India Can Fill Global Semiconductor Talent Gap: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said a shortage of nearly 10 lakh skilled professionals in the global semiconductor industry presents a significant opportunity for India to emerge as a leading talent hub.

Speaking at the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre in Patna, the Minister noted that the global semiconductor industry, currently valued at around $800 billion, will likely cross the $1 trillion mark within a year.

“By 2032, around 10 lakh jobs will likely emerge in the semiconductor sector globally. At the same time, the industry is facing a shortage of nearly 10 lakh skilled professionals,” Vaishnaw said.

The Minister said India must seize this opportunity through a two-pronged strategy focused on semiconductor design and manufacturing. He further added that the government is working to build world-class semiconductor design capabilities and ensure Indian graduates are among the best-trained professionals in the sector.

“When students graduate with semiconductor design skills, they should be considered among the top talent in the world and should immediately find opportunities in the industry,” he said.

Vaishnaw stated that nearly 75,000 students have already secured attractive opportunities through semiconductor design-related programmes and initiatives.

“Our target is to increase this number from 75,000 to 5 lakh students,” he added.

The Minister said semiconductor manufacturing activities have already begun in India. He further added that training programmes focused on manufacturing skills will expand as production capacities grow.

India has been actively promoting semiconductor design, fabrication and packaging under its semiconductor mission. Several semiconductor projects are currently underway across the country.

During his visit to STPI, Vaishnaw also highlighted efforts to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem beyond metropolitan cities. He said STPI is enhancing centres in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Minister interacted with young entrepreneurs and discussed ways to further strengthen government support for startups and technology-driven enterprises.

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