India’s bold semiconductor push shows promise

• Signs 12 MoUs to propel indigenous technologies across critical areas—including camera modules, advanced packaging, and the creation of a robust talent development ecosystem at SEMICON India 2025.

India’s ambition to emerge as a global powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing is no longer a distant dream—it’s evolving into a robust reality.

At SEMICON India 2025, leading voices from the industry echoed a shared optimism about India’s systemic transformation, attributing the progress to its rich talent pool, forward-thinking policies, and flourishing global partnerships.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi set an inspiring tone at the event, underlining India’s fervor for exponential growth in the semiconductor sector. His vision has been met with enthusiasm by industry leaders, who recognise India’s rising stature within the global semicon ecosystem.

SEMICON India proved to be a fertile ground for forging new alliances.

Record MoUs and innovation push

A highlight of SEMICON India 2025 was the signing of twelve Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to propel indigenous technologies across critical areas—including camera modules, advanced packaging, and the creation of a robust talent development ecosystem.

These agreements mark a pivotal step in homegrown innovation, reassuring stakeholders about India’s intent and capability.

To ignite deeper innovation, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Deep Tech Alliance, backed by nearly $1 billion in early funding.

Initially centered on semiconductors, this Alliance is set to expand into transformative sectors like clean energy, biotechnology, quantum technology, and space. Vaishnaw believes this dedicated pool of venture capital will give emerging deep-tech industries the momentum they need.

India’s methodical approach to approving projects—prioritising professional evaluations over speed—has led to sustainable growth, according to Vaishnaw.

Two semiconductor fabs are currently operational, with more on the horizon, setting the stage for exponential sectoral acceleration.

Country’s deep commitment

A standout initiative presented at the summit featured twenty homegrown chips, designed and manufactured by Indian university students, which were exhibited to Prime Minister Modi. This is testament to the country’s deep commitment to fostering indigenous innovation.

India is leveraging its educational strength: 78 universities are now equipped with state-of-the-art electronic design automation (EDA) tools, building a workforce that already constitutes around 20 per cent of the global semiconductor talent pool.

The nation’s startup ecosystem is blossoming too—over 28 homegrown startups have bridged the gap from prototype to product. Recent MoUs further cover the creation of fully indigenous IoT chipsets and sophisticated camera systems.

In addition, premier research institutes like IIT Madras have rolled out Indian-designed microcontrollers and processors, laying the foundation for self-sufficiency.

Government initiatives like the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme have accelerated intellectual property creation, with a portfolio of key products and patent-worthy innovations now in the pipeline.

With bold projections that the industry could be worth $1 trillion by 2030, the momentum is undeniable. The successful unveiling of India’s first set of domestically produced chips, personally presented to Prime Minister Modi, marks a profound milestone.

As the nation continues to harness its tech-savvy population, trusted regulatory landscape, and an ever-strengthening ecosystem, India’s aspiration to become the world’s semiconductor hub looks increasingly within reach.