India’s Semiconductor Revolution: Driving Growth, Innovation, and Employment

India’s semiconductor industry is poised to become a major player globally, with the country’s semiconductor market projected to grow from USD 29.84 billion in FY2023 to USD 79.20 billion by FY2031. As part of its ambitious plans, according to NLB Services, India is set to create 1 million jobs across various sectors by 2026, as it strengthens its position as a semiconductor manufacturing hub. During an interaction with Vidushi, Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services discussed about the semiconductor market and growth.

Q1. India’s semiconductor market is expected to grow significantly. How will this create job opportunities across key sectors, and what are the expected job numbers?

India’s semiconductor market is positioned for substantial growth, with projections reaching USD 79.20 billion by FY2031. This growth will fuel job creation across various domains, with an estimated 1 million opportunities emerging by 2026. Key sectors like chip fabrication and design will account for 300,000 and 200,000 jobs, respectively, while roles in ATMP, software development, and system circuits will further expand workforce demand. These numbers reflect a significant requirement for skilled professionals to support India’s ambitious semiconductor agenda.

Q2. What role do the government and private sector play in addressing the talent gap in the semiconductor industry, and what initiatives are helping?

The government’s initiatives, including the ₹76,000 crore Semicon India program, have been instrumental in building a robust semiconductor ecosystem. Under the government’s Semiconductor Mission, the Indian economy is ramping up its efforts to prepare, educate, and train new hires to reach the mission of becoming a global semiconductor. Under the Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme, currently being implemented across 113 academic institutions, R&D organizations, start-ups, and MSMEs, approximately 85,000 highly skilled engineers are being trained in key areas. These include Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) and Embedded System Design, alongside the development of 175 Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), 20 System-on-Chip (SoC) prototypes, 30 FPGA-based designs, and 30 IP cores, all targeted to be achieved within a five-year timeline. There are various strategic public-private partnerships to strengthen the talent pool in the respective industry. Various companies are collaborating, and implementing technical boot camps, mentoring programs, and university partnerships to address a significant skills gap.

Q3. How is NLB Services helping shape the future workforce for the semiconductor industry through education, skill development, and internships?

At NLB Services, we are passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, empowering the next generation of talent through dynamic reskilling and upskilling initiatives. Our programs offer hands-on, industry-driven training through immersive internships that provide real-world experience in critical roles like design engineers, process technicians, and quality control specialists. By blending advanced technical expertise with practical exposure, we prepare individuals to thrive in India’s booming semiconductor sector. With a commitment to nurturing a strong talent pipeline, we are proud to play a key role in shaping the future of the nation’s semiconductor ambitions and driving innovation forward.

Q4. As India becomes a semiconductor hub, how will it impact the electronics manufacturing and tech innovation ecosystem?

India’s ambition to become a semiconductor hub is set to transform its electronics manufacturing and technology innovation terrain. Companies are establishing semiconductor plants, indicating a shift towards local production. This development will reduce dependence on imports and enhance India’s position within global supply chains. Expanding semiconductor capabilities will also encourage innovations in AI, IoT, and 5G, with Indian startups taking the lead in creating next-generation solutions. As global investments flow in, India is on track to become a significant player in this industry.

Q5. How important are soft skills alongside technical expertise in semiconductor roles, and how does NLB Services prepare candidates in both areas?

In a highly specialized industry like semiconductors, technical expertise is essential, but soft skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally critical. At NLB Services, we include soft skills training in our programs to help candidates succeed in fast-paced work environments. This balanced approach ensures professionals can contribute effectively to innovative projects while building a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

Q6. What steps is NLB Services taking to promote diversity and inclusion in the semiconductor industry, and how does it foster innovation?

Diversity and inclusion are integral to fostering creativity and innovation. At NLB Services, we vigorously focus on creating equal opportunities through inclusive hiring practices and outreach programs. Our initiatives include mentorship programs and tailored skilling opportunities to make sure that diverse talent contributes meaningfully to the semiconductor industry’s growth.

Q7. How do you see the skill set requirements evolving in chip fabrication, design, assembly, and testing in the coming years?

As technology advances, roles in chip fabrication will demand expertise in process optimization, advanced equipment maintenance, and automation. On the other hand, in design, the focus will shift towards AI-driven methodologies and enhanced CAD proficiency. Similarly, assembly and testing will require a deep understanding of robotics, quality standards, and operational protocols.  So, professionals in this field must keep up with emerging technologies and processes.

Q8. What challenges do you foresee in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals, and how can stakeholders collaborate to address them?

To meet the demand for skilled semiconductor professionals, we need to address challenges such as the current talent shortage and the limited availability of industry-ready expertise. Collaboration among government, academia, and industry stakeholders is essential. Initiatives including specialized training programs, partnerships between universities and industry, and increased funding for skill development will be crucial in building a workforce capable of sustaining the sector’s growth.