www.semiconductorforu.com | 51BLOG BEATWhile smart cities offer transformative potential, they also raise ethical and societal challenges that engineers must address. Privacy concerns arise from pervasive sensing and data collection. Engineers must design systems that protect personal information while enabling urban optimization. Equity is another concern. Smart city technologies must be accessible to all residents, not just technologically savvy or affluent populations. Engineers must ensure inclusive design, considering diverse user needs and abilities.Finally, reliance on automation and AI introduces questions of accountability and transparency. Engineers must create systems that are explainable and trustworthy, maintaining public confidence in smart city infrastructure.The evolution of smart cities signals a broader transformation in the identity of engineers. No longer confined to isolated technical roles, engineers are becoming urban innovators—professionals who design integrated systems that shape how people live, move, and interact within cities. As cities adopt intelligent transportation, distributed energy, and digital governance, engineering careers will continue to diversify. Opportunities will emerge at the intersections of technology, environment, and society, from climate-adaptive infrastructure to AI-driven urban planning. Ultimately, smart cities are redefining engineering not just as a technical profession but as a multidisciplinary endeavor central to sustainable urban futures.Smart cities represent one of the most significant technological shifts in modern urban development, and their impact on engineering careers is profound. By merging physical infrastructure with digital intelligence, they demand interdisciplinary collaboration, IT-OT integration, sustainability expertise, and cybersecurity awareness.For engineers, this transformation opens new career paths and challenges, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Those who embrace systems thinking, data-driven design, and human-centric innovation will lead the creation of resilient, sustainable, and intelligent cities. In the smart city era, engineering is no longer just about building infrastructure—it is about designing the living systems that will define urban life in the decades ahead.Challenges and Ethical ConsiderationsThe Future: Engineers as Urban InnovatorsConclusion0910
52 | www.semiconductorforu.com BUSINESS BUSINESS UNBOXED UNBOXED Union Budget 2026 has reinforced India’s semiconductor ambitions with the launch of ISM 2.0, signalling a decisive move from policy intent to ecosystem execu- tion. With expanded incentives, stronger Budget 2026 Signals Scale, Speed, & Strategic OwnershipUnion Budget 2026 positions semiconductors as national infrastructure, accelerating India’s shift from design hub to full-stack ecosystem player.India's ISM 2.0 Resetdesign-to-manufacturing integration, & sup- ply-chain localisation, the initiative aims to accelerate domestic chip capabilities, attract global partnerships, & anchor India firmly in strategic semiconductor value chains.Budget 2026: ISM 2.0 marks India’s semiconductor inflection pointIndia’s semiconductor strategy received a major reset in Union Budget 2026 as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 2.0). The initiative expands incentives across design, manufacturing, materials, and ecosystem infrastructure, positioning semiconductors as strategic national capability rather than a niche industrial sector.The renewed push comes at a time when global semiconductor supply chains are being reconfigured amid geopolitical shifts, AI-driven demand, and electrification trends. India—already a global design powerhouse—now aims to deepen capabilities across fabrication support, packaging, materials, and indigenous intellectual property. Budget 2026 complements ISM 2.0 with expanded allocations for electronics components manufacturing, cluster-based infrastructure, and supply-chain localisation. Together, these measures seek to move India from value-chain participation to value-chain ownership. Industry leaders widely view this phase as the transition from announcements to execution, where speed, coordination, and ecosystem depth will determine success.A key differentiator of ISM 2.0 is its full-stack approach: linking design innovation, manufacturing readiness, advanced materials, and talent pipelines. This aligns with India’s strengths in engineering services while addressing historical gaps in fabrication support and semiconductor-grade supply chains.The policy also recognises sectoral opportunities where India can scale fastest—power electronics, automotive semiconductors, industrial automation, renewable energy, and AI infrastructure. These domains combine strong domestic demand with global growth, enabling India to build competitive niches rather than replicate leading-edge logic fabs.Ultimately, ISM 2.0 reflects a strategic shift: semiconductors are no longer treated merely as electronics inputs but as foundational digital infrastructure underpinning energy transition, mobility, and computing. If execution matches ambition, Budget 2026 could mark the decade in which India transitions from the world’s design partner to a globally trusted semiconductor ecosystem hub.
