Semiconductor chip design is a critical value driver across the semiconductor value chain, contributing up to 50% of overall value addition and accounting for approximately 15–35% of the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost of electronic products. Recognising the pivotal role of semiconductor design in the country’s strategic technological ambitions, the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme is supporting Indian Startups for designing chips for a wide range of strategic and commercial applications. These include satellite communications, drones, surveillance cameras, Defence and Aerospace Systems, Automotive, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, LED drivers, AI systems, Telecom Equipment, and Smart Meters. The Chennai based Aheesa Digital Innovations, a startup that received active support from the DLI scheme, is the design agency of VIHAAN. About VIHAAN VIHAAN is India's first domestically designed broadband networking System-on-Chip (SoC). Built on open-standard RISC-V architecture and powered by the indigenous VEGA processor developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C- DAC), it is purpose-built to deliver high-throughput, secure and sovereign semiconductor solutions for optical fiber and broadband customer premises equipment (CPE). Aheesa Digital Innovations is an Indian fabless semiconductor startup that designs chips for broadband networking and security. Taped out on Republic Day (January 2026) and achieving first-pass silicon success on Independence Day (August 2026), ‘VIHAAN’ - a networking System-on-Chip (SoC) purpose-built for Fibre Broadband- will now proceed towards production tape-out, targeted for 2027. As India expands its digital infrastructure through optical fibre, 5G, and broadband-led services, the need for domestically designed semiconductor solutions is growing. Aheesa, through its VIHAAN series, successive funding milestones, and active support from the DLI Scheme, is positioned to serve this need. How VIHAAN Works? Fiber Data Processing : Receives internet data through GPON/EPON fiber networks and distributes it through Gigabit Ethernet connections. Fast Packet Processing : Its 64-bit VEGA core handles routing, traffic inspection, Quality of Service (QoS), and firewall functions at high speed. Built-in Security : Uses a hardware root of trust, secure boot, and cryptographic engines to protect firmware and network traffic. Integrated Software : Runs Aheesa Router OS (AROS), based on OpenWrt, enabling integration with routers, modems, and access points. Key features of VIHAAN First-Pass Silicon Success : The chip worked successfully on its first fabrication attempt, reducing redesign time and costs. Indigenous VEGA RISC-V Core : Uses C-DAC's 64-bit VEGA processor, reducing dependence on proprietary foreign architectures. Optimised for Fiber Broadband : Integrates GPON/EPON, computing and memory functions on a single chip for FTTH equipment. Integrated Hardware Security : Provides secure boot, encryption, and hardware-level protection against network threats. Ready for Domestic Manufacturing : Its reference platform and software tools help Indian manufacturers rapidly develop Wi-Fi routers and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs). Significance : Indigenous core silicon reduces dependence on foreign hardware, supply-chain risks, and potential security vulnerabilities. Strengthens India's chip-design ecosystem and demonstrates the potential of the DLI Scheme and Semicon India Programme to create production-ready indigenous chips Positions Indian companies as credible global suppliers while strengthening domestic supply chains and self-reliance.