Chip Design – In a major push towards self-reliance in the semiconductor sector, Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed that India is currently developing 25 chipsets with fully indigenous intellectual property (IP). These chipsets are being designed under the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, with a strong focus on high-risk and strategic areas like surveillance systems and Wi-Fi access.
This initiative is part of India’s broader ambition to transition from a “services nation to a product nation”, according to Vaishnaw. In an exclusive interview with Business Standard, the minister said, “Owning IP ensures security and transforms us from a services nation to a product nation.”
Indigenous Chip Development: A National Priority
Thirteen of these 25 chip development projects are already underway and are being spearheaded by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bengaluru. These chips are not just designs on paper — they are intended for mass production in the upcoming semiconductor fabrication units (fabs) that are being set up in India.
The emphasis on indigenous IP is particularly significant for sectors where data security and technological independence are paramount. Surveillance and wireless communications (like Wi-Fi access points) are considered strategic sectors, often dominated by foreign technologies. By developing homegrown alternatives, India is aiming to secure its critical infrastructure and reduce reliance on imported technologies.
Building a Talent Pipeline: 240 Institutions Empowered
The Indian government isn’t just investing in chip development — it’s also cultivating the next generation of semiconductor talent.
- Over 240 educational institutions have been granted access to world-class chip design tools.
- 20 chips designed by students are ready to be taped out (i.e., sent for fabrication) at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali.
This initiative is expected to create a strong pipeline of domestic chip designers and engineers. According to Vaishnaw, this move will help develop a talent pool of 85,000 skilled engineers over the next decade, enabling India to sustain its semiconductor ambitions for years to come.
Electronics Boom: PLI Scheme Fuels Massive Growth
The minister also highlighted the success of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, particularly for electronic components. This new PLI is designed to double the value addition in electronics manufacturing over the next five years, pushing India closer to its goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub.
- Electronics production has increased fivefold in the last decade.
- Electronics exports have grown sixfold in the same period.
- The sector has created 2.5 million jobs, a testament to the multiplier effect of manufacturing growth.
Vaishnaw emphasized the strategic shift in India’s approach from import substitution to export-led growth. “Make in India, make for the world,” he asserted, pointing to India’s growing integration with global supply chains.
Data Protection Concerns Addressed
On the topic of privacy and transparency, Vaishnaw responded to concerns surrounding the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. He assured that the new law aligns with the Right to Information (RTI) Act and has been formulated in accordance with Supreme Court rulings.
“Public-interest data will remain accessible,” Vaishnaw confirmed, putting to rest any fears about overreach or excessive data restriction under the new digital laws.
Conclusion: India’s Semiconductor Dream Gathers Momentum
India’s semiconductor ambitions are no longer confined to policy papers and vision documents. With 25 indigenous chipsets in the works, state-of-the-art fabrication labs, and a massive talent-building initiative, the country is laying a robust foundation for long-term chip self-sufficiency.
This transformation, driven by the DLI and PLI schemes, is poised to make India a global leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing, while also ensuring data security, job creation, and technology independence.
As Minister Vaishnaw rightly put it, owning our intellectual property doesn’t just improve national security — it puts India on the map as a tech powerhouse, ready to serve not just itself, but the world.
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