SEMICON India 2024 was inaugurated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Exposition Mart Ltd in Greater Noida, signalling India's rapid emergence as a global semiconductor hub. Organised by SEMI in collaboration with Messe Munchen India, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), and Digital India, the event brings together leaders from the global semiconductor industry to address challenges such as talent shortages, supply chain redesign, and sustainability.
The event also marked the launch of SEMI's Workforce Development Program in India, aimed at bridging the talent gap in the semiconductor sector. A recent workshop on semiconductor manufacturing, held in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) at IIT Delhi, underscored this initiative. The program seeks to collaborate with educational institutions to create specialised curricula and skill development initiatives for roles in semiconductor design and manufacturing. The aim is to equip India’s burgeoning engineering workforce with the necessary skills for the fast-growing semiconductor industry.
Prime Minister Modi, in his inaugural address, highlighted the critical role the semiconductor industry plays in India's technological progress. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering growth in this sector, calling it essential to the country's aspirations of becoming a global leader in technology and manufacturing.
Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI, echoed the Prime Minister's sentiments, noting that India is on track to become a semiconductor powerhouse in Asia. With the global demand for semiconductors fuelled by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, Manocha pointed out that an estimated 150 new fabs will be required to meet the industry's ambitious $1 trillion target by 2030. He emphasised that India's potential for exponential growth in the sector would be key to achieving a significant share of this market.
Manocha also addressed the looming workforce shortage, projected to be between 250,000 and 300,000 professionals by 2027. He stressed the importance of up skilling India's talent pool, with the involvement of global players in the effort to prepare the next generation of workers for the semiconductor industry.
Shri Akash Tripathi, CEO of the India Semiconductor Mission, provided further insights into India’s progress. He noted that in the last 32 months, ISM has secured investments exceeding $17 billion for four semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India. Tripathi highlighted that India's strong talent pool, along with the government’s dedication to supporting semiconductor development, will position the country as a key player in the global semiconductor value chain in the years to come.
SEMICON India 2024 features over 250 exhibitors, with more than 140 international participants, including major industry names such as NXP, Foxconn, Renesas, Tata Electronics, and Applied Materials. The event will address a variety of themes, from smart manufacturing to sustainability, with representatives from states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu showcasing their investment policies aimed at attracting semiconductor-related ventures.
Key program sessions include advanced packaging, design and electronic design automation (EDA), flexible hybrid electronics, and smart manufacturing. These discussions will provide insights into the latest developments in AI-driven chip manufacturing, healthcare applications, and environmental sustainability in the semiconductor industry. Participating companies in these sessions include AMD, Western Digital, Breker Verification Systems, Siemens, and many others.
A notable focus of SEMICON India 2024 is workforce development. This session will bring together industry leaders, educators, and government officials to review successful global initiatives and explore ways to adapt them to India’s specific needs. Collaborations with educational institutions and government agencies are key to ensuring that India's workforce is prepared to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor industry.
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