Govt equipping over 100 colleges with EDA tools to produce talent to develop semiconductor ecosystem

The Indian government has initiated a significant move to bolster the semiconductor ecosystem by equipping over 100 colleges with state-of-the-art electronic design automation (EDA) tools.

According to an ET report, Siemens EDA, Synopsys, and Cadence will provide EDA tools. These tools are crucial in preparing a skilled workforce for the burgeoning semiconductor industry. The initiative aims to make students industry-ready by the time they graduate, addressing the global talent shortage predicted by a Goldman Sachs report.

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Strategic partnerships and programs

Siemens EDA, Synopsys, and Cadence have each established partnerships and programs to support this initiative. Siemens is partnering with the IT ministry to create an EDA tools grid under the design-linked incentive scheme for chip startups. 

Synopsys has joined forces with premier institutions like IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Science through its Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA) program. Meanwhile, Cadence has made its suite of EDA technologies accessible to 350 engineering colleges, offering tools at a highly subsidized rate.

What is the Chips to Startups (C2S) Initiative?

Launched in January 2022, the C2S initiative is a pivotal part of this effort. Over five years, it aims to train 85,000 individuals in very large-scale integration and embedded system design. In its first round, 103 institutions and startups were selected for projects that include designing a global navigation receiver SoC for NAVIC and GPS. 

Notably, the initiative not only equips institutions with essential tools but also supports startup incubation by providing the necessary technology at a fraction of the commercial cost.

Expanding the ecosystem

The government's commitment extends beyond education and training. With the Semicon India programme, launched with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, there is a concerted effort to develop the semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.

This includes producing the 16,000 gases required in chip fabrication plants domestically and approving proposals for semiconductor plants, such as the Tata Group's partnership with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp to set up India's first semiconductor fab plant.