:
    • Innovation and uniqueness of the technology.
    • Commercial viability and scalability.
    • Team expertise and background.
    • Potential for industry impact and disruption.
  • A jury comprising industry experts, VCs, and academic researchers will judge the pitch competition. 
  • Judging criteria: Technology innovation, market need, business model, scalability, and commercialization strategy.
  • Visibility to all finalists to VC’s, to Potential partners etc., 
  • Trophies & Prizes for Winners!

Masterclasses

We plan about four sessions in the 3 hours available. The topics would be from the ‘Key Themes’ mentioned above, plus the following one: 

 “Scaling a VLSI Startup”

Industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and VCs share their insights on the semiconductor startup ecosystem and how startups can leverage opportunities in design and manufacturing.

  • Experts from the semiconductor industry and incubators offer guidance on challenges faced by startups, from prototyping to mass production.
  • Focus on funding strategies, scaling operations, and entering global markets.

 

Registration will be opening soon !

Networking Sessions- Startup Lounge

  • Structured networking opportunities where startups can engage with potential investors, industry mentors, and research collaborators.
  • Themed networking areas: VLSI design, AI/ML in semiconductors, supply chain, etc.
  • A dedicated area for startups to meet with industry mentors, investors, and experts in an informal setting.
  • Pre-arranged and on-the-spot mentor meetings where startups can seek advice on technical challenges, business strategy, scaling operations, and funding.
  • Mentor profiles available prior to the event, allowing startups to select relevant mentors for their needs (e.g., experts in IP, design automation, or manufacturing).
  • Lounge also facilitates discussions on industry trends and potential collaboration opportunities.
 
Registration will be opening soon !

Expected Outcomes:

  • Strengthened semiconductor startup ecosystem through collaboration and investment.
  • Acceleration of VLSI innovation in key areas such as AI, quantum computing, IoT, and sustainable chip design.
  • Enhanced networking and partnership opportunities between startups, academia, and corporates.
  • Tangible business outcomes such as new investment deals, R&D collaborations, and technology licensing agreements.