India is positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor industry with the launch of Semicon 2024, a premier event that brings together industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to accelerate the country’s ambition to become a semiconductor manufacturing powerhouse. Held in Bengaluru, the event marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to reduce its dependence on chip imports and establish a robust domestic ecosystem for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and research.
With global semiconductor demand at an all-time high, and supply chain disruptions impacting multiple industries, Semicon 2024 comes at a critical time. The event is aligned with the Indian government’s $10 billion incentive program, which aims to create a sustainable semiconductor and display manufacturing infrastructure in the country. The program is a part of the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which seeks to bolster domestic manufacturing and technology independence.
India’s Bold Leap Forward: At the heart of Semicon 2024 is India’s ambition to build world-class semiconductor fabrication units (fabs). Industry experts attending the event have emphasized the importance of a domestic semiconductor ecosystem for the country’s rapidly growing electronics and automotive industries, as well as its burgeoning 5G, AI, and IoT sectors. These sectors are expected to drive the next wave of technological advancements, with semiconductors playing a pivotal role.
Key Themes at Semicon 2024:
- Investment and Partnerships: The event has drawn attention from major international players in the semiconductor industry, including companies from the U.S., Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Global chip manufacturers are in talks with Indian companies and the government to explore joint ventures, technology transfer, and setting up fabs in India.
- Policy Support and Incentives: India’s government has announced a series of Production Linked Incentives (PLI) for semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, and skill development. These incentives, coupled with a favorable regulatory framework, are expected to attract billions of dollars in investment over the next few years.
- Fostering Innovation and Talent: One of the critical focuses of Semicon 2024 is the development of talent for semiconductor design and manufacturing. India’s vast pool of engineering talent, particularly in software and design, gives it an edge. Training programs and partnerships with global educational institutions are being emphasized to build the required expertise in semiconductor fabrication.
- Global Supply Chain Diversification: The global semiconductor shortage has underscored the need for diversifying supply chains. With its stable political environment, growing economy, and government-backed initiatives, India is being viewed as an attractive alternative for setting up semiconductor fabs. This would also mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on existing semiconductor hubs in East Asia.
