SEMICON India 2026: From silicon to systems
Semiconductors may be tiny in size, but they are among the most important building blocks of the modern economy. From smartphones and computers to automobiles, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, medical equipment and defence systems, chips power almost every aspect of contemporary life. As the world enters an increasingly technology-driven era, the ability to design and manufacture semiconductors has become closely linked with economic growth, technological capability and resilient supply chains.
Against this backdrop, SEMICON India 2026 marks an important milestone in India’s growing semiconductor journey. The fifth edition of the event is being held from September 17 to 19 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi under the theme “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event on September 17, bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers, startups, academia and students.
The scale of SEMICON India 2026 reflects the expanding significance of the sector. The event is bringing together more than 600 exhibitors, around 300 international companies and delegations from more than 40 countries. The exhibition and conference cover a wide range of areas, including semiconductor manufacturing and technology, artificial intelligence, supply chains, advanced materials, product design, startups, innovation, sustainability and talent development.
The theme itself captures the direction of India’s semiconductor ambitions. The objective is not merely to establish chip manufacturing facilities but to create a complete ecosystem around them. Semiconductor manufacturing requires a sophisticated network of design capabilities, fabrication, packaging and testing, equipment, materials, research, skilled manpower and reliable supply chains. Building these capabilities together can enable India to participate more deeply in the global semiconductor value chain.
India has been working systematically towards this objective through the India Semiconductor Mission and the Semicon India Programme. Under Semicon 1.0, 12 semiconductor projects have been approved to create a robust and resilient ecosystem. Three of these projects have already commenced commercial production. This movement from policy announcements towards actual production represents an important stage in India’s semiconductor development.
The next phase has further strengthened this effort. The Union Cabinet has approved Semicon 2.0 to accelerate the development of a robust and resilient semiconductor ecosystem. The programme builds on the first phase, expanding capabilities in semiconductor design, advanced packaging, research and development, and talent development.
Design and innovation are particularly important. India has a large pool of engineers and technology professionals, and strengthening domestic chip-design capabilities can help Indian companies move higher up the technology value chain. The government is supporting research, innovation and design by providing advanced design tools to more than 332 academic institutions and 105 startups. In addition, 24 startups have been approved under the Design Linked Incentive scheme.
Startups and young innovators will be an important part of India’s semiconductor story. The industry will need not only large manufacturing facilities but also companies developing specialised chips, technologies and applications. SEMICON India 2026 provides startups, students and researchers an opportunity to engage with global industry leaders and become part of this emerging ecosystem.
Talent development is equally important. Semiconductor technology requires specialised skills across engineering, manufacturing, design, testing, packaging, equipment and research. SEMICON India 2026 includes a dedicated Workforce Development Pavilion, student programmes and other initiatives aimed at preparing talent for the semiconductor and electronics industries.
India’s semiconductor ambitions also have an important strategic dimension. The global chip industry is highly interconnected, and disruptions in semiconductor supply chains can affect a wide range of industries. Building domestic capabilities can help strengthen supply-chain resilience while enabling India to become a trusted partner for global companies seeking diversified manufacturing and technology ecosystems.
The presence of major international semiconductor companies at SEMICON India 2026 underlines the growing global engagement with India’s semiconductor opportunity. Companies and organisations from across the value chain are participating in the event, creating opportunities for investment, technology collaboration, partnerships and knowledge exchange. At the same time, India’s semiconductor development can contribute to the broader electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Chips are the foundation of electronic products, and a stronger domestic semiconductor ecosystem can support industries ranging from consumer electronics and automobiles to telecommunications, renewable energy and emerging technologies.
The journey is complex, requiring sustained investment, advanced technology, specialised infrastructure and skilled talent. SEMICON India 2026 goes beyond an exhibition, providing a platform for government, industry, academia and researchers to collaborate across manufacturing, AI, supply chains, innovation and skilling. India’s semiconductor journey is closely linked with the larger vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat - a country that develops strong domestic capabilities while remaining deeply connected with the global economy. Self-reliance in this context does not mean isolation. Rather, it means building sufficient domestic capabilities, intellectual property, manufacturing strength and skilled human resources to become a meaningful participant in global technology networks. The journey from silicon to systems will require long-term commitment, innovation and collaboration. But India has an opportunity to build capabilities that can contribute not only to its own technological and economic development but also to the resilience of global semiconductor supply chains.SEMICON India 2026 marks an important step in India’s technology journey.
Its “Silicon to Systems” vision reflects the ambition to build domestic capabilities in semiconductor design, manufacturing and innovation, laying the foundation for future technological growth.
The writer is a political analyst; Views presented are personal.
