Semicon 2.0 Portal Launched: India Doubles Down on Chip Manufacturing
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches the Semicon 2.0 portal, opening applications for key semiconductor pillars to boost domestic manufacturing.
In a significant move to bolster the nation's electronics ecosystem, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially launched the Semicon 2.0 portal. This new web application marks a pivotal expansion of India's semiconductor ambitions, opening the doors for a new wave of applications to strengthen the domestic supply chain.
Opening New Doors for Semiconductor Growth
During the launch event, Minister Vaishnaw announced that the government is now ready to accept applications under pillars two, three, and four of the comprehensive semiconductor programme. This expansion is designed to tap into the growing design expertise within the country and integrate more players into the high-tech manufacturing landscape.
A standout revelation from the Minister was the inclusive nature of the current progress. He highlighted that 50 per cent of the units already approved under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) or Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), proving that the chip revolution in India is not just for the giants.
From 'Screwdriver Technology' to Deep Manufacturing
Reflecting on India's journey in electronics, Minister Vaishnaw candidly recalled the skepticism the country faced during the early days of mobile phone manufacturing. He noted that critics once mocked India's efforts, dismissing them as mere "screwdriver technology" or simple assembly work.
However, the government's strategy was never about staying at the assembly level. The vision was a systematic climb up the value chain:
- Phase 1: Assembling finished products.
- Phase 2: Manufacturing modules.
- Phase 3: Producing individual components.
- Phase 4: Developing raw materials.
Deepening the Value Chain
The Minister emphasized that India is now successfully moving deeper into the manufacturing process. The country is no longer just putting pieces together but is actively producing critical materials and components that were previously imported.
Among the key achievements highlighted were the domestic production of:
- Battery Cells: Moving toward full energy storage independence.
- Copper Foils: Essential for high-end electronics.
- Copper-Clad Laminates: The foundational material used in Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
"In a sense, throughout that value chain, we are going deep with each program, with each approval," Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, underscoring the government's commitment to total manufacturing integration.