www.semiconductorforu.com | 53BUSINESS UNBOXEDIndustry Perspectives on ISM 2.0ISM 2.0 is widely seen as transformative for India’s semiconductor startups and mid-sized firms. Industry leaders note that the initiative moves the country from being primarily a chip-design destination to a location where complete semiconductor businesses can be built end-to-end. The emphasis on advanced technology targets, industry-led R&D, talent development, and supply-chain resilience gives emerging firms confidence to compete globally. Experts expect rapid momentum in electronics components, sub-assemblies, tooling, equipment support, and semiconductor materials—areas where India already has domestic linkages and where ISM 2.0 removes long-standing bottlenecks. Equally significant is the focus on proprietary chip IP and product innovation, enabling a shift from service-led design to globally marketed semiconductor products. However, execution speed remains critical. Industry stresses that approvals, infrastructure readiness, customs facilitation, and centre–state coordination must progress in parallel to translate policy into outcomes. Mr. Suman Narayan, Chief Executive Officer, Cyient Semiconductors“ISM 2.0 is the difference be- tween designing chips in India and building semiconductor businesses from India—posi- tioning semiconductors as stra- tegic national infrastructure and enabling globally competi- tive, end-to-end semiconductor companies.”Multinational semiconductor firms see ISM 2.0 as reaffirming India’s long-term ambitions while signalling a shift from foundational intent to accelerated ecosystem execution. India already plays a critical role in global chip design and innovation, particularly for complex SoCs and data-infrastructure technologies. Leaders expect semiconductor design and R&D to see the fastest momentum under ISM 2.0, leveraging India’s deep engineering talent and strengthening advanced packaging capabilities. Execution speed and policy consistency remain decisive, alongside coordination, talent development, and industry–academia collaboration. Navin Bishnoi, India Country Manager and AVP at Marvell India“ISM 2.0 signals a shift from foundational intent to accel- erated ecosystem execution, elevating India’s role in glob- al semiconductor design, R&D, and advanced packaging innovation.”
54 | www.semiconductorforu.com BUSINESS UNBOXED Global semiconductor companies view ISM 2.0 as a strong signal that India intends to build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem rather than focusing narrowly on fabrication. Experts point out that India’s opportunity extends beyond leading-edge logic into power semiconductors, automotive electronics, industrial automation, renewable energy, and AI data-centre power conversion—segments aligned with domestic demand and engineering strengths. The initiative’s emphasis on materials, equipment, packaging, testing, and device engineering is expected to generate multiplier effects across EMS, speciality chemicals, semiconductor materials, PCB ecosystems, and embedded design services. However, semiconductor investments operate on long cycles and high capital intensity, so global partners will closely watch execution discipline. Mr. Vinay Shenoy, Managing Director – Infineon India“ISM 2.0 is a strong strate- gic signal that India is serious about building not just fabrica- tion capacity, but a full semi- conductor ecosystem across materials, design, packaging, and applications.”For fabless and design-focused players, ISM 2.0 is viewed as a strategic inflection point shifting India from ecosystem participation to value-chain ownership. Observers highlight that the policy’s focus on indigenous IP, design capabilities, and industry-led R&D directly addresses constraints that have limited Indian fabless firms from scaling globally. Rapid momentum is expected in chip design and IP creation, advanced materials and equipment manufacturing, and talent development—three pillars that together create a competitive ecosystem difficult to replicate. Stakeholders stress the need for tight integration between R&D centres and commercial companies so that research outputs translate into products. Sanjay Gupta, India Country Head & Chief Development Officer at L&T Semiconductors Technology“ISM 2.0 is a strategic inflec- tion point shifting India from ecosystem participation to val- ue-chain ownership, enabling indigenous IP, industry-led R&D, and globally competitive semiconductor design capabilities.”
