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NASIR ALI
Srinagar: The global semiconductor industry stands at the forefront of technological innovation, powering the devices and systems that drive our modern world. As India charts its course in the digital age, the role of semiconductors becomes increasingly vital. While historically India has been more known for its prowess in software development and IT services, the nation has been making significant strides in semiconductor technology. Coupled with the contributions of Indian scientists across various fields, India stands poised to carve out a niche in the semiconductor ecosystem and achieve technological independence.
India’s journey in semiconductor technology began with a focus on design and embedded software development, serving as a key outsourcing destination for global semiconductor companies. However, in recent years, there has been a concerted effort to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Initiatives like the National Electronics Policy and the Electronics Manufacturing Clusters scheme have been launched to promote indigenous manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports.
Despite these efforts, India still faces challenges in establishing semiconductor fabrication facilities or fabs. The semiconductor manufacturing process requires significant investment, advanced technology, and a supportive ecosystem, elements that India is striving to develop. However, progress has been made, with initiatives such as the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aiming to attract investment in semiconductor manufacturing.
Meanwhile, PRO NIT in a statement to ‘The Mirror of Kashmir’ said, The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Wednesday organized a seminar on ‘Contribution of NIT Srinagar in the field of Semiconductors. The event commemorated the momentous occasion of the foundation laying ceremony by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for three semiconductor facilities across the nation.
The inaugural session was hosted by Prof. Najeeb-Ud-Din who spoke about the history of ‘Semiconductors in India and the way forward. He also highlighted the contribution of Indian scientists in various fields.
It was followed by Dr. Sheikh Aamir Ahsan, a faculty member at Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering who delivered his expert talk on ‘Semiconductor Era in India: Opportunities Challenges and our potential Contribution.
In his speech, Dr. Ahsan covered the background of semiconductor industry, global landscape, industry initiatives, activities of NIT Srinagar and call for action. India’s semiconductor market is currently -$34B (2023) and it is expected to increase to $100B in 2032.
“This industry is expected to create 300 thousand jobs by 2026. The Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering) has been running successfully a PG (M Tech) programme in Microelectronics from 2015. “Design tools including Synopsys, Mentor Graphics, C2S (Chip IN Cloud) etc are being used by the department to train the students at the Institute,” Dr. Ahsan said.
More than 400 participants including Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Deans, senior faculty members and administrative staff watched live stream of Honorable PM Modi’s address on India’s Techade – Chips for Viksit Bharat, who also laid the foundation stone of three semiconductor projects worth about ₹1.25 lakh crore via video conferencing, PRO added.
Indian scientists have made invaluable contributions across various fields, laying the foundation for advancements in semiconductor technology and beyond. In electronics and materials science, Indian researchers have been at the forefront of developing novel materials and fabrication techniques, contributing to the miniaturization and performance enhancement of semiconductor devices.
In the field of nanotechnology, Indian scientists have made significant breakthroughs in fabricating nanoscale semiconductor structures, enabling the development of next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Their research has paved the way for innovations in areas such as quantum computing, nanoelectronics, and photonics, which hold immense promise for the future of computing and communication.
Furthermore, Indian scientists have played a crucial role in semiconductor device modeling, simulation, and characterization. Their work in computational materials science and device physics has advanced our understanding of semiconductor behavior, leading to the optimization of device performance and reliability.
In addition to technological advancements, Indian scientists have also contributed to the human capital development in semiconductor research and development. Institutes of higher education and research centers across the country offer specialized programs in semiconductor physics, device engineering, and fabrication technology, nurturing the next generation of semiconductor experts.
To realize its potential in the semiconductor industry, India must adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses both technological and infrastructural challenges while leveraging the contributions of its scientific community. Here are some key strategies for India’s semiconductor journey:
In conclusion, India’s journey in semiconductor technology presents a unique opportunity to achieve technological independence and drive socio-economic growth. By harnessing the contributions of Indian scientists across various fields and adopting a strategic approach to semiconductor development, India can position itself as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem, driving innovation and creating value for years to come.
