Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 17 : Netrasemi wants the government to become a customer for indigenous chips. The startup believes market access is now more important than research funding. Netrasemi says commercialization remains the biggest challenge for domestic semiconductor companies. Government procurement could provide early demand and improve commercial viability. The company wants tailored policies supporting indigenous chips in strategic sectors.
Government Demand Could Support Commercial Scale
Netrasemi has welcomed public funding for semiconductor research and development. However, the startup wants stronger support after product development. It believes government demand can help validate indigenous chips. Early procurement could reduce commercial risk for domestic semiconductor startups. It could also encourage private companies to adopt Indian-designed components.
Indigenous Chips Need Anchor Customers
Semiconductor startups face long development cycles and high capital requirements. Winning the first large customer is often the hardest step. Netrasemi wants the government to act as an anchor customer. Strategic sectors could offer suitable early deployment opportunities. Surveillance, telecom, drones, robotics, and automation are important target markets. Pilot projects could also establish performance records for indigenous chips.
Netrasemi Targets High-Growth Applications
Netrasemi launched its first chip earlier this year. The product targets drones, cameras, robotics, and automation systems. The startup has raised around ₹125 crore so far. It is also engaging with more than 20 potential customers. These include large original equipment manufacturers in India and overseas. Japanese companies are among the potential international customers.
Procurement Rules Could Boost Local Adoption
Current localisation policies often focus on final product assembly. Critical chips can still be imported from global suppliers. That limits direct benefits for Indian semiconductor designers. Netrasemi wants government procurement rules to recognise domestic chip content. Such changes could improve market access for indigenous chips. They could also strengthen local electronics supply chains.
Tender Reforms Could Help
Government contracts often favour the lowest financial bidder. That approach can disadvantage emerging domestic technology companies. Industry experts support limited preferences for qualified local suppliers. Price preferences could improve competitiveness without lowering technical standards. Security, quality, and performance requirements would remain essential.
Government as Customer Could Build Confidence
A government customer can provide credibility to young semiconductor companies. Successful deployments can become reference projects for private buyers. They can also improve confidence among international customers. This could strengthen Netrasemi’s position in export markets. It may also reduce dependence on imported semiconductor components.
Commercialisation Becomes Next Policy Challenge
India has invested heavily in building semiconductor capability. The next challenge is creating sustainable demand for domestic products. Netrasemi believes government procurement can bridge that gap. The strategy could support both startups and established electronics companies. For policymakers, the challenge is balancing support with competition. For Netrasemi, the priority is converting technology into commercial scale. For India, indigenous chips could strengthen long-term technology security.
