Startup Schemes Playbook
Part B · Startup-relevant scheme

Design Linked Incentive Scheme (DLI)

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Mixed Prototype / PoCGrowth / ScalingMarket Access & IP Semiconductors & Electronics

DLI provides incentives and access to advanced design infrastructure for domestic startups and MSMEs.

Type of support
Mixed
Best suited for
Prototype to Commercialisation
Headline amount
Up to ₹15 crore (design) + ₹30 crore (deployment) per application
How much
Product design-linked incentive up to 50% of eligible expenditure; deployment incentive 4–6% of net sales (cap ₹30 crore)
Source
Playbook p. 77

Objectives

The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme is a key instrument under the Semicon India Programme to catalyze a strong, self-reliant chip design ecosystem by providing financial incentives and access to advanced design infrastructure for domestic startups and MSMEs.

Who can apply?

  • Domestic companies, startups and MSMEs engaged in semiconductor design or semiconductor-linked design.
  • Target areas include ICs, chipsets, SoCs, systems, IP cores and semiconductor-linked designs.
  • Applicants claiming incentives must retain domestic status, i.e., more than 50% beneficial ownership by resident Indian citizens / Indian companies ultimately owned and controlled by resident Indians, for 3 years after claiming incentives.

What do you get?

  • Chip Design Infrastructure Support: Access to EDA tools, IP cores, MPW prototyping and post-silicon validation support.
  • Product Design Linked Incentive: Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible expenditure, capped at ₹15 crore per application.
  • Deployment Linked Incentive: Incentive of 6% to 4% of net sales turnover over 5 years, capped at ₹30 crore per application.

How to apply

Visit the official DLI portal and register/login. Submit the online application with required project and applicant details. Track application status online; approvals/certificates are issued electronically

Go to official portal