SemiconIndia Conference 2022 starts on a high note

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated SemiconIndia Conference 2022, the global semiconductor conclave designed to bring together key stakeholders to showcase existing capabilities, ideate innovations and discuss global best practices. The flagship conclave with the theme Catalyzing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem, is being held in Bengaluru from 29th April to 1st May 2022.

Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India said, “Semiconductors today are playing a critical role in the world. India is in a unique position to be the influential player in the segment owing to its consumer base and skilled engineering workforce. Our government is cognizant of the potential of the sector, and we are committed towards acceleration and growth of the chip design and manufacturing ecosystem in the country. An ecosystem that is built on the principle of ‘Hi-tech, high quality and high reliability’.

The digital-first approach can be seen in the way India has adopted digitalization. Today, UPI is the most efficient payment infrastructure. We are using digital technologies to transform lives in all forms of governance from health and welfare to inclusion and empowerment. This conference is a step towards bringing the industry and government closer to ideate, discuss and formulate policies that will enable growth and pave the way for India to be at the forefront of the next revolution in technology. We commit to providing support in the form of ease of business, empowering policies, monetary support in the form of PLI and other schemes, and investing in skilling and training youth to provide talent required for the sector in India and globally.

We have earmarked USD 10 billion for India Semiconductor Mission and are creating an environment that encourages growth to create a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem and steer India into the future.”

The conference aligns with the larger national narratives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat and is pegged as the launchpad to India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The brightest minds in the sector have come together to help actualize India’s aspirations of becoming a superpower in the semiconductor sector. The three-day conclave is designed to provide impetus to India’s semiconductor strategy and chart its future course of action and growth milestones.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways and Communication, said “The biggest asset India has is its talented workforce that is trusted by the world. Building India as a prominent player in chip design and manufacturing is a marathon, not a sprint. Our vision is supported by careful planning and calibrated efforts of all stakeholders to establish India as a major hub for the electronic and semiconductor industry globally. Aside from our favorable policies, we are also working closely with academic and global institutions to design curriculum that will help create an 85 thousand trained and production ready workforce for the semiconductor industry. We reiterate our commitment and promise to work closely with the industry in a focused manner for the long-term growth and development of the sector. “

Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said, “The world has been through one of the worst Black Swan phases in recent times. India has suffered $150b - $200b economic loss due to lockdowns in the pandemic. However, we have emerged stronger despite the economic setbacks. Given our vast country and populace, India has shown great resilience and done exceptionally well with its vaccination program, healthcare and financial support and other welfare schemes for its citizens.

Effective governance and empathetic policies have been key in achieving this monumental feat.

We also have been cognizant of the rapid pace of digitalization thrust upon us by pandemic and our ability to face this calamity with resilience has been appreciated by the whole world. Today our technology ecosystem is recognized for its excellence the world over and our startup ecosystem replete with many unicorns is a testimony to this fact. The semiconductor design and manufacturing sector is a critical component of our next phase of growth and to catalyze this growth, we have laid down a calibrated roadmap ably supported by conducive policies and concerted effort and close collaboration with the industry. Together we can and we will bring to fruition our Hon’ble Prime Ministers vision of putting India at the forefront of next Techade by ensuring Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas.”

The inaugural event was well represented by the industry with leading Indian and global enterprises present. The industry captains in attendance lauded the government’s efforts and vision in turning the country into a semiconductor hub. Sanjay Mehrotra, President & CEO, Micron Technology emphasized on the role of the semiconductor sector in ensuring an Atmanirbhar Bharat, made possible by the collective efforts of the industry, academia, and the government. In his keynote address Randhir Thakur, President, Intel Foundry Services, reiterated the critical role the domestic semiconductor sector is playing and will continue to play in ensuring economic growth and security. Semiconductors are the new oil in the digital age. Providing impetus to the homegrown innovators and welcoming global players to set up manufacturing in the country will propel India’s tech sector growth in years to come. Jim Keller, CEO Tentorrent emphasized on the pervasive nature of semiconductors in our everyday lives. With the consumer base and data growing at a rapid pace, there is a need for the semiconductor ecosystem to keep pace. India will play a critical role from a talent and technology perspective globally.

During the conference, the government also solidified its partnerships with the industry by showcasing commitment and a keen interest to work with the stakeholders to realize its efforts towards actualizing the milestones set and translate its vision into a reality. The below Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were inked:

· MOU signed between SEMI and ELCINA to promote semiconductor ecosystem in India

· MOU between CDAC and Qualcomm for partnership in semiconductors which will target semiconductor design startups, in line with the objectives of the PLI scheme

· MOU between AICTE and SEMI and ISM for training and skilling tech workforce for the semiconductor sector

IESA launched an industry report on ‘Semiconductor manufacturing supply chain – India’s opportunity in the global market”

The conference is envisioned as the launch pad to kickstart India’s ambition in becoming the global electronics and semiconductor design and manufacturing hub. Day one of the event featured an address by Ajit Manocha, President and CEO, SEMI speaking about India’s ‘Fab’ulous push for Million Chips for Billions.

India has received investment proposals from five global semicon majors to set up semiconductor fab and display fab locally in India. The proposals are for manufacturing the chips used in wide array of products including consumer devices, automotives and personal electronics. The proposals received so far are to the tune of $20.5b in the greenfield segment of display and semiconductor chip manufacturing.

Applied Materials, a leader in material engineering solutions and largest semiconductor display equipment manufacturer in the world, made an announcement to invest 1800 crore rupees in India. The company has acquired a large land parcel in Bengaluru, to set up the proposed manufacturing facility.

The panel discussion on the topic - India's march towards semiconductor capabilities for future included eminent industry leaders such as Barun Dutta, IMEC, Erez Imberman, Tower Semiconductors, Raj Kumar, IGSS Ventures, Rajesh Nair, Global Foundries. The panellists highlighted the need for concerted efforts to gear up for the next phase of growth in the sector. Creating attractive learning and growth opportunities for the large engineering talent pool in the country to help accelerate growth of the electronics and semiconductor ecosystem in India.

The conference also features an exhibition with prominent chip and microprocessor manufacturers, technical institutions, and new age technology startups. The exhibition reiterates the current capabilities present in the sector and exciting possibilities of new innovations.