New Delhi, Feb 16
The government has granted Rs 334 crore to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, “for new research and development (R&D) in gallium nitride, a technology in semiconductors, which is used in telecom and power,” Vaishnaw said at a press conference on Union Budget 2025 announcements.
India is set to launch its first-ever locally manufactured semiconductor chip by September or October this year, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Vaishnaw stated that the government has provided ₹334 crore to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, for research and development in advanced semiconductor technology. This technology, called gallium nitride (GaN), is widely used in telecom and power industries. The government is also planning a new financial support scheme to encourage companies making semiconductor components.
Tata Electronics, in collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), is building India’s first semiconductor manufacturing facility in Dholera, Gujarat. This project is expected to play a key role in making India self-reliant in chip production.
The IISc team has also developed India’s first gallium nitride-based power transistor, a crucial semiconductor component. This development is a major step toward strengthening India’s presence in the global semiconductor industry.
The ‘Made-in-India’ chip was initially scheduled for a December 2024 release, as announced by Vaishnaw at the Davos Summit last year. However, the project has progressed faster than expected, leading to an earlier launch.
The semiconductor industry is vital for modern technology, as chips are used in everything from smartphones to automobiles. Currently, India relies heavily on imports for semiconductor components. The upcoming chip launch is a significant move toward reducing this dependency and boosting domestic manufacturing.
With global demand for semiconductors rising, India’s entry into chip production is expected to create new opportunities in research, innovation, and job creation, making the country a strong player in the global tech industry.
