MeitY Collaborates with IITs to Boost Semiconductor Sector
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has initiated collaborations with Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and private institutions to strengthen skill development for India's burgeoning semiconductor sector. This move comes as the nation seeks to establish itself as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, supported by multinationals and domestic players alike.
"There is significant work underway in skilling under the India Semiconductor Mission. We are engaging with institutions like IITs and private colleges to ensure skill availability in this space", said S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY. Recognizing the nascent stage of large-scale semiconductor manufacturing in India, Krishnan emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping the workforce with specialized training, including overseas programs where advanced facilities are available.
Experts highlight the lack of locally available skilled talent as a critical challenge for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The sector requires expertise in specialty materials, gases, substrates, and advanced equipment. To address this, MeitY is actively developing targeted training programs to bridge the talent gap.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has already approved five semiconductor projects under a national initiative aimed at creating a domestic semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative, backed by a Rs 76,000 crore outlay under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), has facilitated partnerships with major global and domestic players, including US-based Micron Technology, Tata Electronics, Kaynes Semicon, CG Power, and Japanese partner Renesas Electronics Corporation.
Launched in 2021, ISM offers incentives and fosters strategic collaborations to promote semiconductor fabrication facilities, packaging, testing, and critical components. The mission aligns with India’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) goal, driven by the need for a diversified supply chain following disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
India’s semiconductor market is projected to reach $109 billion by 2030, according to industry estimates. However, the lack of skilled talent has drawn concerns from global stakeholders, with a senior executive from Merck, a leading multinational, cautioning that this gap could hinder India’s ambitions.
MeitY’s training initiatives aim to address these challenges, ensuring a robust talent pool and fostering growth in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, a crucial component of its technological and economic aspirations.