www.semiconductorforu.com | 55BUSINESS UNBOXEDFrom the perspective of fabless and ecosystem players, ISM 2.0 represents a timely step toward making India a serious participant across semiconductor design, manufacturing, and supply chains. Stakeholders highlight that India’s semiconductor market is expected to more than double by 2030, making sustained policy support essential. The Budget’s increased allocation for electronics components manufacturing and continued incentives for semiconductor projects are expected to accelerate packaging, testing, substrates, and supply-chain segments, which require lower capital than fabs and can scale faster. Approved semiconductor proposals involving large investments are also expected to catalyse OSAT, ATMP, and materials ecosystems. However, incentives alone are insufficient; rapid approvals, infrastructure readiness, and single-window clearances are essential to avoid cost escalations in capital-intensive projects. Skill-development programmes linked to industry and cluster-based ecosystems integrating design firms, OSAT players, and suppliers are seen as key accelerators. Nikul Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of IndieSemiC Pvt Ltd “ISM 2.0 shows India wants to move beyond assembly and become a serious player across semiconductor design, manu- facturing, and supply chains, with execution speed now criti- cal to global competitiveness.”Industry experts emphasise that recent Budget announcements strengthening the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) complement the forthcoming ISM 2.0 by reinforcing localisation across passive components, bare PCBs, and semiconductor capital equipment. Observers note that building domestic manufacturing depth in these foundational segments will reduce import dependence and create upstream support for semiconductor fabs. Looking ahead, stakeholders expect ISM 2.0 to prioritise display and compound semiconductor fabs alongside power electronics technologies such as GaN, SiC, analog ICs, and discrete semiconductors—domains aligned with India’s market demand and engineering base. Experts caution against pursuing leading-edge sub-10 nm nodes prematurely, instead advocating stronger investment in analog, power, and embedded electronics design capabilities where India can achieve faster global competitiveness. They also highlight that increased allocation toward design innovation and VLSI-driven product development could deliver greater long-term value than purely incentive-led manufacturing schemes. Sanjeev Keskar, Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Consultancy“India’s semiconductor strate- gy should prioritise analog and power semiconductor fabs, pas- sive components, and VLSI-led product innovation—areas where the country can build competitive strength rather than chasing sub-10nm nodes.”
56 | www.semiconductorforu.comBUSINESS UNBOXEDFrom the perspective of indigenous IP and design ecosystem players, ISM 2.0 represents a structural shift from fabrication-centric foundations toward high-value silicon innovation and productisation. Industry leaders describe the initiative as enabling India to transition from outsourced engineering to sovereign semiconductor creation, supported by indigenous IP development and advanced-node ambitions. Rapid momentum is expected in custom silicon and domain-specific architectures for AI, edge computing, and automotive applications, reflecting global demand for specialised chips. Equally transformative is the anticipated rise of a domestic semiconductor IP marketplace, where local firms develop and license foundational design blocks, reducing dependence on overseas IP providers. Stakeholders stress that execution must focus on bridging design and manufacturing access—ensuring Indian fabless companies obtain prototyping and production pathways—and on standardising IP interoperability frameworks to integrate fragmented domestic innovation into globally competitive SoC solutions. Srinivasa Gupta, CEO, Silicon Patterns“ISM 2.0 marks India’s shift from outsourced engineering destination to global hub for indige- nous silicon innovation, driven by custom architectures and a domestic IP ecosystem.”HOLISTIC. DATA-DRIVEN. CONNECTED.Maximize the ROI of your SMT production with Intelligent Factory solutions from global market and technology leader ASMPT.• Effective deployment of workforce• Optimized material flows throughout the factory• Intelligent process optimizationBenefit from innovative hardware and software solutions and make the most of potential improvements by analyzing and using your data to the fullest.smt.asmpt.comasmpt.comLearn more about the Intelligent Factory in our eMagazine
HANNOVER MESSE 202620 – 24 April 2026 Hannover, Germanyhannovermesse.comTHINK TECH FORWARDThe global meeting place for industrial transformationwhere innovative technology and responsibility convergeto shape the future of manufacturing.
