PM Modi inaugurates SEMICON India 2026 to boost global semiconductor ecosystem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the SEMICON India 2026 exhibition on Thursday, engaging directly with participants before officially inaugurating the massive event. The gathering took place at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Delhi, marking a significant step for the nation's tech ambitions.
Scheduled to run from September 17 to September 19, the event is designed to drive industry engagement, set policy directions, and foster international partnerships. The exhibition serves as a major platform for showcasing India's growing role in the global technology supply chain.
A massive scale for semiconductor growth
The conference is a collaborative effort, organized jointly by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), and the global industry body SEMI. This year, the event operates under the specific theme of "Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem."
According to data provided by MeitY, the scale of the convention is immense. The exhibition spans across 15,000 square metres and is expected to host more than 150 speakers. The floor will feature over 600 exhibitors, including 300 international firms, making it a truly global assembly.
To ensure diverse representation, the layout includes six country pavilions and 12 pavilions dedicated to various state governments. The event also prioritises the next generation of tech through dedicated segments for startups, student hackathons, and workforce development programs.
Advancing India's manufacturing milestones
The exhibition is not just about display; it also serves as a venue to present an official review of various manufacturing milestones. Under the Semicon India Programme, the Union government has already approved 12 different semiconductor projects to bolster domestic capacity.
Of these, three units that were approved under the Semicon 1.0 phase have already commenced their commercial production. Furthermore, the Union Cabinet has moved forward by approving the next phase, known as Semicon 2.0, which is structured around six core pillars to ensure sustained growth.
Support for the ecosystem is also reaching the academic and entrepreneurial sectors. Electronic design automation tools have been extended to more than 400 academic institutions and 105 startups. Additionally, 24 startups have successfully secured approvals under the Design Linked Incentive scheme.
Exploring the complete value chain
MeitY has stated that SEMICON India 2026 will adopt a comprehensive value-chain approach. This method aims to showcase the entire journey, starting from semiconductor materials and manufacturing to advanced packaging, design, electronics, and systems.
Visitors can experience the new "Sand to Silicon to Systems" Value Chain Experience. This initiative is intended to provide an integrated view of the semiconductor ecosystem and demonstrate India's expanding capabilities across different stages of the value chain.
Specific areas of interest for attendees include:
The Startup Pavilion, which will showcase approximately 40 startups.
The Workforce Development Pavilion, providing a platform for talent, skills, and career opportunities in microelectronics.
Global players and strategic partnerships
The event provides a vital opportunity for both Indian and international companies to explore technology collaborations, investment opportunities, and supply-chain linkages. This is seen as a way to strengthen India's position as a trusted global semiconductor partner.
Major global and domestic enterprises are participating in the exhibition and strategic roundtables. These include industry giants such as:
ASML and Applied Materials
Teradyne and Infineon
Ebara and Jabil
IBM Research and NXP
Tata Electronics and Micron
Merck KGaA and Rapidus
Lam Research and CG Power
Uno Minda and Advantest
Tokyo Electron