Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, has approved the establishment of the 'NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory' at IIT Bhubaneswar. The project, funded under the MPLAD Scheme, carries an estimated cost of INR 4.95 crore and aims to develop India's talent pool for indigenous chip manufacturing and packaging capabilities.

Laboratory Objectives and Strategic Impact

The NaMo Semiconductor Lab is designed to contribute to India's deep talent pool by equipping youth with industry-ready skills. The facility will position IIT Bhubaneswar as a hub for semiconductor research and training, specifically helping develop talent for chip manufacturing and packaging units being established across the country. The laboratory will serve as a catalyst for India's fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem while boosting the 'Make in India' and 'Design in India' initiatives.

The facility aims to support the broader goal of strengthening the nation's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign chip production.

India's Current Semiconductor Landscape

India currently hosts 20% of global chip design talent, demonstrating the country's existing capabilities in the semiconductor sector. Students from 295 universities across the nation are utilizing the latest Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools provided by the industry, indicating widespread engagement in semiconductor education and research. The country has achieved notable milestones in chip development, with 28 student-designed chips from 20 institutes having been taped out at SCL Mohali.

This demonstrates the practical application of semiconductor design skills among Indian students and institutions.

Strategic Location and Existing Infrastructure

The selection of IIT Bhubaneswar as the location for the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory is strategically significant due to Odisha's recent developments in the semiconductor sector. The state has received approval for two semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission, positioning it as a hub for emerging semiconductor manufacturing. One of the approved projects in Odisha involves an integrated facility for Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based compound semiconductors.

The second project focuses on an advanced 3D glass packaging facility, both of which will benefit from the skilled workforce that the new laboratory aims to develop. IIT Bhubaneswar already hosts the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC), providing an existing foundation for semiconductor research. The new laboratory will complement the institute's current cleanroom facilities and enhance its capacity to provide research and development support to India's semiconductor industry.

Laboratory Specifications and Investment Breakdown

The proposed NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory will feature essential equipment and software required for comprehensive semiconductor training, design, and fabrication activities. The total estimated cost of INR 4.95 crore is allocated across different components of the facility. Equipment procurement accounts for INR 4.6 crore of the total investment, while software acquisition requires INR 35 lakh.

This investment structure reflects the capital-intensive nature of semiconductor research and development, requiring sophisticated tools and technologies for effective training and research activities. The laboratory will provide hands-on training opportunities for students and researchers, enabling them to gain practical experience with industry-standard equipment and processes.

This approach aligns to produce industry-ready professionals who can immediately contribute to India's semiconductor manufacturing sector. The facility will support various aspects of semiconductor development, from initial design concepts through fabrication processes. By providing access to both hardware and software tools, the laboratory will enable comprehensive training that covers the entire semiconductor development lifecycle.

The establishment of this laboratory marks a significant step in India's efforts to develop domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and reduce its reliance on imports. The facility will serve as a training ground for the next generation of semiconductor professionals, while supporting ongoing research and development activities in the field.

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