Open-Source Hardware Convergence, Bengaluru

Open Source Silicon Innovation.

OpenSemi is an initiative to accelerate open-source chip design through the use of an open EDA toolset. The effort begins with a hybrid launch event in Bengaluru, featuring toolchain components from OpenROAD and the Microwatt architecture from the OpenPOWER Foundation.

πŸ—“οΈ 10 December 2025
πŸŽ“ Students Β· Startups Β· Researchers Β· Industry
OpenROAD Β· OpenPOWER Β· Made for Open-Source Hardware community.
About OpenSemi

What is the Open-Source Hardware Initiative...

OpenSemi is an initiative to accelerate open-source chip design through the use of an open EDA toolset. The effort begins with a hybrid launch event in Bengaluru, featuring toolchain components from OpenROAD and the Microwatt architecture from the OpenPOWER Foundation.

We are building a neutral, collaborative platform that connects global open hardware projects with academic institutions, VLSI professionals, startup founders and policy makers – starting with a flagship hybrid event in Bengaluru.

  • 1
    Open architectures. Promote open compute platforms like OpenPOWER A2O with full toolchain and OS support.
  • 2
    Open EDA & design flows. Enable design teams to go from RTL to GDSII using open flows such as OpenROAD, OpenLane and Yosys, integrated with open PDKs.
  • 3
    Open silicon prototyping. Leverage open PDKs (e.g., SkyWater SKY130) and global MPW shuttle programs to help teams tape-out real silicon.
  • 4
    Open collaboration. Bring together students, student communities, research labs, open-source contributors and deep-tech investors under one roof.
Launch Event

Open-Source Hardware Convergence Β· Bengaluru

A first-of-its-kind hybrid gathering focused on open-source EDA, open compute architectures and open silicon prototyping – hosted in Bengaluru with live streaming for remote participants across Global.

Event Snapshot

IIT ALUMNI CENTRE, BENGALURU 10 December 2025
In-person (limited seats) + online streaming.
Audience Students, researchers, startups, industry engineers.

The Bengaluru event will set the tone for the OpenSemi program with:

  • Keynotes from global open hardware and EDA leaders.
  • Deep-dive Sessions on OpenROAD, OpenPOWER and SKY130.
  • Hands-on labs for RTL-to-GDSII and FPGA-based prototyping.
  • Showcase of open hardware research from universities.
  • Startup pitches & product demos using open hardware stacks.

Who should attend?

VLSI engineers, FPGA and systems designers, faculty, research scholars, student community leaders, early-stage hardware startups, investors interested in deep tech, and technology policy stakeholders.

Whether you are just getting started with open-source hardware or already using open EDA flows – this event is for you.

Participation Modes

  • Attend talks & technical sessions (in-person or virtual).
  • Join hands-on workshops (pre-registration required).
  • Present your open hardware research or projects.
  • Apply as a startup to showcase your product.
  • Sign up as a university or community partner.
Speakers

Keynote & Session Speakers

Leading experts contributing to open-source hardware and open silicon ecosystem.

Dr. S. Christopher

Former Secretary Defence R & D and Chairman DRDO

Dr. Peter Hofstee

IBM Β· Power Systems Architecture & Research

Ganesan Narayanasamy

President of OpenPOWER Foundation

Dr. Jayakumar S

Arm Ambassador & Signal Processing Engineer at Mistral Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Dr. Zaid Alars

Open Compute & AI Architect

Abhay Meganathan

Vice Chairman of Rajalakshmi Institutions

Raja Subramanian

AI Architect

Agenda

Open Hardware in Action

Official event schedule for the Open-Source Hardware Convergence at IIT Alumni Centre, Bengaluru.

9:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Morning Session: Inauguration & Keynotes

9:45 AM – 9:55 AM (10 min) Inauguration Ceremony & Lamp Lighting
OpenSemi Team
9:55 AM – 10:00 AM (5 min) Welcome Address
OpenSemi Team
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM (10 min) Context Setting & Keynote: The Global Landscape of Open-Source Hardware & EDA Toolchains
Dr. Peter Hofstee
10:10 AM – 10:25 AM (15 min) OpenPOWER Ecosystem
Ganesan Narayanasamy
10:25 AM – 10:40 AM (15 min) Accelerating Open-Source Hardware Adoption in Academic Institutions
Abhay Meganathan
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM (20 min) Chief Guest Address: Driving Self-Reliance Through Indigenous Chip Innovation
Dr. S. Christopher
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Break

15 min β€” Tea Break & Networking

11:15 AM – 12:50 PM

Post-Break Technical Sessions

11:15 AM – 11:35 AM (20 min) Ready-to-Use Open-Source EDA Toolchains
Raja Subramanian
11:35 AM – 12:20 PM (45 min) Deep-Dive Session: RTL β†’ FPGA β†’ ASIC β†’ Silicon
Dr. Peter Hofstee
12:20 PM – 12:40 PM (20 min) TYDI: An Open Specification for Complex Hardware Streams
Dr. Zaid Alars
12:40 PM – 12:50 PM (10 min) Vote of Thanks
Dr. Jayakumar S
12:50 PM

Conclusion

Event Closing & Group Interactions

Ecosystem & Projects

Global Ecosystem Working Together

OpenSemi is designed as a collaborative platform. We work with global open hardware projects, students, community groups and industry partners to build something bigger than any one organisation. .

Open-source project

OpenROAD Project

Open-source RTL-to-GDSII physical design flow powering the EDA pillar of OpenSemi – from teaching basic flows to enabling real tape-outs.

Open-source project

OpenPOWER Foundation

Open compute architecture community enabling A2O and related open core designs, toolchains and software ecosystems.

Open-source project

Open PDK & Fab Community

Open PDK initiatives such as SkyWater SKY130 and associated MPW programs for accessible silicon prototyping.

Academia

Centres of excellence

Centres of excellence adopting open source hardware in learning and associated projects.

Community

Developer & Student Groups

VLSI and hardware clubs, student chapters and community-driven open-source contributors who sustain the ecosystem.

Industry

Hardware Startups & SMEs

Early-stage product companies leveraging open hardware stacks to build competitive solutions for local and global markets.

Policy

Government & Ecosystem Bodies

Stakeholders exploring open hardware as a strategic lever for capacity building, innovation and long-term self-reliance.

Supporters

Knowledge & Infra Partners

Organisations offering cloud compute, labs, tools, documentation and funding support to the OpenSemi initiative.

Get Involved

Call for Workshops, Startups & Volunteers

OpenSemi is built around contributions. If you are working on open-source hardware, EDA, silicon, teaching, or building products on open stacks, we would love to hear from you.

Call for Workshop Leads

  • Technical talks on open EDA, open architectures or open PDKs.
  • Case studies of designs using OpenROAD, OpenLane, SKY130 or similar open flows.
  • Hands-on labs or tutorials (2–4 hours) for students and engineers.
  • Research presentations from universities and R&D labs.

πŸ“’ How to apply: Use the form below to share your talk title, abstract and a short bio. The program committee will review and respond with next steps.

Resources

Start Exploring Open Hardware Today

Even before the event, you can begin experimenting with open EDA tools, architectures and PDKs. The following links are suggested starting points – you can customise them later with your own URLs.

Contact & Registration

Register for Open-Source Hardware Convergence by OpenSemi

Share your details and how you would like to participate. This is an expression-of-interest form – final event confirmations, schedules and logistics will be shared over email.

Supported by
If you are proposing a talk or workshop, please include a working title, short abstract (3–5 lines) and any relevant project links.
This form is for initial interest capture. A full registration / CFP form link will be shared to shortlisted entries over email.