At the inauguration of SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the transformative impact of the semiconductor industry on India's technological landscape. He highlighted that initiatives like the Digital India Mission and advancements in telecom have significantly democratized technology access for citizens. Vaishnaw reflected on India’s early attempts to establish a semiconductor industry over 60 years ago, underscoring the foundational role semiconductors play in various technologies, from medical instruments to consumer electronics. Under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has made significant strides in this sector, with five semiconductor units approved and construction progressing rapidly. Notably, the Morigaon Tata Unit has commenced, and other units are set to begin soon, with permissions secured in record time. Vaishnaw also outlined the country’s commitment to developing a robust talent pool, targeting 85,000 engineers over the next decade. This includes collaborations with 113 universities and research institutions, and the implementation of industry-relevant curricula. The industry’s role in training is exemplified by the successful semi-words program running across 74 universities, which has already trained 2,600 students. Additionally, AMD has launched its first global design center in Bengaluru, employing around 5,000 engineers, with plans for expansion.
