CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organised a day-long workshop on “Strengthening India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem: Policies, Challenges, and Opportunities” at Vivekananda Hall, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, on 27 February 2026. The workshop brought together experts from R&D institutions, government, academia, and industry to deliberate on policies, challenges, and strategic opportunities for strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The workshop was organised to strengthen the recent study undertaken by CSIR-NIScPR on “Comparative Analysis of Global Semiconductor Policies and Strategies vis-à-vis India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem” by Dr Shiv Narayan Nishad, Dr Vipan Kumar, and Dr Naresh Kumar. This workshop was organised to achieve the objectives of assessing India’s current landscape of semiconductor ecosystem, identifying challenges, exploring opportunities for collaboration, identifying global best practices and policy insights, facilitating dialogue on policy interventions, and developing actionable recommendations for supporting the strengthening of India’s semiconductor capabilities.
In the workshop, India Semiconductor Mission MeitY, BITS Pilani, NITI Aayog, CSIR-CEERI Pilani, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) DRDO, NIELIT New Delhi, CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh, CSIR-NPL New Delhi, IIT Jodhpur, IIT Delhi, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Delhi Technical University, CSIR-NAL Bengaluru, Amrita University, Intel India, Lam Research, Applied Materials, Semiverse Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Sahasra Semiconductor Private Limited, New Delhi, VerSemi Microelectronics (P) Ltd, Noida, participated and shared their opinion for strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The proceedings were also streamed live on YouTube to enable wider participation by stakeholders across the country.
In the inaugural session, Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, highlighted the institute’s role in science communication and policy research and emphasised the importance of dialogue to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem. Dr Vipan Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, highlighted India’s semiconductor paradox, strong global design leadership, yet 95% import dependence, and emphasised evidence-based policy reforms, ISM 2.0 innovation push, and strategic self-reliance to position India as a credible global semiconductor hub by 2030. Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani and Ex-Officio Member, ES Manufacturing Committee, delivered the Chief Guest address, highlighting the strategic importance of semiconductors for national competitiveness and technological self-reliance. He argued for a strategy centered on indigenous technology, mission-mode programmes, and deep-tech startups rather than merely hosting advanced foundries. Prof. Rao recommended expanding centers of excellence, R&D hubs, and prototyping facilities to help innovations progress from low to high TRLs and overcome the “valley of death.”
The technical discussion was structured into three thematic sessions. The first session was focused on “R&D and Innovation, Design, and Manufacturing Ecosystem”. Dr Rajesh K Sharma, Former Director, SSPL, DRDO, and Chairman, Semiconductor Society (India), chaired the session with Dr Naresh Kumar as Co-Chair. The session featured interventions from Dr Manish Mathew (CSIR-CEERI, Pilani), Ms. Dipakshi Mehandru (Intel India), Dr. Rahul Kumar (CREST, BITS Pilani), Dr. Umesh Kumar Tiwari (CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh), Dr. Nirmalya Karar (CSIR-NPL, New Delhi), and Prof. Shree Prakash Tiwari (IIT Jodhpur). The speakers of the session urged ISM 2.0 to bridge academia–industry gaps via pilot fabs, niche defense semiconductors, indigenous materials/equipment, design-led R&D, photonics/AI focus, sustainable electronics, diversified manufacturing, stronger IP, skills, infrastructure, global partnerships, resilience strategies.
Session II on “Ecosystem for Skill Workforce & Talent Development” was chaired by Dr Manish K Hooda, Director (Technology), India Semiconductor Mission, with Dr Bornali Sarma, CSIR-NIScPR, as Co-Chair. Speakers in this session included Dr Ripunjay Singh (NIELIT, New Delhi), Prof. Awanish Pandey (IIT Delhi), and Prof. Rishu Chaujar (Delhi Technological University). Speakers of this session emphasised balanced design-manufacturing growth, CMOS-focused academic programmes, structured skilling initiatives, industry collaboration, and workforce development to scale India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
“Policy, Governance, and Institutional Framework” was the key topic of Session III, and this session examined the policy and institutional architecture needed to support a resilient semiconductor ecosystem. The session was chaired by Prof. Sujit Bhattacharya, Adjunct Professor, Amrita University, and Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR. Speakers compared global policy models, urged unified governance and a national research centre, highlighted AI-chip startup opportunities, and emphasized semiconductor diplomacy, rare-earth access, supply-chain resilience, and strategic autonomy. Session III: Policy, Governance, and Institutional Framework examined the policy and institutional architecture needed to support a resilient semiconductor ecosystem. The session was chaired by Prof. Sujit Bhattacharya, Adjunct Professor, Amrita University, Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and co-chaired by Dr Vipan Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR. Contributions were made by Dr CM Ananda (CSIR-NAL, Bengaluru), Dr Shiv Narayan Nishad and Dr Sandhiya L (CSIR-NIScPR), Ms Naba Suroor (NITI Aayog), and Dr Amit Kumar (Research and Information System for Developing Countries – RIS).
The workshop concluded with a Panel Discussion and Concluding Session on “Strategic Pathways: A Roadmap for India’s Semiconductor Future.” The session was chaired by Prof. Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Professor, Centre for Nanoscience and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, with Prof. Sujit Bhattacharya as Co-Chair. Panellists included Dr Roopa Hegde (Lam Research), Dr Hemang Shah (Applied Materials India), Dr Manish Mathew (CSIR-CEERI), Mr George Paul (Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd.) and Shri Rajendra Pratap (VerveSemi Microelectronics Pvt. Ltd). The experts highlighted the Indian government’s sustained momentum through the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 1.0 and 2.0), stressing that the next phase requires focused execution, innovation, and scaling. Industry perspectives emphasised advanced manufacturing capabilities and structured workforce development through academia–industry collaboration, including partnerships with the Indian Institute of Science.
The workshop provided a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among stakeholders involved in India’s semiconductor ecosystem. The discussions highlighted the strategic importance of semiconductors for economic growth, technological innovation, and national security.
India has made significant progress in launching policy initiatives such as the India Semiconductor Mission, but building a competitive semiconductor ecosystem will require sustained efforts in research, manufacturing, skill development, and international collaboration.
The insights and recommendations generated during the workshop are expected to contribute to the development of policy frameworks and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s semiconductor capabilities. The outcomes of the workshop will also support the preparation of a policy white paper that can provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.
Overall, the workshop underscored the importance of a collaborative and coordinated approach to building a resilient semiconductor ecosystem in India. Through sustained investment, strategic partnerships, and effective policy implementation, India has the potential to emerge as a significant player in the global semiconductor industry.