58 | www.semiconductorforu.comEVENT SPOTLIGHTST Foundation StrengthensIndia MissionGlobal ST Foundation leadership joins India media briefing virtually, reaffirming commitment to STEM access and community empowermentOutlines Vision for Inclusive Digital EducationThe ST Foundation has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to advancing digi- tal inclusion and STEM education in India, positioning the country as a strategic growth region for its global outreach mis- sion. During a recent media interaction, Chhavi Bajpai, Director of ST Foundation India, presented an in-depth overview of the Foundation’s programs, impact areas, and expansion roadmap in the country. The session also featured virtual partici- pation from key global leadership mem- bers, highlighting the strong alignment between India initiatives and the Founda- tion’s worldwide strategy.The briefing showcased how India has become one of the most dynamic regions for the Foundation, where large-scale social needs intersect with rapid techno- logical transformation. Under the lead- ership of Giovanna Bottani , Director of Operations (COO) - ST Foundation, ST Foundation India is focusing on scalable, inclusive education models that equip un- derserved communities with digital skills and pathways to future employment.
www.semiconductorforu.com | 59EVENT SPOTLIGHTAt the center of the India presentation was Chhavi Bajpai’s vision of technology as a social equalizer. She emphasized that access to digital tools, STEM education, and expe- riential learning can significantly reduce so- cio-economic disparities, especially in devel- oping regions. According to Bajpai, India’s demographic diversity and educational gaps make it both a challenge and an opportu- nity for designing inclusive digital education frameworks.She explained that ST Foundation’s India initiatives are structured around three pillars: digital access, STEM learning, and communi- ty engagement. Programs are designed to introduce students from underserved back- grounds to technology through practical, hands-on learning environments rather than purely theoretical education. This includes exposure to coding, robotics, electronics, and Another major focus area presented was gender inclusion in digital education. Many girls in underserved communities still face structural barriers to accessing technology and STEM learning opportunities. Addressing this gap is central to ST Foundation India’s mission.Initiatives specifically encourage girls’ par- ticipation through mentorship, role models, and safe learning environments. Bajpai explained that when girls gain early expo- sure to technology, it improves educational retention and opens pathways to careers in engineering, science, and digital sectors. This approach aligns with the Foundation’s broader global objective of equitable par- ticipation in the digital economy.Gender inclusion is not treated as a sep- arate program but integrated across all activities, ensuring balanced participation in training sessions, workshops, and community projects.problem-solving projects that build confi- dence and curiosity.A key theme in Bajpai’s presentation was localization. While the Foundation operates globally, she noted that successful implemen- tation in India requires adapting content, language, and delivery models to local con- texts. Partnerships with schools, NGOs, and community organizations enable this local- ization, ensuring programs remain relevant across urban, semi-urban, and rural settings.Bajpai also highlighted teacher enablement as a critical multiplier. Training educators in digital tools and STEM pedagogy ensures that knowledge transfer continues beyond Foundation interventions. By empowering teachers, programs achieve sustainable im- pact rather than one-time exposure.Driving Inclusive Digital Transformation in IndiaEmpowering Girls and Young Women in STEM
ST Foundation’s impact in India relies heavily on collaboration. Partnerships with educational institutions, social organizations, and local communities enable the Foundation to reach diverse popu- lations efficiently. These collabora- tions also ensure cultural sensitivity and long-term sustainability.An important aspect of the Foun- dation’s model is employee volun- teerism from STMicroelectronics. Engineers and professionals con- tribute technical expertise, mentor- ship, and training support, bridg- ing the gap between industry knowledge and community educa- tion. Bajpai noted that this connec- tion between corporate expertise and social programs strengthens both educational outcomes and employee engagement.Throughout the briefing, India was posi- tioned as a priority geography for ST Foun- dation’s global mission. The country’s young population, digital transformation momen- tum, and persistent educational inequality create a compelling case for scaling pro- grams.ST Foundation outlined plans to expand outreach to new states, deepen engagement with government and academic institutions, and introduce advanced STEM modules The growing impact of ST Foundation India’s digital inclusion and STEM education initiatives was recently recognized at the national aligned with emerging technologies. These include areas such as artificial intelligence awareness, electronics design basics, and digital problem-solving skills relevant to future industries.India’s scale requires scalable models—pro- grams that can be replicated across regions without losing local relevance. The Founda- tion aims to achieve this through standard- ized curricula combined with localized deliv- ery partnerships.level when the organization received the CSR Project of the Year Award from the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry India as a Strategic Growth RegionRecognition and Industry Acknowledgment60 | www.semiconductorforu.comEVENT SPOTLIGHTCommunity Partnerships and Volunteerism
