Prime Highlights:
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the establishment of the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar, aimed at providing hands-on training in chip design, fabrication, and packaging.
- The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem, aligning with national goals like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’ to boost domestic chip manufacturing.
Key Facts:
- The lab will be funded with ₹4.95 crore from the MPLAD scheme, featuring hardware worth ₹4.6 crore and software worth ₹35 lakh.
- India currently contributes nearly 20% of the global chip design workforce, with 300+ universities engaged in semiconductor research and 28 student-developed chips already fabricated.
Background
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw approved the establishment of the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar. The project, valued at ₹4.95 crore, will be funded through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme.
The lab will concentrate on practical training on chip design, fabrication, and packaging. It aims to prepare students for the fast-growing semiconductor industry and strengthen India’s position in global chip innovation. The facility will be equipped with hardware worth ₹4.6 crore and software worth ₹35 lakh.
Officials said the lab will complement national initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’, which seek to reduce dependence on imported chips and promote domestic manufacturing.
India already has a strong talent base, with nearly 20% of the world’s chip design professionals. More than 300 universities are engaged in advanced semiconductor design work, and 28 student-developed chips have been fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali.
The decision comes at a crucial time for Odisha, which has recently secured Cabinet approval for two projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): a Silicon Carbide-based compound semiconductor unit and an advanced 3D glass packaging facility. IIT Bhubaneswar also hosts the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC), adding further value to the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed the project. He said it will inspire young people, boost research, and help the state play a key role in India’s semiconductor plans.