India must build semiconductor capabilities beyond chip design, says DG of Semiconductor Laboratory

India's Director-General of the Semiconductor Laboratory, Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, emphasized during the Semiconductor Summit 2026 that the nation must develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem beyond just chip design and fabrication. Speaking at the event, Singh highlighted the importance of strengthening the entire value chain, from manufacturing and materials to research and specialized skills, to decrease reliance on foreign technologies and build a resilient domestic ecosystem.

He pointed out that while India excelled in semiconductor design, the country was still dependent on foreign suppliers for essential inputs, such as electronic design automation (EDA) tools. These tools, used for designing semiconductor chips, are predominantly sourced from the United States, leading to a significant dependence on foreign technology.

Singh identified several challenges that India needs to overcome to become a technological powerhouse. These include technological limitations, talent acquisition, resource availability, time constraints, market acceptance, and capital investment. He stressed that a comprehensive approach is necessary, encompassing not only chip design and fabrication but also the supporting supply chain, which includes manufacturing equipment, raw materials, chemicals, gases, and packaging materials.

India's semiconductor requirements are substantial, and the nation must produce more of its own chips to ensure self-sufficiency.

Dr. Singh stressed the need for a seamless integration between research and manufacturing, stating that developing semiconductor technologies requires a comprehensive approach, including researchers, pilot lines, manufacturing facilities, and industry participation. He highlighted the India Semiconductor Mission's efforts, which have supported the development of domestic capabilities.

Under the first phase of the mission, ₹76,000 crore has been invested, with 12 projects approved, five of which have been operationalized, and another expected to become operational soon. The second phase of the mission comprises six pillars, focusing on chip design, manufacturing, materials and machinery, as well as research and development and skill development.

Singh emphasized the importance of building specialized engineering and manufacturing capabilities alongside the existing design talent in India. He also mentioned that SCL, the lab he heads, is working to make semiconductor design education more accessible through open-source tools. The laboratory has integrated its process design kit (PDK) with open-source tools, allowing students in tier 2 and tier 3 cities to learn chip design from home without the need for commercial EDA software.

SCL is also collaborating with academic institutions and startups, offering training programs, internships, and faculty development initiatives. The laboratory has supplied over 50,000 chips to strategic and commercial sectors over the past two to three years, with no field failures reported.

Additionally, Singh highlighted the semiconductor industry's shift towards advanced packaging and chiplet-based designs, which can enhance computing capabilities by connecting different components. As transistors reach their physical limitations, packaging technology is becoming increasingly crucial. Singh also noted the growing focus on integrating different types of chips, such as photonics, quantum computing, and power-aware design, which will require closer collaboration among academia, industry, and startups.

He concluded by emphasizing that the country's technological leadership will depend on its ability to learn rapidly from every wafer, test, failure, and experimentation.