External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar addressed the last day of the three-day SemiconIndia 2023, emphasizing India’s role in critical and emerging technologies and importance of Nation’s growth in the electronics sector, particularly semiconductors. He stressed on India’s growing presence as a trusted global electronics manufacturing partner. In this regard, the international collaborations with the US, Japan & Australia and upcoming opportunities with other like-minded countries hold significant importance.
The final day of the three-day SemiconIndia 2023 Conference attracted diverse participation ranging from industry, start-ups, academia and government. The insightful sessions and engaging talks showcased the importance of critical aspects pertaining to semiconductor manufacturing and steps being taken to ensure the development of a robust, resilient and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.
India firmly believes in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, i.e., equitable growth and shared future for all. Keeping this in view, a dedicated panel discussion led by Shri Anshuman Tripathi, Member, NSCS was held on “International Collaboration for Trusted and Resilient Semiconductor Supply Chain”. The panellists, Mr Mike Hankey, Consul General, US Embassy; Ms Kyoko Hokugo, Minister, Economy and development, Japan; Ms Georgina Rose Mckay, First Secretary, Australian High Commission and Prof Arijit Raychowdhury, Georgia Tech University explored the potential of global partnerships in enhancing the semiconductor industry, with a particular focus on India’s role in becoming a major player in semiconductor manufacturing, research, talent exchange, clean energy transitions and critical minerals exploration.
An engaging discussion on the topic “Catalysing New India’s Techade” with Shri Amitabh Malhotra, MD, HSBC India and Shri Ridham Desai, MD, Morgan Stanley reflected on the exciting prospects of setting up a semiconductor ecosystem in India, emphasizing that the country’s capacity to deliver both consumption and production makes it attractive to multinational companies. Access to capital was discussed as crucial for growth in the semiconductor industry and various financing avenues, including external commercial borrowing and equity investments were deliberated.
Panel discussions were organised on the readiness assessment for semiconductor ecosystem. Shri Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman ICEA moderated the session on India’s Growing Presence in Electronics GVCs. The panellists, Shri Sudhir Pillai, MD, Corning India; Shri Aman Gupta, CMO and CoFounder, boAt; Shri Raminder Singh, Chairman, Radiant; Ms Nandini Tandon, Venture Capitalist and Dr Ravi Bhatkal, Element Solutions discussed the remarkable growth and potential of the electronics sector. Indian champion, boAt shared their journey of building a domestic brand and moving from imports to domestic manufacturing, supported by government policies and schemes, including the Phased Manufacturing Programme. Corning India emphasized the shift from a ‘slogan’ to a ‘belief’ in ‘Make in India’, calling for a manufacturing strategy to build a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Challenges in the sector were discussed including the need for comprehensive manufacturing strategies, uniform labour codes and insurance cover.
The second edition of SemiconIndia has placed India at the center of the conversation on future of technology in general and future of semiconductors in particular, by engaging global companies at the highest level of leadership and the academia. It marks the formal launch pad of India’s semiconductor journey which envisions making India a global hub for electronics and semiconductors.