The Indian government has approved the creation of the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar, aiming to build a skilled workforce for India’s growing chip manufacturing and packaging sector. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Sunday. The ₹4.95 crore project will be funded under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme. It is part of the government’s larger push to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem under the Make in India and Design in India initiatives. Building India’s chip talent Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the lab would help develop India’s talent in chip design, packaging, and fabrication. Students and researchers will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools, preparing them for upcoming chip fabrication and packaging units across the country. Currently, India has about 20% of the global chip design workforce, with students from 295 universities already using advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools through industry partnerships. So far, 28 student-designed chips from 20 Indian institutes have been successfully fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. Why IIT Bhubaneswar The government chose IIT Bhubaneswar strategically. Odisha recently received approval for two major semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission, a Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor facility and a 3D glass packaging plant. IIT Bhubaneswar already hosts the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC), supporting research in power electronics and next-generation materials. The new NaMo lab will leverage this foundation, adding cleanroom and testing facilities to train students and researchers for industry-ready skills. Industry collaboration and regional impact The lab will also collaborate with semiconductor companies and research institutions, aiming to create a regional hub for chip design, assembly, and testing. This aligns with India’s goal of localizing semiconductor manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports. Skilling and ‘Design in India’ The Ministry emphasized that the lab will act as a catalyst for India’s semiconductor ecosystem, bridging the gap between academia and industry. The project includes ₹4.6 crore for equipment and ₹35 lakh for specialized software licenses, ensuring students gain real-world skills in chip design and fabrication. Part of a broader chip ecosystem The NaMo Semiconductor Lab complements the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) launched in 2021, which encourages domestic and global investments in chip manufacturing. With multiple semiconductor projects across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, the lab plays a crucial role in preparing skilled talent to support these facilities. Officials say this initiative reflects the government’s vision of making India a global hub for semiconductor research, design, and production, emphasizing the importance of homegrown talent rather than relying solely on imports.
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