SEMI and IESA Collaborate to Advance Semiconductor Ecosystem

In a strategic move to further solidify India's position in the global semiconductor value chain, SEMI®, the global industry association that connects the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing value chain, has announced a strategic agreement with the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the leading industry body representing the electronics and semiconductor sectors in India.  IESA will become part of the global SEMI family and represent SEMI in India. IESA will continue to use its current brand while beginning to implement SEMI’s processes and select initiatives.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time, the start of SEMICON India 2024, the flagship event aimed at bringing together global leaders, semiconductor industry experts, and key stakeholders under the theme of "Shaping the Semiconductor Future."

This unification is set to bolster India’s ambition to become a “Semiconductor Powerhouse” by advancing its design and manufacturing ecosystem. Together, the associations will enhance domestic manufacturing in line with India’s "Make in India" initiative, support workforce development, improve global competitiveness, and foster greater technological self-reliance. Additionally, SEMI members will now have direct access to India's growing semiconductor market, tapping into new growth opportunities.

Ajit Manocha, President and CEO, SEMI, expressed his excitement about this milestone, stating, “India holds immense potential in the semiconductor space, and many global companies are already exploring the opportunities within the country's semiconductor industry. This partnership will help SEMI grow a strong presence in this critical emerging market and enable both organizations to identify tangible strategies that leverage our combined strengths to enhance supply chain resilience."

Dr. Veerappan, Chairperson, and Ashok Chandak, President, IESA, emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership, saying, “This milestone is a major win for India, SEMI, and IESA. It positions India to become a global semiconductor powerhouse, accelerates economic growth, and fosters innovation. By combining our capabilities with SEMI’s global standards, network, and resources, we are fortifying India’s ambitions and attracting global partnerships and investments to scale up design, manufacturing, and production capacities.”

This agreement will also pave the way for joint policy advocacy efforts, with IESA and SEMI working closely with both Central and State governments to drive incentives for product development and manufacturing, leveraging key programs such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) models.

The Semiconductor Executive Forum, held on 10th Sept ahead of the SEMICON India event chaired by Mr. Ashvini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Electronics and IT and Information and Broadcasting, saw participation from over 100 industry leaders from SEMI member companies, with a significant participation of IESA members. Fourteen members (CxOs) from SEMI and IESA engaged in an interactive discussion with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, focusing on the fast-track development of the semiconductor ecosystem. Global CxOs elevated the forum with valuable insights, offering guidance to both the government and industry on how to transform the current industry momentum into sustained business growth. SEMICON India 2024, with over 600 exhibitors, 100+ global companies, and 50+ CxOs in attendance 11-13th Sept 2024, is shaping up to be the largest semiconductor event in India's history.