How is India Launching a Semiconductor Product Design Leadership Forum to Drive Innovation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India aims to become a global leader in chip design.
- The forum addresses critical gaps in the semiconductor ecosystem.
- Over 80 stakeholders participated in the launch event.
- Support from government schemes will enhance market growth.
- The initiative envisions the establishment of 500 design firms in the next decade.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) To establish India as a global frontrunner in chip design, intellectual property (IP) development, and high-value innovation, a new Semiconductor Product Design Leadership Forum was inaugurated here on Monday.
Initiated by the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), this forum is designed to bridge essential gaps in access to capital, advanced EDA tools, IP procurement, international partnerships, and specialized semiconductor design expertise.
The primary goal of the forum is to cultivate a globally competitive semiconductor design ecosystem in India, thereby fostering an environment where Indian engineers can innovate and enhance IP generation domestically. This initiative will complement the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme and other relevant policy measures.
“As we channel investments into fabs and manufacturing through the India Semiconductor Mission, enhancing the design ecosystem becomes crucial, as this is where true value, autonomy, and sovereignty are established,” stated S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, at the launch.
Forum Chair, Sandeep Kumar, emphasized that by uniting fabless companies, IP institutions, tool vendors, supply chains, marketing, and funding agencies, the forum aims to rectify existing structural deficiencies.
The event attracted over 80 participants, including officials from MeitY, NITI Aayog, and international firms.
Participants represented a spectrum of the semiconductor ecosystem, including domestic product design firms, DLI-recognized entities, early-stage design startups, and global semiconductor companies.
“The ICEA Semiconductor Product Design Leadership Forum signifies our belief that India should excel not just in manufacturing but also in chip innovation. With this initiative, we aim to nurture 500 successful semiconductor product design firms over the upcoming decade,” remarked Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA.
Supported by government initiatives providing up to 50 percent fiscal assistance, India's semiconductor market is anticipated to expand from $45-50 billion in 2024-25 to $100-110 billion by 2030.
Both the Semiconductor Fabs Scheme and the Display Fabs Scheme grant up to 50 percent financial support for qualifying projects. Additionally, the DLI scheme offers incentives of up to Rs 15 crore for each chip design startup.