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| India Semiconductor Research- Driving Global Advancements |
The Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Electronics and Information Technology, and Jal Shakti, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, recently disclosed plans for the establishment of the 'Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre.' This center, slated to be located at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology – Madras, aims to elevate India's position in semiconductor research.
Set to be a beacon of global standards, the Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre will collaborate with academia, government, private sector, and start-ups. Initially integrated with Semiconductor Complex Ltd, it holds the potential to evolve into an independent semiconductor research entity. The goal is to position the center as a frontrunner in semiconductor research on the global stage.
A pivotal aspect of the center is its emphasis on fostering an ecosystem of research collaboration with leading universities and colleges across India. This collaboration will span various semiconductor-related domains such as materials, physics, transistors, devices, packaging, and system innovation.
Semiconductors have emerged as a focal point globally, propelled by the rapid digitization experienced post-Covid. India's strides in the semiconductor ecosystem since 2022 have garnered international attention. Notably, proposals from esteemed semiconductor companies like Tower Semiconductor, Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation of Taiwan, and Micron signify India's growing significance in the industry.
Highlighting the government's commitment to innovation, the Budget for 2024-25 earmarked ₹1-lakh crore as the 'Research and Innovation Fund.' This substantial allocation, provided as a 50-year interest-free grant, aims to fuel innovation and research through collaborative efforts between industry and academia.
In essence, the establishment of the Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre marks a significant leap forward for India in semiconductor research, poised to contribute substantially to the global semiconductor landscape.