Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka. The event brought together semiconductor companies, policymakers and investors to highlight India’s expanding capabilities in chip design, manufacturing, packaging and innovation.
The theme, “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem,” reflects India’s effort to develop an integrated semiconductor value chain rather than focusing only on chip fabrication.
Why are Semiconductors Important?
Semiconductors are fundamental to modern industries, including automobiles, telecommunications, healthcare, defence, aerospace and consumer electronics. Advanced chips containing billions of transistors enable technologies such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and advanced digital systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the risks associated with concentrated semiconductor supply chains, making domestic production and supply-chain diversification important strategic priorities for countries worldwide.
SEMICON India 2026
SEMICON India is a major annual platform showcasing India’s semiconductor capabilities and investment opportunities. The first edition was held in 2022 in Bengaluru, while 2026 marks its fifth edition.
The event focuses on building capabilities across chip design, fabrication, advanced packaging, testing, research, innovation and skill development.
India’s Electronics Manufacturing Foundation
India’s semiconductor ambitions are supported by the rapid expansion of its electronics manufacturing sector.
Electronics production increased from around ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014–15 to ₹13.11 lakh crore in 2025–26. Electronics exports also rose from approximately ₹38,000 crore to ₹4.24 lakh crore during the same period.
Mobile phone production increased from about ₹18,000 crore to ₹6.27 lakh crore, while smartphone exports grew from around ₹1,500 crore to ₹2.59 lakh crore.
India now meets around 99% of domestic mobile phone demand through local production and has emerged as the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally by volume. The electronics manufacturing ecosystem has also generated around 2.5 million jobs.
Semicon India Programme
Launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore, the Semicon India Programme seeks to establish an integrated semiconductor ecosystem.
It supports semiconductor fabrication, packaging, testing, chip design, equipment, materials, research and skilled workforce development.
Semicon India Programme
In July 2026, the government approved Semicon 2.0, increasing the programme’s outlay to ₹1,27,500 crore.
Under the programme, 12 semiconductor projects across six states have received approval, involving investment commitments of more than ₹1.64 lakh crore. These include silicon fabs, compound semiconductor facilities, display fabrication and advanced packaging units.
Building Semiconductor Talent and Design
India is also expanding its chip-design ecosystem through initiatives such as the Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.
EDA tools have been made available across 320 academic institutions, benefiting more than 68,000 students. By April 2026, 211 chips had been taped out by 75 institutions, with seven subsequently fabricated.
The ChipIN Centre at C-DAC provides shared access to chip-design tools, fabrication services and specialised training, helping reduce entry barriers for startups and academic institutions.
Pax Silica
India has also joined the Pax Silica coalition, which seeks to strengthen semiconductor supply-chain resilience across the wider “silicon stack”, including critical minerals, semiconductor manufacturing and advanced AI infrastructure.
Conclusion
SEMICON India 2026 highlights India’s transition from electronics assembly towards a broader semiconductor ecosystem. Investments in fabrication, packaging, indigenous chip design, skilled manpower and international partnerships are intended to strengthen India’s position in global semiconductor value chains and improve technological resilience.
FAQs: SEMICON India 2026
What is SEMICON India 2026?
SEMICON India 2026 is a major semiconductor industry event showcasing India’s capabilities in chip design, fabrication, advanced packaging, testing, research and innovation.
What is the theme of SEMICON India 2026?
The theme is “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.” It reflects India’s objective of developing an integrated semiconductor value chain beyond chip fabrication alone.
What is the Semicon India Programme?
Launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore, the programme supports semiconductor fabrication, packaging, testing, chip design, equipment, materials, research and skill development.
What is Semicon 2.0?
Semicon 2.0, approved in July 2026, increased the programme’s outlay to ₹1,27,500 crore and expands support for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, design, research and workforce development.
What is the significance of SEMICON India 2026 for India?
The event highlights India’s transition from electronics assembly towards a broader semiconductor ecosystem, supported by domestic chip design, manufacturing investments, skilled manpower and international supply-chain partnerships.
