In a significant development for India’s semiconductor sector, the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with SEMI, the global industry association representing over 3,000 member companies in the semiconductor design and manufacturing supply chain. Signed in Bengaluru in the presence of 200+ IESA members, this MoU is a strategic move to foster collaboration and synergies between the two bodies, with the aim of enhancing the Indian semiconductor ecosystem and global partnerships.
The scope of this MoU encompasses the identification of collaborative opportunities to connect Indian stakeholders to the global semiconductor manufacturing and design supply chain, addressing key areas such as manufacturing, enabling policies, design, skilling, R&D, academia, and supply chains. It also aims to harness research data to further these goals. The first step in a series of joint activities planned for the coming years is the SEMICON 2024 event in Sept’24, with which the MoU will pave the way for a long-term partnership between SEMI and IESA.
“I am excited that SEMI is joining forces with IESA to further advance and accelerate the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India, “said Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI. “The combined strength of our global network and IESA’s Indian connections will help to establish India as the next global manufacturing and design hub. We expect our collaboration with multiple partners on SEMICON India 2024 in September to serve as a catalyst in these efforts.”
Commenting on the momentous occasion while signing the MOU, Ashok Chandak, President of IESA, said, “As we stand at the cusp of an unprecedented transformation, the MoU between IESA and SEMI marks a pivotal moment for India’s semiconductor industry. This strategic partnership symbolizes our collective resolve to propel India into global semiconductor orbit by harnessing SEMI’s extensive international network and IESA’s deep-rooted expertise in the Indian ESDM Industry.”
Adding to the sentiment and intent, Dr. Veerappan, Chairperson of IESA, commented, “The MoU with SEMI is a testament to the long-standing commitment of IESA and SEMI to fostering global industry collaboration. As we unite our strengths, IESA is excited to embark on this journey with SEMI, we are poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth, collaboration, and technological advancement between Indian and global players.”
As a part of the partnership, IESA and SEMI will work together to connect stakeholders in government, industry, and academia in India with the global semiconductor manufacturing and design industry, leveraging SEMI’s global footprint and IESA’s strong domestic presence. The collaboration will also see both organizations leveraging their events and initiatives to enable companies to meet, form new partnerships, and advance the emerging Indian manufacturing and design ecosystem, with a particular focus on talent development and semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Furthermore, the MoU will facilitate the curation and execution of joint events in India aimed at talent mapping, skilling, practical knowledge, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The agreement also includes provisions for the mutual use of each other’s logos in all printed literature and events related to this collaboration, enabling the sharing of pertinent updates and conducting webinars on policy issues and activities in the semiconductor domain, worldwide.
