Semicon 2025: India to focus on value-addition, chip supply chain

New Delhi is set to host Semicon 2025, a pivotal event aimed at bolstering the semiconductor industry in India. This year's conference marks a significant shift in focus towards enhancing value addition and establishing a robust domestic supply chain for semiconductors. The Murugappa Group's CG Semi is expected to test and assemble the first chips in India later this year, signaling a major milestone for the nation's tech landscape. Organizers are touting this edition of Semicon as the largest to date, with a plethora of active semiconductor projects and numerous vendor pitches lined up. Notable participants include ASML, a major European tech firm, and US-based Applied Materials, both of which are likely to announce plans for establishing a presence in India, thereby contributing to the country's chip supply chain. Ashok Chandak, president of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), highlighted the need for further advancements, such as the development of compound semiconductors for various industrial applications and local manufacturing of display technologies. He emphasized that India's growth hinges on sourcing chemicals, gases, and machinery domestically in the long term. Last year’s conference saw Tata Electronics unveil plans for the first semiconductor fab in Gujarat, and this year, the focus remains on fostering partnerships among vendors at Semicon 2025. The industry is also looking to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) for support under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, which aims to establish around ten fabrication plants across various semiconductor categories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to deliver a keynote address that could outline new incentives for the chip industry. The conference is expected to attract approximately 15,000 visitors from over 45 countries, a significant increase from last year's attendance, underlining the rapid evolution of India's semiconductor sector from concept to production. With 1,200 booths and 350 exhibitors, including global stakeholders and startups focused on chip technologies, Semicon 2025 promises to be a landmark event in India's journey towards becoming a key player in the global semiconductor arena.