Silicon Dreams: Gujarat Push For India’s Semicon Revolution

From March 5 to 7, Gandhinagar hosted the highly anticipated Gujarat SemiConnect Conference 2025, a landmark event that charted the course of India’s ambitions in semiconductor manufacturing.

Organised by the Department of Science and Technology, this premier gathering brought together industry titans, policymakers and technology pioneers. Among the distinguished attendees were CEOs of major MNCs, influential decision-makers, and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who added gravitas to discussions that aim to redefine India’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

At a press conference held at the state secretariat, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Mona Khandhar, outlined the vision for Gujarat SemiConnect 2025.

Under the theme “Silicon Gujarat: Powering India’s Semiconductor Revolution”, the event explored how Gujarat’s burgeoning semiconductor and Electronic System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sector can position India as a global leader in technology and advanced manufacturing.

A Strategic Leap Forward

The conference aimed to drive investments, strengthen the capacity of local industries to integrate into the global value chain, and enhance skill development through specialised training programmes. The vision was clear: Create a thriving semiconductor ecosystem in Gujarat that aligns with global standards and innovations.

The event also marked several groundbreaking announcements, including:

• The foundation-laying ceremony for Kens Technology’s new semiconductor facility in Gujarat.
• A strategic MoU between the Gujarat government and Jabil Inc. to establish a Silicon Photonics facility.
• A collaboration with TSMT for a new manufacturing unit.
• An MoU with Micron to implement industry-leading Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) initiatives, reinforcing alignment with global CSR benchmarks.
• A key partnership between Tata Electronics and IIT Gandhinagar to drive research and development in semiconductor technology.
• Announcements on social infrastructure projects in Dholera, strengthening the region’s appeal as a technology hub.
• The release of pivotal reports, including the “Gujarat Semiconductor Conference 2024” and “Semiconductor Manufacturing Supply Chain” by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA).
• The launch of “Vision to Reality” — a Make in India semiconductor product by IESA, symbolising India’s aspirations for self-reliance in chip manufacturing.

Gujarat’s Semicon Future

Delegates not only engaged in high-level discussions, but also had the opportunity to witness Gujarat’s progress firsthand. Exclusive site visits to the emerging semiconductor hubs of Dholera and Sanand showcased the state’s infrastructural readiness and investment-friendly policies.

In parallel, the ISPEC event fostered academic-industry collaboration. Research sessions featured presentations from 80 faculty members across 12 strategic research domains, while over 150 PhD and M.Tech students presented groundbreaking research through a poster competition.

More than 50 companies from India, the US, Europe, Japan, and Korea engaged in supplier and workforce sessions, strengthening global partnerships.

A Global Gathering Of Innovators

With over 1,500 delegates from around the world, Gujarat SemiConnect 2025 was a melting pot of ideas, strategies, and collaborations. Industry leaders, MSMEs, startups, incubators, and academia converged to discuss policies and visionary frameworks shaping the semiconductor and electronics industries.

As India positions itself at the forefront of the global semiconductor revolution, Gujarat is leading the charge — laying the foundation for a future where the country is not just a consumer, but a dominant player in semiconductor manufacturing. With SemiConnect 2025, the journey from vision to reality is well underway.

Gujarat SemiConnect 2025 is not just a milestone, but a turning point in India’s semiconductor journey, setting the stage for innovation, investment, and global collaborations.

Will this momentum propel India to self-reliance and leadership in chip manufacturing, or will challenges in supply chains, talent, and execution temper its ambitions? The answers will shape the future of India’s tech landscape and its place in the global semiconductor race.