Fueling India’s Semiconductor Growth through Strategic Hiring and Upskilling
By Manmeet Singh
As we stand on the brink of a technological revolution, the semiconductor industry is set to play a pivotal role in shaping our future. With global markets projected to reach an astounding $1 trillion by 2030, India is strategically positioned to become a leader in this sector. The recent announcement by the Government of India regarding the establishment of three new semiconductor factories under the “Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem” initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and creating thousands of jobs across the nation.
With a population of approximately 1.4 billion, India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for talent and technological advancement in semiconductors. Historically reliant on imports for essential components, we are now transforming into a self-sufficient powerhouse, ready to meet both domestic and international demands.
Understanding Market Drivers & Addressing the Skills Gap…
The rapid digital transformation across India is driving an unprecedented demand for semiconductors. The proliferation of electronic devices—ranging from smartphones and electric vehicles to laptops—coupled with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors, underscores the urgent need for skilled professionals in this field. Currently, India boasts around 19% of the world’s design engineers, highlighting our potential for job creation and innovation. However, we face a significant skills gap that must be addressed to fully capitalize on this opportunity. Reports indicate that the semiconductor industry could generate up to one million jobs by 2026, making it imperative that we invest in education and training programs tailored to meet industry needs.
Addressing the Challenge: A Call to Action…
To inspire and equip the next generation of talent for careers in semiconductors, we must prioritize educational initiatives that align with industry demands. The All India Council for Technical Education has launched programs such as BTech in VLSI Design and Technology and diplomas in Integrated Circuit Manufacturing. These initiatives are crucial for developing a workforce adept in software development, design, testing, fabrication, and shop-floor management.
Partnerships between educational institutions and government agencies are essential for implementing effective training programs. For instance, IIT Madras has introduced short-term courses on semiconductors through its collaboration with SWAYAM Plus, providing promising candidates with valuable skills. Such strategic alliances will be instrumental as we work towards establishing India as an independent semiconductor manufacturing nation with reduced reliance on imports. While we currently produce less than 1% of the world’s semiconductors, projections indicate that India’s market could reach $100 billion by 2032. This potential growth necessitates ongoing investment in talent development and innovation.
India’s Bright Future in the Semiconductor Industry…
As we embrace transformative technologies such as IoT, AI, machine learning (ML), 5G, and quantum computing, it is clear that sustained investment in scientific research and talent development will drive our economy forward. Collaboration among stakeholders—including educational institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, and research centers—is essential for aligning academic curricula with market dynamics.
The semiconductor sector is foundational to industries such as electronics and automotive. By investing in long-term talent development initiatives, we can reduce import dependency while nurturing local expertise through comprehensive training programs. With a plethora of educational platforms available and government-backed initiatives at our disposal, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in semiconductor innovation.
In conclusion, our commitment to nurturing talent within the semiconductor sector is not just about economic growth; it is about positioning India as a center of technological excellence on the global stage. Together, we can fuel this growth trajectory and unlock new possibilities for our nation’s future.
(The author is Mr. Manmeet Singh, CEO, FirstMeridian Global Services and Innovsource, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
