Delhi Ignites Chip Design Race

Delhi has officially joined India's ambitious semiconductor drive by developing a new policy aimed at building capacity in chip design and related research segments. This strategic move is designed to foster job creation and attract significant investment into the burgeoning sector. The proposed 'Delhi Semiconductor Policy' is being carefully coordinated with the national India Semiconductor Mission, underscoring India's broader objective to reduce import dependence and bolster its position in global supply chains.

The policy prioritizes semiconductor design, intellectual property development, and research and innovation. It also encompasses manufacturing-adjacent areas like Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT). A key focus is supporting startups and attracting fabless companies, leveraging Delhi's existing strengths in talent and design expertise rather than large-scale fabrication units.

Delhi's government is considering a range of financial and non-financial incentives, such as capital subsidies and infrastructure support, to enhance the ease of doing business. This initiative is expected to significantly boost demand for skilled professionals in chip design, semiconductor research, and advanced packaging. The government is actively promoting industry-academia partnerships and targeted training programs to cultivate a future-ready workforce.

This policy is a crucial component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) vision, connecting the semiconductor industry to economic resilience and national security. India aims to fulfill 70-75% of its semiconductor demand domestically by 2029, with Delhi's strategic entry supporting this national objective across the value chain.