New Delhi is set to host Semicon India 2026 from September 17-19, an event poised to critically evaluate the nation's burgeoning semiconductor aspirations. This fifth edition of the conference marks a significant shift, moving beyond mere policy declarations to scrutinize the tangible execution and establishment of a full-fledged semiconductor ecosystem.
From Policy to Practicality: India's Semiconductor Journey
India's semiconductor ambitions, initially outlined with a ₹76,000-crore incentive program in 2022, are now entering a crucial phase. While early attempts faced skepticism, the first projects under the Semicon 1.0 policy are now underway, with packaging operations progressing towards production and global chip companies expanding their design and R&D footprint. This demonstrates a clear progression from conceptual intent to real-world deployment.
Ashok Chandak, President of SEMI India and IESA, highlights this evolution. He notes that while earlier conferences focused on India's credibility as a semiconductor destination, the discussions at Semicon India 2026 will address more practical concerns: identifying opportunities, leveraging existing capabilities, securing partnerships, scaling projects, and integrating India into global supply chains.
Semicon 2.0: Building a Comprehensive Ecosystem
The government's approval of Semicon 2.0, with an enhanced outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore, signifies a broader vision. This phase expands India's semiconductor push beyond just fabrication and packaging plants. It now encompasses critical areas such as chip design, semiconductor equipment and materials, research and development, and talent development.
The theme for Semicon India 2026, “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem,” encapsulates this comprehensive approach. Chandak explains that this means establishing an end-to-end value chain where India can design, manufacture, package, and integrate chips, ultimately leading to globally competitive electronic products. The interconnected nature of the semiconductor value chain—from design and IP through manufacturing, packaging, testing, and supported by equipment, materials, and system integration—is central to this strategy.
Deepening Global Interest and Trust
The scale of participation at Semicon India has grown substantially, reflecting increasing global confidence in India's semiconductor potential. This year's event will feature over 300 Indian and 100 international companies, alongside six country pavilions and representation from nine states. This international engagement is vital for connecting India's emerging ecosystem with complementary capabilities from countries like Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
Chandak describes this enhanced confidence as the “currency of trust,” encouraging global companies to view India not merely as a market, but as a strategic partner for manufacturing, technology, R&D, and supply-chain development. India's ambition is to become a significant node within global semiconductor networks, serving both its rapidly expanding domestic market and international customers.
Strengthening the Value Chain
While India already possesses considerable strength in semiconductor design and is actively building manufacturing and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) capabilities, the next challenge lies in bolstering supporting industries. This includes developing robust capabilities in equipment and materials, advanced packaging, substrates, compound semiconductors, and system integration. The overarching objective is to increase the value created within India at every stage of the semiconductor-to-electronics value chain, moving beyond mere chip production to comprehensive ecosystem development.