India’s long-standing semiconductor ambitions are gaining momentum as talent, policy support, and manufacturing investments begin to align. The country already plays a critical role in global chip design, with nearly 20% of the world’s semiconductor design workforce and over 125,000 engineers working in global R&D centres for companies like Intel, Qualcomm, and AMD.
Cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad have emerged as global hubs for fabless chip design and innovation, supported by initiatives like the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme and a growing startup ecosystem. At the same time, India is now transitioning from being primarily a design back office to building a full semiconductor ecosystem, including manufacturing, packaging, and supply chains.
With major investments under the Semicon India Programme and the push for domestic fabs and ATMP units, India is entering a new phase where execution is catching up with ambition, strengthening its position in the global semiconductor landscape.
Why This Matters
• Leverages India’s strong base in chip design and engineering talent
• Marks a shift toward end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing
• Strengthens India’s role in global semiconductor supply chains
• Positions India as a future global semiconductor hub