While the India initiatives formed the core of the session, the briefing also highlighted ST Foundation’s global integration through virtual participation of international lead- ership. Their presence signaled strong or- ganizational backing for India’s expansion plans and reinforced alignment with global strategy. The global team participating virtually in- cluded: Founded in 2001 by STMicroelectronics, the ST Foundation operates globally to provide disadvantaged communities with access to digital education and technological skills. Its programs aim to transform technology In their remarks, global leaders empha- sized that regional programs such as India’s are central to achieving the Foundation’s worldwide mission of digital inclusion. They reiterated that sharing best practices across geographies allows successful models to scale while adapting to local contexts.Their virtual participation also reflected the Foundation’s collaborative operating structure, where strategy and execution are closely linked across global and regional teams.expertise into social impact through volun- teer-driven initiatives.During the briefing, global leaders reiter- ated that the Foundation’s unique strength Global Leadership Joins India Briefing VirtuallyGlobal Mission Rooted in Technology for Good(IFCCI). The honor highlights the Foundation’s sustained efforts in empowering underserved communities through technology-enabled learning and reinforces India’s role as a flagship geography within the global ST Foundation network.www.semiconductorforu.com | 61EVENT SPOTLIGHTPietro Palella – President, ST Founda- tionRenato Sirtori – Board Member and Asia RepresentativeGiovanna Bottani – Director of Oper- ationsBarbara Lisei – Communications Lead
Concluding her presentation, Chhavi Bajpai outlined the roadmap for ST Foundation India’s next phase. Key priorities include expanding geographic reach, strengthen- ing partnerships, and enhancing curriculum depth to align with future technology trends.She emphasized that the Foundation’s goal in India is not only digital literacy but digi- tal empowerment—enabling individuals to use technology creatively, confidently, and productively. By equipping youth with STEM skills and problem-solving capabilities, pro- grams aim to support employability and innovation.ST Foundation reiterated that sustained impact requires long-term engagement with communities, educators, and institutions. With strong support from global leadership and alignment with international best practices, ST Foundation India is positioned to scale its initiatives significantly in the coming years.Future Outlook: Scaling Impact Across India62 | www.semiconductorforu.comEVENT SPOTLIGHTlies in connecting corporate knowledge with community needs. Volunteers from the semi- conductor industry contribute not only tech- nical skills but also mentorship and career inspiration, helping students envision path- ways into technology fields.This model has enabled the Foundation to deliver programs across multiple countries while maintaining consistency in quality and objectives.The media briefing ultimately underscored that un- der leadership of Pietro Palella, Renato Sirtori and Giovanna Bottani the ST Foundation in India is ad- vancing a comprehensive vision of inclusive digital education, empowering underserved communities and expanding equitable access to STEM opportuni- ties across the country.
64 | www.semiconductorforu.comINDUSTRY BULLETININDUSTRYBULLETINTI to Acquire Silicon Labs in $7.5B DealTexas Instruments has agreed to acquire Silicon Labs in an all-cash transaction valued at $7.5 billion, paying $231 per share. The deal strengthens TI’s position in embedded wireless connectivity and IoT semiconductors, combining Silicon Labs’ wireless portfolio with TI’s analog and embedded processing technologies. The acquisition is expected to enhance product scale, expand customer reach, and leverage TI’s in-house manufacturing capabilities. Subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, the transaction is projected to close in the first half of 2027.₹3,700-Crore HCL–Foxconn Unit Boosts India’s Chip AmbitionsIndia’s semiconductor push gained momentum with the foundation of a ₹3,700-crore chip assembly and test facility in Uttar Pradesh by a joint venture between HCL Group and Taiwan’s Foxconn. Located near the Yamuna Expressway and Noida International Airport, the OSAT plant will package and test chips, including display driver ICs used in electronics. With a planned capacity of 20,000 wafers per month, the unit is expected to create over 3,500 jobs and strengthen India’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
