The Global Stage in New Delhi
From September 17th to 19th, the capital's state-of-the-art Yashobhoomi convention centre will transform into the nerve centre of the global semiconductor industry. The fifth edition of SEMICON India, jointly organised by the India Semiconductor Mission
(ISM) and the global industry association SEMI, is set to be its largest yet. With over 500 exhibitors, including more than 240 international companies from 40 countries, the event will convene the world's top industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators. The theme, “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem,” signals a clear intent: to showcase India’s journey from ambition to tangible capability across the entire value chain.
More Than Just a Conference
SEMICON India is the annual focal point for the government's ambitious India Semiconductor Mission, a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at establishing a robust and self-reliant electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The presence of the Prime Minister, who will inaugurate the event and hold roundtables with global CEOs, underscores its national significance. This year's conference is particularly crucial as it unfolds against a backdrop of real progress. Several projects approved under the first phase of the semiconductor program have already commenced commercial production, with more expected to go online by the end of 2026. The event serves as a high-profile platform to accelerate investment, strengthen global partnerships, and demonstrate that India is ready to move from planning to execution at scale.
From Global Giants to Local Champions
The attendee list is a who's who of the semiconductor world. Senior executives from giants like ASML, Micron, Intel, Samsung, NXP, and Applied Materials are expected to participate, reflecting deep international interest in India's growth story. Alongside these global players, the conference will spotlight India's burgeoning domestic ecosystem. Homegrown firms like Tata Electronics, which is setting up the country's first major semiconductor fab in Gujarat, and CG Power, which is building an assembly and testing facility, represent the tangible results of the national strategy. The event also provides a crucial platform for over 300 Indian companies and numerous startups, many of which are supported by the government's Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, to connect with global partners and investors.
The Road to Atmanirbhar Bharat
At its core, India's semiconductor push is a strategic imperative. The goal is to reduce the country's heavy reliance on imported chips, which currently account for nearly 90% of its needs, and build technological sovereignty. The global semiconductor market is projected to soar towards $2 trillion, with India's own demand expected to hit $200 billion. By fostering a domestic ecosystem, from raw materials and design to fabrication and packaging, India aims not just to meet its own needs but to become a trusted and integral part of reconfigured global supply chains. Success would mean creating millions of skilled jobs, boosting economic growth, and securing the nation's role in critical technologies like AI, 5G, and electric vehicles.
What to Watch for at SEMICON 2026
This year's event is expected to be a hub for major announcements. Key areas to watch include new investment commitments in manufacturing and R&D, policy updates related to the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (dubbed Semicon 2.0), and the forging of new international collaborations. For the first time, a special “Value Chain Experience” will offer an immersive exhibition journey from 'sand to systems,' demonstrating India's expanding capabilities. Furthermore, with a dedicated focus on workforce development and country-specific roundtables, the discussions will provide a clear barometer of India's progress in building not just factories, but a complete, sustainable, and globally competitive semiconductor industry.
