TN Approves Design Scheme, Launches COEs for Semiconductor Mission

• Tamil Nadu approves Semiconductor Design Promotion Scheme with subsidies, prototyping grants for fabless firms
• Centers of Excellence set up via public-private partnerships for training, testing, and research
• Workforce initiative to train 1,000 engineering students through India Semiconductor Workforce Development Programme

The Semiconductor Design Promotion Scheme, which provides targeted subsidies and prototyping grants to fabless design firms, has been approved by the Tamil Nadu government.  This falls under the ₹500-crore Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030 (TNSM) that was revealed in the 2025 state budget.

Centers of Excellence (CoE) under Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) have also been established by the government through public-private partnerships as part of the program. These facilities will serve as a focal point for training, testing, and research, assisting the state in becoming a significant center for design-led innovation in the semiconductor industry. Through prestigious venues like the India Semiconductor Workforce Development Programme (ISWDP), the state will also launch a workforce development initiative to train 1,000 engineering students. Selected applicants will be sponsored to prestigious universities both domestically and overseas.

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“Introducing the Semiconductor Design Promotion Scheme and launching Centres Of Excellence through public-private partnerships are yet another testament to our unwavering commitment to building a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in the state. With targeted subsidies and prototyping grants, we are giving fabless design firms the critical early-stage support they need to succeed,” said T R B Rajaa, state industries minister.

The values of inclusive development, sustainability, and self-reliance serve as the foundation for TNSM 2030. It seeks to boost cooperation between business, academia, and the government, attract investment, develop talented people, and build top-notch infrastructure.

The mission will be supported by five pillars: small-scale production-grade fabrication, skilling and talent development, semiconductor equipment manufacturing parks, Centers of Excellence to be established as for-profit special purpose vehicles in collaboration with academia or industry, and a semiconductor design promotion scheme and design and testing infrastructure development.

“The various components of the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030 offer a clear blueprint for a complete ecosystem. By combining subsidies for design firms, co-investments infrastructure and parks, enabling a pilot fabrication facility and an integrated skilling programme, we are creating a self-sustaining semiconductor value chain that will draw investment, create jobs and foster innovation across Tamil Nadu,” said V Arun Roy, Tamil Nadu industries secretary.