HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Dec 2: The Government of India’s continued commitment of ₹4,500 crore to modernising the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali marks a crucial step towards strengthening the country’s semiconductor foundation.
Industry leaders have stressed the need for close coordination between the Centre and the Punjab Government to expedite land allotment and infrastructure clearances to avoid delays and uncertainty.
The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) has lauded the vision and commitment of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Amitesh Kumar Sinha, CEO of the India Semiconductor Mission, and Kamaljeet Singh, Director General of SCL.
Related Posts:
According to IESA, India can leverage SCL as a strategic enabler for new product development while supporting the country’s fabless semiconductor initiative.
The modernisation project begins with upgrading SCL for 180-nm technology, which offers significant business potential with an expected 100-fold increase in capacity.
A successful 180-nm node is expected to build confidence for future transitions to more advanced technology nodes.
A modernised SCL is projected to play a transformative role for India’s deep-tech and semiconductor startup ecosystem by enabling pilot production, small-volume fabrication, and early-stage prototyping. This will help convert ideas into market-ready products faster, domestically and securely.
The capability is also critical for India’s strategic sectors, including defence, aerospace, and space, which require trusted and indigenous semiconductor manufacturing.
IESA has also highlighted the potential for SCL to evolve into a national centre for training and capacity building by offering access to EDA tools, hands-on workforce development, and collaboration with academia and industry to strengthen India’s future semiconductor talent pipeline.
Stable policy and fiscal support under the India Semiconductor Mission will be essential for scaling SCL, integrating it with the broader domestic supply chain, and aligning it with India’s export and innovation goals.
The consortium approach involving CDAC, DRDO, ISRO, and support from the state government is expected to enhance the success and impact of the SCL facility.
“IESA and its member companies have reiterated their full support for the initiative and expressed commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure SCL becomes a modern, high-impact, trusted semiconductor facility that advances India’s strategic technology ambitions,” IESA president Ashok Chandak said.
