Semicon India 2023 Paving the Way for India’s Global Leadership

The semiconductor ecosystem in India thrives through global partnerships, talent development, and regulatory frameworks.

In a momentous three-day event, Semicon India 2023 concluded with a resounding emphasis on India’s role in critical and emerging technologies, particularly in the semiconductor sector. Addressing the conference’s final day, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar highlighted India’s growing presence as a trusted global electronics manufacturing partner, forging international collaborations with the US, Japan, Australia, and other like-minded countries.

The conference witnessed the diverse participation of industry leaders, start-ups, academia, and government officials who engaged in insightful discussions and talks. The focus was on fostering a robust, resilient, and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.

India’s commitment to “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” underscores its pursuit of equitable growth and a shared future for all. In line with this vision, a dedicated panel discussion led by Anshuman Tripathi, a Member of NSCS, explored “International Collaboration for a Trusted and Resilient Semiconductor Supply Chain.” Panellists from the US Embassy, Japan’s Economy and Development Ministry, the Australian High Commission, and Georgia Tech University deliberated on the potential of global partnerships in bolstering India’s position as a major player in semiconductor manufacturing, research, talent exchange, clean energy transitions, and critical mineral exploration.

Another engaging panel discussion centred on opportunities and challenges in emerging technologies, featuring experts from Texas Instruments, AMD, NXP Semiconductors, and IIT Bombay. The discourse revolved around key innovations in semiconductors, the future of automotive semiconductors, the role of academia in advancing semiconductor technology, and sustainability in the semiconductor ecosystem.

A stimulating discussion titled “Catalysing New India’s Techade” took place with Amitabh Malhotra, MD of HSBC India, and Ridham Desai, MD of Morgan Stanley. They underscored the exciting prospects of establishing a semiconductor ecosystem in India, leveraging the country’s capacity for both consumption and production, which appeals to multinational companies. Access to capital emerged as a crucial factor for industry growth, with participants exploring various financing avenues, including external commercial borrowing and equity investments.

Additionally, panel discussions centred on the readiness assessment for the semiconductor ecosystem. Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA, moderated a session on “India’s Growing Presence in Electronics GVCs.” Panellists from Corning India, BoAt, Radiant, Venture Capitalists, and Element Solutions discussed the remarkable growth and potential of the electronics sector. Notably, BoAt shared its journey from imports to domestic manufacturing, supported by government policies like the Phased Manufacturing Programme. Corning India advocated a robust manufacturing strategy to bolster the “Make in India” campaign, while challenges like comprehensive manufacturing strategies, uniform labour codes, and insurance cover were deliberated.

Furthermore, a panel led by Sanjay Gupta, Chairman of IESA, and representatives from various Indian States demonstrated their preparedness to attract investments, develop infrastructure, and nurture talent in the electronics and semiconductor industries, playing a vital role in India’s growth in this sector. The importance of financial and non-financial support for semiconductor companies, the need for fabless entrepreneurship, and the creation of State funds to support startups were highlighted.

The deliberations on “Global Semiconductor Talent Capital” showcased India’s commitment to becoming a semiconductor talent nation through strategic planning, collaboration, and workforce investment. Participants from AMD India, AICTE, Global Foundries, Applied Materials, Lam Research, IIT Bombay, and Purdue University explored the implementation of the Semicon India Future Skills and Talent Roadmap.

A significant highlight was the session on creating a globally competitive compliance and regulatory framework, moderated by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of DPIIT. Discussions encompassed rapid changes in ease of doing business and FDI processes, the importance of handholding global investors, tax reforms, a whole of Government approach, policy stability, and streamlining operations in the semiconductor ecosystem.

With closing remarks by Jaya Jagadish, AMD India, SemiconIndia 2023 marked a monumental shift, shifting the question from “why invest in India” to “why not invest in India” in the semiconductor industry. The conference’s focus on emerging technologies like chiplet architecture and material sciences is pivotal to meeting the growing chip demand. Government initiatives for skilled talent support for startups and R&D will undoubtedly fuel innovation in the sector.

The second edition of Semicon India has indeed positioned India as a central player in shaping the future of technology and semiconductors, bringing together global leaders and academia to envision India as a global hub for electronics and semiconductors.