Gandhinagar, Feb 27 (NationPress) The SemiConnect Conference-2026 is set to take place on March 1 and 2 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as the state propels forward with semiconductor initiatives valued at around Rs 1.24 lakh crore, establishing itself as a crucial hub in India's chip-manufacturing landscape.

During a press briefing in Gandhinagar, the state's Science and Technology Minister, Arjun Modhwadia, highlighted that this conference is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a leading global semiconductor center.

He pointed out that the disruptions to global supply chains during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly affecting semiconductor production, severely impacted industries worldwide and emphasized the need for robust domestic chip manufacturing.

“We view this challenge as an opportunity. The Prime Minister's commitment has positioned the country as a leader in semiconductor and next-generation smart manufacturing,” stated Modhwadia.

He also referenced the India AI Impact Summit-2026 held in New Delhi last week under the PM's guidance, where representatives from around 88 nations came together to endorse a joint declaration on the ethical application of artificial intelligence.

Modhwadia remarked, "Gujarat is emerging as a national epicenter for semiconductor production, bolstered by significant investments currently underway."

The two-day conference will feature prominent attendees including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Information and Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

According to Modhwadia, the event is envisioned as the state's premier semiconductor platform, fostering collaboration among global and domestic stakeholders across the electronics value chain.

This initiative aims to position Gujarat as a center for memory packaging and advanced semiconductor manufacturing, thereby enhancing India's electronics production and technological framework.

The conference is designed to encourage partnerships between high-tech chip manufacturers, supply chain collaborators, and domestic industries for sustainable ecosystem growth.

Modhwadia noted that this third edition builds on the success of the 2024 and 2025 events, which gathered participants from fabs, foundries, equipment suppliers, and design ecosystem partners.

Over 2,500 registrations have already been received from more than eight countries, including various industry representatives, foreign institutions, researchers, investors, and students.

Key investors anticipated to attend include Dr. Randhir Thakur of Tata Electronics, Sanjay Mehrotra of Micron Technology, G. C. Chaturvedi of CG Power and Industrial Solutions, Ramesh Kannan of Kaynes Semicon, and Ajay Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI.

Modhwadia mentioned that announcements concerning new investments and skill development initiatives in Gujarat's semiconductor and electronics sectors are slated for the event.

The agenda will include discussions on next-generation semiconductors, logistics and infrastructure in hubs like Dholera and Sanand, semiconductor financing through GIFT IFSC, research and workforce development, and enhancing India's electronics ecosystem from printed circuit board manufacturing to component supply chains.

Country-specific roundtables with Taiwan and Japan, a Micron ecosystem roundtable, and a session titled 'From Silicon to Students' focusing on workforce development are also part of the schedule.

One-on-one meetings between senior industry leaders and government officials will occur alongside the main sessions.

On March 2, delegates will tour Dholera Semicon City, where meetings with Tata Electronics and senior officials are planned.

Participants will receive insights into the plug-and-play industrial infrastructure, utilities, and logistics readiness supporting semiconductor-related advancements.

The conference enjoys the backing of both international and national knowledge partners, including SEMI, JETRO, KOTRA, the India Semiconductor Mission, ELCINA, IESA, ICEA, MEDEPC, and Invest India.

Officials such as Yu Yoshida from JETRO, Mr. Kim from KOTRA, and Homer Chang from TECC are expected to be present.