India’s Tech Position Bolstered by 4 Chip Manufacturing Units and 3 Supercomputers in 2024

The year 2024 has witnessed remarkable strides for India in the technology sector, with several landmark projects in semiconductor manufacturing and supercomputing. These initiatives aim to bolster India’s position as a global tech leader and enhance its capabilities across various industries.

Four Semiconductor Manufacturing Units to Boost India's Tech Landscape

In February 2024, Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) secured approval for setting up a semiconductor fabrication (fab) facility in partnership with Taiwan’s PSMC. This major development marks a significant investment of ₹91,526 crore, with a production capacity of 50,000 wafer starts per month (WSPM). The facility is expected to significantly contribute to India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, a critical sector for the country's tech growth.

Alongside this, TEPL also received approval to establish an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility with an investment of ₹27,120 crore. The OSAT facility, which will leverage indigenous semiconductor packaging technologies, is designed to produce 48 million chips per day, further enhancing India’s position in the global semiconductor market.

Another important project that gained approval in February is the proposal by CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited to set up an OSAT facility. This ₹7,584 crore venture is a joint collaboration with Renesas Electronics America (USA) and STARS Microelectronic (Thailand). The facility, using technology from Renesas Electronics Corporation (Japan) and STARS Microelectronic, will have a production capacity of 15.07 million units per day, boosting India’s manufacturing capabilities in the semiconductor sector.

Kaynes Technology to Strengthen Semiconductor Production in Gujarat

In September 2024, Kaynes Technology India Limited (KTIL) received approval to establish an OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat. This facility will focus on Wire Bond Interconnect and Substrate-Based Packages, with an investment of ₹3,307 crore. It is expected to produce over 6.33 million chips per day, further strengthening India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

Three ‘Param Rudra’ Supercomputers Mark a Major Milestone

On September 26, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three ‘Param Rudra’ supercomputers to the nation via video conferencing. Developed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), these supercomputers have been installed at key research institutions across India. The supercomputers will play a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation in the country.

The supercomputers include:

• Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi (3 PetaFlops)

• Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), Pune (1 PetaFlop)

• S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (838 TeraFlops)

These powerful machines are expected to revolutionize research in various fields, including physics, earth sciences, and cosmology, by enabling advanced studies and simulations. More than 10,000 researchers, including 1,700 PhD scholars from over 200 academic institutions and R&D labs across India, will benefit from these supercomputing capabilities.

Promoting Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors

The Indian government also approved nine projects under the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) in 2024. These projects are expected to generate 15,710 jobs, further strengthening India’s position as a global player in the electronics and semiconductor manufacturing sector. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of technological self-reliance and boosting local manufacturing capabilities.

Digital Literacy Empowerment through PMGDISHA

In a significant achievement, India’s Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) exceeded its target by training 6.39 crore individuals, surpassing the original goal of 6 crore. The program aims to empower rural populations with digital literacy, helping bridge the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion in underserved areas. This initiative is crucial for creating a digitally-savvy workforce, contributing to India’s tech ecosystem.

India’s Road to Technological Self-Reliance and Global Competitiveness

India’s efforts to enhance its tech infrastructure in 2024 reflect a decisive step toward achieving technological self-reliance and global competitiveness. With the establishment of semiconductor manufacturing units, the commissioning of supercomputers, and initiatives to promote digital literacy and electronic component manufacturing, India is poised to play a leading role in the global technology landscape. These efforts not only support economic growth but also contribute to building a robust, self-sustaining tech ecosystem in the country.