ELCIA Names New Leadership to Drive Electronics GrowthThe Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA) has appointed V. Sriram Kumar as CEO and Sujaya Shashikiran as President to strengthen India’s electronics and semiconductor ecosystem. Kumar will lead strategic initiatives, foster industry collaboration, and build institutional capabilities aligned with national semiconductor priorities. The association is also advancing initiatives such as the Electronics Centre of Excellence (e-COE) for sensor innovation, along with the Electronics Skill Development Centre (ESDC) and ELCIA Tech Hub to support talent development, startups, and industry collaboration.www.semiconductorforu.com | 65INDUSTRY BULLETINQualcomm, Tata Electronics Partner for Automotive Modules Qualcomm Technologies and Tata Electronics have announced a partnership to manufacture Qualcomm Automotive Modules in India, supporting the government’s Make in India initiative and strengthening semiconductor supply chain resilience. Production will take place at Tata Electronics’ upcoming OSAT facility in Jagiroad, Assam, focusing on technologies such as wire bond, flip chip, and integrated systems packaging. The collaboration will help deliver scalable platforms for digital cockpits, connectivity, and intelligent vehicle systems, supporting both Indian and global automakers.GlobalFoundries, Renesas Expand Chip Manufacturing PartnershipGlobalFoundries and Renesas Electronics have expanded their strategic collaboration through a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing agreement aimed at strengthening U.S. semiconductor production and supply chain resilience. The partnership gives Renesas broader access to GlobalFoundries’ process technologies, including FD-SOI, BCD, and feature-rich CMOS platforms, supporting SoCs, power devices, and microcontrollers. Initial tape-outs are expected to begin in mid2026, targeting growing demand from automotive, industrial, and AI-driven applications while reinforcing localized semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
66 | www.semiconductorforu.comINDUSTRY BULLETINMinebeaMitsumi to Build IGBT Manufacturing Hub in Tamil NaduJapan’s MinebeaMitsumi has signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a ₹1,980-crore precision manufacturing and IGBT module facility in Tiruvallur district. The project will focus on producing insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules and high-precision components used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial automation. Expected to generate around 1,400 skilled jobs, the facility will include both manufacturing and R&D functions, strengthening India’s power electronics ecosystem and supporting the country’s expanding semiconductor and electrification supply chains.Element14 Appoints CY Chan as VP, Sales & Service APACElement14 has appointed CY Chan as Vice President of Sales and Service for the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening its leadership team to drive regional growth. In his new role, Chan will lead the company’s sales and service strategy across APAC, focusing on enhancing customer engagement, operational excellence, and sustainable business expansion. The appointment aligns with element14’s efforts to strengthen its distribution network and support engineers and businesses with advanced electronic components and solutions across the region.India Plans AI Data City in VisakhapatnamIndia has unveiled plans to develop a large AI-focused Data City in Visakhapatnam, aiming to position the coastal hub as a major centre for artificial intelligence infrastructure and digital innovation. The project will create an integrated ecosystem including hyperscale data centres, AI research clusters, semiconductor supply chains, and digital services parks. Backed by incentives such as subsidised land and fast-track approvals, the initiative seeks to attract global tech investors and strengthen India’s capabilities in AI computing and next-generation digital infrastructure.
www.semiconductorforu.com | 67INDUSTRY BULLETINC2i Semiconductors Raises $15M for AI Data Center Power TechBengaluru-based startup C2i Semiconductors has raised $15 million in Series A funding, led by Peak XV Partners with participation from Yali Deeptech and TDK Ventures. The company is developing advanced “grid-to-GPU” power-delivery solutions to improve efficiency in AI data centers and high-performance computing systems. Founded in 2024, C2i focuses on reducing energy losses and optimizing power conversion across large computing infrastructures. The funding will support product development, validation with data-center operators, and commercialization of next-generation power platforms.DigiKey Adds 108K New Parts, 364 Suppliers in 2025DigiKey expanded its electronic components portfolio in 2025 by adding more than 108,000 new in-stock parts and onboarding 364 new suppliers. The move strengthens its product availability for same-day shipment and supports engineers, designers, and procurement teams worldwide. Overall, the distributor added over 1.6 million new products to its system during the year. The fourth quarter alone contributed 25,653 stocking parts and 89 suppliers, reflecting DigiKey’s continued focus on broad product choice and faster component sourcing.
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