India Should Aim to Build 10 Semiconductor Fabs in the Next Decade: SEMI Chief

"If India wants to be a global semiconductor powerhouse, we need at least 10 fabs," ~Ajit Manocha.

Introduction

The Indian semiconductor industry has set ambitious goals to establish at least 10 semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) over the next ten years, according to Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of Semi—the global semiconductor and electronics industry body.

This aggressive move is part of India’s larger push to become a global semiconductor powerhouse.

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Key Takeaways:

  • 10 Fabs in 10 Years: India should aim to build 10 fabs to create a self-sustaining industry.
  • Expanding OSAT and ATMP Units: Growth in Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) and Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) units is vital.
  • Global Attention on India: Success from companies like Tata and Micron will attract more global investments.
  • Government Collaboration: Semicon India 2024 partners with India’s Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and the India Semiconductor Mission.
  • Market Growth: The Indian semiconductor market could exceed $100 billion by 2030, creating over 600,000 jobs.

India’s Path to Semiconductor Leadership

Manocha outlined India’s vision for the semiconductor industry, calling for at least 10 fabs in the next decade. “If India wants to be a global semiconductor powerhouse, we need at least 10 fabs,” he said.

India’s semiconductor sector has seen rising interest from global chipmakers. With a projected $100 billion market by 2030, India is poised to play a critical role in the global semiconductor space. This industry could create more than 600,000 jobs by 2030.

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Importance of OSAT and ATMP Units

Manocha praised India’s progress in establishing OSAT and ATMP units, crucial for semiconductor manufacturing. These units handle chip processing and reduce reliance on global supply chains. “Without strong OSAT and ATMP capabilities, the fab dream cannot succeed,” said Manocha.

India is already making strides here. Tata and Micron’s new semiconductor projects are expected to attract even more investment.

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Tata and Micron Projects

Manocha stressed the importance of successful projects by Tata and Micron.

“When we make these projects thrive, the global industry will take notice, and more investments will follow,”

Tata recently announced plans to establish semiconductor and electronics units, while Micron committed to building a chip assembly and test facility.

Semicon India 2024: Global Collaboration Platform

Semicon India 2024, happening from September 11-13, will bring together global industry leaders.

The event is organized by Semi and Messe Muenchen India in partnership with MeitY and the India Semiconductor Mission.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government is pushing hard to develop the semiconductor sector. The India Semiconductor Mission and the PLI Scheme aim to attract global players.

“The government’s role is crucial,” said Manocha, noting how these initiatives have already shown positive results.

Challenges and Opportunities

Building 10 fabs is costly, with each fab potentially costing over $5 billion. India will also need strong infrastructure, reliable power, and skilled labor.

However, the global chip shortage presents a huge opportunity. India could position itself as a trusted partner in the global supply chain.

Conclusion

Ajit Manocha’s vision of 10 fabs in 10 years sets a bold target. While challenges exist, India has a clear roadmap: build a robust semiconductor ecosystem and attract global investments.

As Semicon India 2024 nears, all eyes are on India’s semiconductor sector, which could play a key role in shaping the future.

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Priyadarshi is a prominent figure in the world of technology and semiconductors. With a deep passion for innovation and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the semiconductor industry, Kumar has established himself as a thought leader and expert in the field. He is the founder of Techovedas, India’s first semiconductor and AI tech media company, where he shares insights, analysis, and trends related to the semiconductor and AI industries.

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. He couldn’t find joy working in the fab and moved to India. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL)

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