From ‘Not Gate’ to ‘And Gate’: How SEMICON India is building the semiconductor ecosystem, chip by chip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's semiconductor industry took shape during the inaugural SEMICON India in Bengaluru in 2022, where he likened the government's previous role to a 'Not Gate' in logic—essentially a hindrance to progress. Modi advocated for a shift towards functioning as an 'And Gate,' emphasizing that as the industry strives, the government should amplify its support. Fast forward four years, and as SEMICON India returns to New Delhi for its fifth edition, this vision has transformed into tangible developments. Initially, in 2022, the first SEMICON India served as a platform to convince global stakeholders of India's commitment to building a robust semiconductor ecosystem. This event came on the heels of the government's Rs 76,000 crore Semicon India Programme announcement. Among the significant outcomes was a commitment from Applied Materials, which pledged Rs 1,800 crore for product development and local supply chain enhancement. By 2023, SEMICON India in Gandhinagar demonstrated a notable evolution. With AMD announcing a $400 million investment to establish a leading design center in India, the event marked a turning point in attracting serious global attention. Additionally, the Ministry of Electronics and IT forged a partnership with Lam Research to cultivate a highly skilled workforce in nano-fabrication, aiming to build a 60,000-strong talent pool over the next decade. Fast-forwarding to SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida, the atmosphere was charged with corporate ambition as the government had greenlit several semiconductor projects, including those from Micron and Tata Electronics. NXP announced a bold plan to increase its R&D investment in India to over $1 billion, while L&T Semiconductor Technologies revealed intentions to invest more than $300 million in establishing a fabless semiconductor company. The 2025 edition marked a significant milestone, showcasing chips designed by Indian students and highlighting the indigenous Vikram-32 processor developed by ISRO. The event catalyzed numerous partnerships aimed at enhancing semiconductor capabilities in India, with the India Deep Tech Alliance securing over $1 billion in commitments to support sectors such as clean energy and biotechnology. Looking ahead to SEMICON India 2026, the focus will be on nurturing the ecosystem rather than unveiling new multi-billion dollar projects. While significant announcements may not dominate this year's agenda, the conference aims to foster critical conversations and collaborations that are essential for the growth of the semiconductor landscape in India. As the country gears up for the next phase of its semiconductor journey, the foundations laid over the past five years promise a bright future for this vital sector.