SEMICON India 2026: India’s Semiconductor Growth Takes Center Stage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 on September 17, 2026, in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s rapidly expanding semiconductor sector. The event, themed ‘Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem’, aims to showcase India’s transition to tangible chip manufacturing and its future aspirations.

India has already brought three major semiconductor plants into commercial production, with these facilities actively exporting their output. An additional five to eight new plants are anticipated to commence operations by the close of 2026, further solidifying the country’s manufacturing capabilities.

MeitY Secretary S Krishnan confirmed this commercial production under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 1.0, highlighting the policy’s effectiveness in bolstering India’s global credibility as a semiconductor hub.

SEMICON India 2026: A Hub for Global Collaboration

The event, co-organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), MeitY, and SEMI, will run from September 17-19, 2026. It serves as both a policy platform and a business marketplace, fostering deal-making and strengthening technology and industry-academia collaborations.

Over 500 exhibitors are expected to participate, alongside 240 international companies. The conference will feature 150 renowned speakers and welcome delegations from more than 40 countries.

Key features include a dedicated startup pavilion and various innovation showcases. Sessions will also address critical areas like workforce development and women’s empowerment within the industry.

Conference tracks will encompass manufacturing, artificial intelligence, supply chain management, policy frameworks, and talent development.

Expanding the Semiconductor Value Chain with SEMICON 2.0

SEMICON India 2026 will introduce SEMICON 2.0, representing India’s expanded strategy to build capabilities across the entire semiconductor value chain. This broader approach moves beyond just large fabrication plants to encompass a comprehensive ecosystem.

The strategy focuses on six key pillars.

One pillar is chip design and innovation, driving new advancements in semiconductor technology.

Another focuses on manufacturing, covering both front-end and back-end processes.

Advanced packaging and testing form a crucial third pillar, ensuring product quality and performance.

The fourth pillar addresses equipment and materials, essential components for the manufacturing process.

Research and development constitutes a fifth key area, fostering continuous technological progress.

Finally, talent and skilling is a strategic priority, addressing the need for a skilled workforce.

Strategic Focus on Talent and Innovation

The government is actively supporting research and design through academic institutes and startups. Currently, 24 startups have been approved under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme to boost indigenous innovation.

Talent development remains a strategic priority, with plans for large-scale training programs. These initiatives aim to cultivate fab technicians, equipment engineers, and packaging specialists to meet both domestic needs and position the country as a global supplier of skilled semiconductor professionals.