Dr Priti Adani, President of Adani University, on 24 October 2026 urged stronger collaboration between industry and academia to cultivate the skilled workforce India needs to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem. Speaking at the 'Conclave on Hardware, Innovation, Processing and Semiconductor Technologies (CHIPS) 2026' hosted by Adani University in Ahmedabad, she argued that world-class fabrication plants alone cannot sustain a competitive semiconductor sector without equally world-class human capital behind them.

The Core Message: Human Intelligence Over Machine Dependence

'The true measure of our technological progress will not be how intelligent our machines become. It will be how wisely we develop and use human intelligence to build a better future,' Dr Priti Adani said at the conclave. Her remarks come at a moment when India's semiconductor ambitions are accelerating on multiple fronts — from government-backed fabrication projects to AI-driven demand for advanced chips and data infrastructure.

Who Was in the Room

The conclave drew keynote speakers from global semiconductor and technology heavyweights — Qualcomm, NXP Semiconductors, Micron Technology, Synopsys, Infineon Technologies, and law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Their addresses covered the full semiconductor value chain: wireless technology, chip design, memory and storage, power systems, and the legal frameworks that underpin the industry. The event was organised in collaboration with IIT Mandi, the VLSI Society of India, and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and also brought together representatives from the Gujarat State Electronics Mission and several academic institutions.

Key Discussions and Panel Themes

Three panel discussions shaped the day's agenda. The first, titled 'The Future of Semiconductor Design in India', examined pathways to strengthen domestic chip design capabilities — an area where India has a growing but still underutilised talent base. The second, 'Semiconductor Manufacturing: Shaping India's Technological Future', focused on manufacturing's central role in the country's industrial strategy. The third, 'Career Opportunities in the Semiconductor Ecosystem', mapped out emerging roles, evolving skill requirements and career entry points for engineers and technologists.

Gujarat's Growing Role and India's Broader Ambitions

India's semiconductor strategy, anchored by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), extends well beyond chip fabrication to encompass design, packaging and system integration. Projects at Dholera and Sanand in Gujarat are advancing the state's position as a manufacturing hub within this national push. Notably, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is intensifying demand for the underlying infrastructure — advanced chips, high-capacity data centres and reliable power supply — adding urgency to India's efforts to develop indigenous capabilities.

Adani University's Planned Semiconductor Programmes

Adani University, which positions itself around industry-aligned education and research, has outlined plans to develop semiconductor design, manufacturing and packaging expertise at its upcoming multidisciplinary global campus in Ahmedabad. Proposed initiatives include specialised programmes for early-career engineers, executive education for industry professionals and faculty development — all oriented toward closing the gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements. The CHIPS 2026 conclave forms part of that institution-building effort, signalling that private universities are increasingly positioning themselves as active players in India's semiconductor talent pipeline.