In 1969, Robert Noyce, co-founder of Intel, explored setting up a fabrication unit for integrated circuits in India. However, India’s facility size didn’t align with Intel’s ambitions. Despite a setback, India initiated semiconductor ambitions with the Semiconductor Complex Ltd, which faced a fire in 1989.
Today, global economies, including India, pursue self-sufficiency in semiconductor chip manufacturing post-Covid. While Intel hasn’t considered India for a fab yet, Micron, PSMC, and Renesas have invested in India’s semiconductor vision. The government aims for a comprehensive ecosystem beyond fabs.
Establishing semiconductor fabs and ATMPs leads to downstream ecosystem development critical to India’s semiconductor goals. For instance, Simmtech from South Korea invests in India, supporting Micron’s semiconductor testing plant.
India plans schemes like SPECS to support semiconductor missions. Emphasis on Wafer Fabrication Equipment (WFE) manufacturing is crucial, considering WFE’s significance in fab construction.
India’s approach to semiconductors learns from China’s past, emphasizing WFE investments. India has begun preparing for five of eight semiconductor manufacturing equipment types.
As chip demand surges, workforce training becomes pivotal. India aims to train over 85,000 engineers for chip production, aligning with tailored curriculums from AICTE.
Beyond fabs, investing in semiconductor intellectual property (IP) and R&D is essential. The Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre (BSRC) aims to be a world-class collaboration for advanced semiconductor research.
India strategically directs efforts across semiconductor sectors, aiming for a Top 5 global semiconductor player position in the next five years, recognizing the industry’s future influence.
