EPIC Foundation Backs Semicon 2.0

EPIC Foundation on Wednesday welcomed the Government’s Semicon 2.0 programme, describing it as a significant step towards building a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem in India. Reacting to the announcement, EPIC Foundation Chairman Dr Ajai Chowdhry said the new policy marks the first time that all key segments of the semiconductor value chain have been brought under a single framework.

“This is exactly what we at EPIC Foundation have envisioned for India’s semiconductor journey. For the first time, a complete ecosystem approach has been adopted, covering chip design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, research and development, talent, and indigenous technologies and materials,” he said.

He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw for what he described as a sustained policy focus on the sector. Dr Chowdhry also welcomed the approval of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS), with an outlay of ₹62,500 crore over five years, saying it would provide continuity for existing manufacturing units while encouraging greater domestic sourcing and value addition.

“The emphasis on design and R&D, particularly semiconductor chip design, is among the most significant aspects of the announcement. Building strong design capabilities is essential for creating a resilient semiconductor ecosystem. The incentives for Indian brands, design and R&D can help strengthen the competitiveness of domestic companies,” he said.

According to Dr Chowdhry, the incentives proposed for local sourcing under the MPMS are expected to deepen the electronics manufacturing supply chain and increase domestic value addition. He also welcomed the government’s decision to increase the outlay for the semiconductor programme from ₹75,000 crore to ₹1.25 lakh crore, saying the enhanced allocation reflects a long-term commitment to developing a globally competitive semiconductor industry.

Referring to the progress made under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 1.0, Dr Chowdhry said the investments and projects approved over the past three years have laid a strong foundation for the next phase of growth. “Semicon 2.0 builds on that momentum and has the potential to accelerate India’s emergence as a global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing hub,” he added.

EPIC Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established by HCL co-founders Dr Ajai Chowdhry and Arjun Malhotra to strengthen India’s electronics hardware design and manufacturing ecosystem. Guided by experienced industry leaders, the Foundation works to promote indigenous product development, reduce dependence on imports, encourage innovation, create high-quality employment opportunities, and contribute to India’s long-term technological and economic growth.