PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates SEMICON India 2024, Showcasing India’s Semiconductor Ambitions

PMModi- Inaugarates- Semicon 2024
Image Courtesy: Semicon

SEMICON India 2024, the flagship event for the semiconductor industry, officially kicked off today at the India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) in Greater Noida, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event, organized by SEMI in collaboration with Messe München India, the Ministry of Electronics and IT, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), and Digital India, marks India’s growing presence in the global semiconductor landscape. The three-day event brings together industry leaders to discuss pressing challenges like talent shortages, supply chain resilience, and sustainability.

In a key development, SEMI also launched its Workforce Development Program in India, aimed at addressing the talent gap in the semiconductor sector. The program, launched in partnership with ESSCI at IIT Delhi, focuses on developing specialized educational curricula for semiconductor design and manufacturing roles.

SEMICON India 2024 introduces additional programs by SEMI to boost industry development, including initiatives focused on sustainability and smart manufacturing. These efforts align with the favorable regulatory environment fostered by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the Government of India, encouraging global investments to solidify India’s standing in the semiconductor sector. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu will outline their investment-friendly policies, reinforcing India’s united goal to establish itself as a major player in the global semiconductor industry.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the essential role of the semiconductor sector in driving India’s technological progress. He highlighted the country’s increasing prominence as one of only eight nations to host the SEMICON event, positioning it as a vital platform for tackling global chip challenges. Modi also pointed out the readiness to train 85,000 technicians, engineers, and R&D professionals, underlining the importance of building a strong semiconductor ecosystem to equip the nation’s youth with the necessary skills.

SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha echoed this optimism, stating, “India is well on its way to becoming a leading semiconductor hub in Asia. As artificial intelligence drives global semiconductor demand, around 150 new fabs will be needed to meet the $1 trillion target by 2030. India must experience rapid growth to claim its share, and SEMICON India is poised to accelerate this journey, complementing ISM’s roadmap and favorable government policies.”

Manocha further added that India is expected to face a shortage of 250,000 to 300,000 semiconductor professionals by 2027. Addressing this gap requires upskilling the workforce, and global collaboration will be key in developing the necessary talent. In cooperation with top Indian educational institutions, SEMI is committed to preparing India’s workforce for the evolving semiconductor landscape.

Akash Tripathi, CEO of the India Semiconductor Mission, highlighted the government’s dedication to building a diversified and resilient semiconductor supply chain. In just over two years, ISM has secured investments totaling over $17 billion for four semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India. With a strong talent pipeline and the government’s continued support, Tripathi expressed confidence in India’s ability to become a trusted partner in the global semiconductor value chain in the coming years.

SEMICON India 2024, co-hosted alongside electronica India and productronica India, boasts more than 250 exhibitors, including over 140 international participants such as SEMI, NXP, Foxconn, Tata Electronics, Renesas, CG Power, and Applied Materials. The event provides a platform for exploring innovations in smart manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainability, and workforce development.

Program Sessions and Participating Companies at SEMICON India 2024

  • Advanced Packaging: Experts will discuss how 2.5D and 3D integration enhance chiplets for specific functions, with a focus on heterogeneous integration for next-gen devices like artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Companies involved include AMD, Applied Materials, BESI, KLA, and Western Digital.
  • Design/EDA: This session will cover the progress in chip design and how tool providers are updating their technologies to help designers create and verify the next wave of chips. Participants include Breker Verification Systems, Cadence, Micron, Real Intent, Siemens, and Synopsys.
  • Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE): Speakers will explore the latest in FHE, particularly in advanced packaging and healthcare applications, while discussing market growth and sustainability. Participating organizations include Elephantech, ITC Packaging, MeitY, National Centre for Flexible Electronics, and Reddy Laboratories Ltd.
  • Smart Manufacturing: Presentations will highlight real-world examples of technology adoption in areas like automation, data usage with AI and machine learning, and digital twins, helping companies integrate these into their operations. Companies involved include Ansys, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Micron, and Tata Electronics.
  • Smart MedTech: This session will focus on how advanced medical electronics and semiconductors are revolutionizing patient care and healthcare supply chains with innovative technologies and solutions for preventive healthcare.
  • Supply Chain Management: This session will provide a complete view of the challenges and opportunities within India’s semiconductor supply chain, with insights from leaders in device manufacturing, semiconductor equipment, and materials providers. Companies such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, Tata Electronics, and TechInsights will participate.
  • Sustainability: Experts will examine the environmental challenges faced by the semiconductor industry, share available resources, and discuss innovative ways to tackle these issues. Participants include Applied Materials, Electramet, MeitY, and Merck.
  • Workforce Development: This session will offer a detailed look at the growth of India’s semiconductor workforce, featuring input from industry leaders, educators, and government officials. It will explore successful global initiatives and potential collaborations with local institutions. Participating companies include AICTE, Applied Materials, ESSCI, and Micron.

Additionally, parallel sessions will cover topics such as the design ecosystem by Qualcomm, R&D for advanced packaging, and India’s taxation framework. SEMICON India 2024 is hosted by SEMI, the global association for the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, in partnership with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and Messe München India.

The event is developed in collaboration with the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) and supported by the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) and India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA).