News & Updates
Industry leaders at the Bengaluru Tech Summit emphasize the critical need for a robust supply and manufacturing ecosystem to complement India’s strides in semiconductor design. Suraj Rengarajan of Applied Materials underscores the urgency, highlighting the supply chain challenges faced during the pandemic. The call is for holistic collaboration, addressing gaps in manufacturing, research, and sustainability to propel India into a semiconductor powerhouse.
India and the European Union (EU) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on semiconductors, emphasizing cooperation in research, talent development, and market information exchange. The agreement, signed ahead of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, aligns with the strategic partnership to enhance resilience in the semiconductor value chain. The collaborative efforts aim to propel advancements in digital technologies, clean energy, and trade for mutual economic security.
Micron Technology’s largest ever investment in Sanand, Gujarat, will make India a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, said a senior official here at Nasscom Future Forge conclave on Tuesday.
Semiconductor giant Qualcomm expresses intent to outsource chip production in India following the establishment of local fabrication (fab) plants and semiconductor assembly/test (OSAT) facilities. Qualcomm aims to collaborate with key industry players, leveraging its scale and technology for significant investment opportunities in the country. The move aligns with India’s strategic goals for semiconductor self-reliance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declares India’s ambition to lead in 6G technology at the India Mobile Congress. Emphasizing the rapid 5G rollout, Modi highlights the country’s shift from a net importer to the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer. Acknowledging semiconductor advancements, he aims to establish India as a global leader in the sector. Industry leaders, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, showcase their contributions to India’s telecom growth.
India and the European Union sign a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on semiconductors, enhancing collaboration in research, innovation, talent development, and market information exchange. The agreement underscores the commitment to bolster semiconductor supply chains and drive joint innovation. This development precedes the India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting, highlighting the strategic partnership for technological advancements and economic security.
President Joe Biden reaffirms the commitment to enhance the semiconductor supply chain, stressing collaboration with key nations, including India. The shared initiative aims to shape future technologies and standards, reflecting a global commitment to semiconductor innovation. India’s strategic role in this effort is highlighted, signifying its importance in the evolving technological landscape.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal meets with Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra to discuss business prospects in India’s growing semiconductor sector. Micron is set to establish India’s inaugural chip facility in Gujarat, contributing to job creation and fostering collaboration in the semiconductor ecosystem.
International Data Corporation (IDC) has revised its Semiconductor Market Outlook, anticipating a return to sustained growth. The 2023 revenue projection is now $526.5 billion, showing improvement from the earlier forecast. IDC cites improved visibility, especially in PCs and smartphones, as the inventory correction subsides. Forecasts predict a 20.2% YoY growth for 2024, reaching $633 billion, with AI integration and improved memory ASPs contributing to the positive trajectory.
India’s semiconductor journey has potential benefits from the vast domestic market and enabling policy framework. However, PVG Menon, former IESA President, highlights the need to address ecosystem gaps and risks for fab operators. The importance of independent design houses is emphasized, suggesting that independent design services can drive significant industry growth. Encouraging Indian companies to use chips from an Indian fab for globally designed and made products may be a straightforward approach to boosting the semiconductor industry.
Intel Foundry Services (IFS) collaborates with defense contractors like Boeing and Northrop Grumman in the DoD’s Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes—Commercial program. This partnership aims to bolster the U.S.-based ecosystem for advanced custom chip production, addressing the DoD’s tech vulnerabilities. If successful, it will mark a significant milestone in enabling the DoD to utilize state-of-the-art semiconductors for its weaponry. This collaboration benefits Intel, enhances defense capabilities, and aligns with CHIPS Act goals.
As the global semiconductor sector faces near-term challenges, SEMI, in partnership with TechInsights, predicts a rebound in 2024. Q3 2023 shows encouraging signs with a 10% growth in electronics sales and a double-digit surge in memory IC sales. However, headwinds persist in the second half of 2023 due to high inventory drawdowns, affecting fab utilization rates and capital equipment billings. The industry is projected to reach a turning point in early 2024, heralding a path to recovery and growth in 2024.
The Union Cabinet has greenlit the memorandum of cooperation (MoC) inked between India and Japan, signaling a united effort to develop semiconductor supply chains. The MoC emphasizes efficient semiconductor design, fabrication, chip manufacturing, and equipment research and development. It aims to fortify collaboration between the two nations to advance semiconductor supply chains, recognizing the critical role of semiconductors in industry and digital technologies. This five-year MoC leverages the complementary strengths of both nations, enhancing their semiconductor capabilities.
Continental Device India Private Limited (CDIL) reached a milestone in semiconductor manufacturing by inaugurating a new Surface Mount Semiconductor Packaging Line in Mohali. CDIL, recognized for its R&D efforts and mastery of Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology, becomes India’s first SiC components manufacturer capable of producing auto-grade devices. The new assembly line will enhance CDIL’s total annual capacity to 600 million units, aligning with the growing demand for SiC technology in electric vehicles and power management devices.
IBM Forges Strategic Alliances with India in Semiconductor, AI, and Quantum Computing. The collaboration aligns with India’s commitment to pioneering advanced technologies.
India Sets Course for a Seminal Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre. The nation gears up to drive semiconductor innovation with a collaborative initiative involving industry and academia, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision.
As the Indian semiconductor landscape undergoes transformation, the government is open to offering incentives to ancillary industries involved in chip manufacturing. Orbit and Skyline Semiconductor India Pvt Ltd supports this approach as it fosters a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem and encourages more players to participate in India’s semiconductor journey.
India’s journey towards semiconductor manufacturing has seen ups and downs, but it’s a “now or never” moment. Collaborations with global tech players and strategic state-level initiatives will be crucial. Orbit and Skyline Semiconductor India Pvt Ltd supports India’s semiconductor aspirations and looks forward to contributing to this transformative journey.
nfineon’s collaboration with Hyundai and Kia to supply power semiconductors for electric vehicles is a significant step toward advancing the global EV market. This partnership will contribute to enhancing the stability of semiconductor supply for Hyundai and Kia, reinforcing their position in the electric vehicle sector.
India is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone with its maiden semiconductor fab, bolstered by a $10 billion incentive for this burgeoning ecosystem. Niche areas, particularly telecom and EV, will be a focus, aiming for global leadership in these segments. With Micron’s investments and component suppliers coming into play, India’s semiconductor future looks promising.
American firms, including LAM Research, LeoLabs, and Tsecond, are setting their sights on Karnataka, India for semiconductor, aerospace, and tech investment. Karnataka’s industries minister is actively pursuing this interest during his US visit. LAM Research, an established presence in the state, has secured approval for significant investment in semiconductor and display manufacturing units. LeoLabs is exploring integration with Karnataka’s space ecosystem, while Tsecond is considering assembly and hardware manufacturing as part of its India growth strategy. Exciting times for Karnataka’s tech sectors.
As the semiconductor industry sees potential growth through the CHIPS for America Act, global competitors’ investments and incentives drive the U.S. to remain competitive and technologically advanced. This bipartisan legislation holds potential to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research, ensuring America’s leadership in chip technology and bolstering national security and the economy.
As Akash Tripathi takes the helm of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), the semiconductor industry anticipates further progress in India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. With a dedicated focus on promoting domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing, the ISM’s new leadership under Akash Tripathi aligns with the government’s vision for technological advancement and self-reliance in semiconductor production. Orbit and Skyline Semiconductor observes this development as a step towards strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor landscape.
Semiconductor IP innovator, Chips&Media, is making waves in the AI era with its latest IP core designed to challenge Nvidia’s dominance. This advanced technology promises enhanced AI capabilities and cost-effectiveness for chip manufacturers, fostering competition and innovation in the rapidly growing AI hardware market. As AI’s demand surges, the industry is set for exciting developments.
North Carolina State University has secured a significant role in spearheading the “Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors” regional innovation hub. This initiative, backed by the Department of Defense, brings together academia and industry leaders to advance wide bandgap semiconductor technologies crucial for various applications, including defense, communications, and quantum tech. This endeavor underscores the growing importance of semiconductor innovation on a regional scale.
Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger highlights India’s increasing significance in semiconductor supply chains, signaling new opportunities for the industry. While Intel explores expanding its manufacturing presence, local industries are encouraged to embrace cutting-edge technologies to attract semiconductor fabrication units. India’s potential, supported by government initiatives and foreign investments, makes it an enticing location for semiconductor growth.
The Semiconductor Lab (SCL) in Mohali, crucial to India’s semiconductor ambitions, is poised for a modernization makeover. A government committee is evaluating bids for this transformative project, aligning it with the country’s tech advancements. This move is part of the $10 billion India Semiconductor Mission, emphasizing India’s commitment to cutting-edge semiconductor research and manufacturing.
Atlanta-based semiconductor startup Falcomm is making waves with its innovative power amplifier technology, set to revolutionize the industry. With a recent $4 million funding round and ambitious plans to challenge established players, Falcomm’s progress reflects the growing excitement in the semiconductor sector. Their energy-efficient solutions have the potential to disrupt the market and drive much-needed innovation.
The Netherlands enforces stricter export controls on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment as of September 1, 2023. These measures align with the Dual-Use Regulation and aim to prevent unwanted end-use and maintain technological leadership. Companies in the semiconductor industry should evaluate their supply chains as these controls may influence exports from other EU Member States. This marks a coordinated step in restricting China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology.
The semiconductor industry has recently witnessed its first surge in revenue since 2021, marking a promising turnaround from a period of decline. This upward trend, with a 3.8% increase in Q2 2023, signifies a return to more typical growth patterns. However, it’s crucial to note that the industry has yet to fully recover, currently standing at 79% of its Q2 2022 revenue. This resurgence brings fresh hope and anticipation for the evolving dynamics of the semiconductor landscape.
In the ever-evolving landscape of global technology partnerships, the recent G20 Summit showcased the growing collaboration between the United States and India in the semiconductor and quantum technology sectors. The discussions between the two nations, including a midterm review of the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), underscore India’s emergence as a capable and strategic partner in the technology space. This collaboration not only encompasses technological cooperation but also extensive research partnerships, signifying a significant step forward in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
TSMC is reportedly contracted to manufacture Qualcomm’s latest flagship chipset – the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – using 4nm process technology, according to industry sources.
Semiconductor equipment maker ASML is aggressively expanding its presence in Asia to enhance collaborations with its largest customers, aiming for significant growth opportunities in the years ahead.
