On May 13, 2025, Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated two advanced design facilities by Renesas Electronics India Private Limited in Noida and Bengaluru. These facilities mark a significant milestone, positioning India as a key player in global semiconductor innovation.
Pioneering 3nm Chip Design
The new design centers are the first in India to focus on 3-nanometer chip design, a cutting-edge technology that represents a leap forward from previous 7nm and 5nm designs. Shri Vaishnaw highlighted this achievement as a testament to India’s growing expertise in next-generation semiconductor development, placing the country among global leaders in this field.
India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Holistic Strategy for Growth
The Minister outlined India’s comprehensive semiconductor strategy, which encompasses design, fabrication, assembly, testing, marking, packaging (ATMP), equipment, and supply chains for chemicals and gases. This approach aims to create a robust ecosystem, supported by significant investments from global companies like Applied Materials and Lam Research, as showcased at platforms like Davos.
Role of Uttar Pradesh
The establishment of a major Semiconductor Design Centre in Uttar Pradesh is a critical step toward building a pan-India semiconductor ecosystem. By leveraging the country’s rich talent pool, these facilities aim to foster innovation and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Empowering Future Engineers
Semiconductor Learning Kits
Shri Vaishnaw announced the launch of a new semiconductor learning kit to enhance practical hardware skills among engineering students. Over 270 academic institutions, already equipped with advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software tools under the India Semiconductor Mission, will receive these hands-on kits. This initiative aims to produce industry-ready engineers by integrating software and hardware learning.
Support for Academic Institutions
The government’s efforts to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem include supporting academic institutions and startups through programs like the Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme. These initiatives aim to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Global and Strategic Importance
Shri Vaishnaw credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision for transforming India’s semiconductor industry from a nascent stage to an emerging global hub within just three years. He emphasized that the growing demand for semiconductors in sectors like smartphones, laptops, medical equipment, defense, and automobiles underscores the need for a robust domestic industry.
Renesas’ Commitment to India
Shri Hidetoshi Shibata, CEO & MD of Renesas Electronics, highlighted India’s strategic importance to the company, particularly in embedded systems, software, and system innovation. Renesas is committed to expanding end-to-end semiconductor capabilities in India, from architecture to testing, while supporting over 250 academic institutions and numerous startups.
Key Takeaways from the Inauguration
- 3nm Chip Design: India’s first design centers for cutting-edge 3-nanometer technology.
- Semiconductor Ecosystem: A holistic approach covering design, fabrication, and supply chains.
- Talent Development: Semiconductor learning kits and EDA tools to create industry-ready engineers.
- Government Support: Initiatives like C2S and DLI schemes to foster innovation and startups.
- Global Hub: India’s transformation into an emerging leader in the global semiconductor industry.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Renesas Electronics’ design facilities in Noida and Bengaluru on May 14, 2025, marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global semiconductor hub. By fostering innovation, empowering students, and building a robust ecosystem, India is poised for sustainable growth in this critical sector, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Important Facts About Semiconductors
- Semiconductors: Materials that partially conduct electricity, used in chips for electronic devices like smartphones, computers, and medical equipment.
- 3nm Chip Design: Refers to the size of transistors in a chip, where smaller sizes (like 3 nanometers) enable faster and more efficient devices.
- India Semiconductor Mission: A government initiative to develop a self-reliant semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.
- EDA Tools: Electronic Design Automation software used for designing integrated circuits and printed circuit boards.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: India’s vision for self-reliance, promoting domestic innovation and manufacturing across key sectors.