T-Hub, one of the world’s leading startup incubators, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), has been awarded the prestigious “Best Conceived Cohort 2025” for its AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Program at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The accolade recognizes the program’s strategic depth, robust incubation model, and transformative impact on India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Launched on October 14, 2022, the AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Program has emerged as a benchmark in deep-tech incubation. It has conducted three cohorts to date, with the third currently in progress. To date, 20 startups have graduated from the program, with 8 more nearing completion, operating in cutting-edge sectors such as automotive and EV, 5G and wireless communications, biomedical devices, data and video analytics, and semiconductor IP design.
These startups are also innovating across key semiconductor sub-sectors, including:
- Fabless design – chip design, verification, and testing
- Chip equipment manufacturing – fabrication and packaging infrastructure
- Chip manufacturing – including microfabs and supporting tech
- Semiconductor materials – such as silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide
- Tool development – Electronic Design Automation (EDA) solutions
The program’s robust framework, deep-tech orientation, and tangible outcomes helped it earn top honors at Startup Mahakumbh. Among the program’s measurable achievements are ₹40.29 Cr in grants received, ₹21.48 Cr in investments raised, ₹19.28 Cr in orders secured, 35 pilot projects completed, and 4 chips successfully taped out. The program offers access to Multi Project Wafer (MPW) shuttles for affordable, rapid chip prototyping; EDA tool support for VLSI design and validation platforms; direct interfaces with semiconductor foundries and assembly houses for real-world manufacturing and testing; as well as mentorship from top industry experts, researchers, and global partners. Startups also benefit from structured startup, market, and funding gap analyses; investor demo days; corporate AMA sessions; and roundtable discussions, making it a comprehensive and high-impact incubation experience.
The award was presented in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT; Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT; Shri Amit Kumar, Deputy GM, ECGC; Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India ACT Grants; Sunali Rohra, Senior EVP, HDFC; Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, Info Edge; Aman Gupta, Co-Founder, boAt; Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Actor-Entrepreneur; Rikant Pittie, CEO, EaseMyTrip; and Archana Jahagirdar, Founder, Rukam Capital. Their presence highlighted the vital role of innovation-led incubation programs in shaping India’s tech future.
Speaking on the recognition, Rajesh Adla, CEO of AIC T-Hub Foundation, said, “Winning the ‘Best Conceived Cohort 2025’ is a proud moment and a strong validation of our deep-tech focus and strategic execution. The AIC T-Hub Semiconductor Cohort was uniquely designed with a deep-tech focus, unlike typical startup programs. It offered access to MPW shuttle services for chip prototyping, EDA tools for VLSI design, and direct interfaces with foundries and assembly houses. The cohort also integrated structured startup and market analyses, expert-led sessions, and strong industry-government partnerships to drive innovation, compliance, and commercialization in the semiconductor space.”
