What Happened at Semicon India? 12 MoUs Signed, $1 Billion Committed!

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 12 MoUs signed to enhance indigenous technology.
- $1 billion committed through the Deep Tech Alliance.
- Focus on semiconductors and expansion into other sectors.
- India's semiconductor production is cost-competitive.
- Strong emphasis on venture capital support.
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) The event titled ‘Semicon India 2025’ has culminated in the signing of 12 Memorandums of Understanding aimed at fostering indigenous technologies in sectors such as camera modules, microphone buds, miniature packaging, and the talent development ecosystem, as stated by the government on Tuesday.
In a bid to bolster innovation further, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw declared the establishment of the Deep Tech Alliance, which has already seen commitments close to $1 billion.
Initially concentrating on semiconductors, the Alliance plans to broaden its horizons to encompass other leading sectors like clean energy, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and space. The minister emphasized that this initiative will offer essential venture capital support to burgeoning deep tech industries.
Moreover, he highlighted that exports will play a pivotal role in the 10 sanctioned projects, ensuring that chips manufactured in India will cater to both domestic and international markets.
Independent analyses suggest that India's semiconductor production is currently 15–30 percent more cost-effective compared to global standards.
Vaishnaw stressed that India has not hastened project approvals but instead prioritized thorough evaluations for sustainable advancement. With two fabrication plants operational and more on the way, India is gaining traction in an industry where, once the groundwork is laid, growth can ascend exponentially.
In a remarkable move, 20 chips designed and produced by Indian students at the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) were also showcased to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Vaishnaw mentioned that with 78 universities nationwide utilizing advanced EDA tools, India is cultivating a rich talent pool that already constitutes nearly 20 percent of the global semiconductor workforce.
India is also fostering its design and startup ecosystem, with over 28 startups transitioning from project phases to product launches. Recent MoUs cover comprehensive IoT chipsets and camera systems, while institutions like IIT Madras have introduced indigenous microcontrollers and processors. The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme has birthed a portfolio of invaluable intellectual properties, and 25 priority products have been earmarked for development.
With an industry forecast projecting $1 trillion by 2030 and India’s robust positioning in talent, trust, and technology, the nation is set to emerge as a global frontrunner in semiconductors, fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of establishing India as the semiconductor hub for the world.
The journey of India’s semiconductor sector reached a historic apex as the first batch of Made-in-India chips from a pilot line was unveiled to PM Modi by Vaishnaw.