Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Semicon India 2.0 would strive to engage a minimum of 200 startups and companies that specialise in chip design within the country. This announcement was made during the ongoing Semicon India 2026 event, which takes place in New Delhi from September 17 to 19. The initiative aims to address various semiconductor requirements and bolster India’s position in the global semiconductor market.

During the first iteration, Semicon India 1.0, approximately 105 startups were involved, with around 20 of these receiving venture capital funding amounting to Rs 800 crore. The successful engagement during this phase underscores the increasing interest and investment in the semiconductor sector.

Vaishnaw indicated that one of the key components of Semicon India 2.0 would concentrate on machines and materials, supported by a substantial investment of $5 billion. This investment is expected to create significant employment opportunities across the country and contribute to economic growth.

Core Pillars of the New Initiative

The initiative is structured around several principal pillars. The second pillar focuses on machines and materials necessary for semiconductor production. The minister elaborated on the various aspects of the initiative, stressing the significance of advanced technologies.

The third pillar is dedicated to enhancing capabilities related to displays, memory, silicon, and logic. Vaishnaw mentioned a notable development with a 3D packaging unit already being established in Odisha, which exemplifies the government’s commitment to advancing semiconductor technology.

Research and development forms the focus of the fourth pillar, with projects aiming to tackle contemporary industry challenges through collaboration between the industry and academic institutions. This approach is designed to ensure that R&D efforts are directly applicable and beneficial within the semiconductor field.

Focus on Talent Development and Event Overview

Talent development stands as the fifth pillar of Semicon India 2.0. Minister Vaishnaw noted that while Semicon India 1.0 intended to train 85,000 design engineers over a decade, approximately 70,000 engineers have already been trained within just four years. For the 2.0 initiative, the goal is to develop 1 lakh technicians equipped with skills specific to clean room operations and factory settings.

These trained individuals are expected to contribute directly to factories being established in India while also being part of a global talent pool that supports the semiconductor industry. The comprehensive training will focus on equipping individuals with the necessary skills for employment within this burgeoning sector.

As Semicon India 2026 convenes, it aims to foster industry collaborations, set policy directions, and enhance international partnerships. Coordinated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the event features over 600 exhibitors, including 300 international companies, within a 15,000-square-metre space. The convention also highlights various pavilions dedicated to startups and state governments, along with opportunities for student participation in hackathons.

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