In an exclusive conversation with APAC News Network and CXO News, Pankaj Panjwani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of KeenSemi offers a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of the growing semiconductor industry in India. From government incentives and skilling initiatives to the integration of AI and IoT in semiconductor processes, Panjwani sheds light on the strategies required to propel India to a leading position on the global semiconductor map.
How do you see India’s semiconductor sector evolving over the next few years, and what specific factors are driving this rapid growth?
India’s semiconductor industry is poised for a remarkable transformation, fueled by strategic government initiatives, technological advancements, and a rising demand for electronic devices. At the heart of this revolution is a vision to make India a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. With the sector expected to create over a million jobs by 2026 and attract significant investments, it has become a focal point of economic growth and technological self-reliance.
The sector is poised for a paradigm shift, transitioning from a design and R&D powerhouse to a manufacturing hub over the next few years. The government’s aggressive push through initiatives like the ₹76,000 crore PLI scheme for semiconductor and display fabs is a game-changer, positioning India to attract global chipmakers.
Beyond incentives, factors such as the growing demand for electronics, 5G rollouts, and the adoption of emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and electric vehicles are creating a robust environment for growth. Furthermore, global supply chain disruptions have made India a viable alternative to diversify semiconductor manufacturing, while its vast engineering talent pool continues to drive advancements in chip design.
I foresee an era of exponential growth, with India not just contributing to global supply chains but also emerging as a hub of innovation and self-reliance in semiconductor technology.
The sector is expected to create over 1 million jobs by 2026. What types of roles or job functions will be in the highest demand, and why?
The semiconductor industry requires a diverse skill set across its value chain. On the design side, roles such as ASIC design engineers, verification engineers, and embedded software developers will remain critical, given India’s strength in VLSI design. As manufacturing capabilities scale, the demand for process engineers, equipment maintenance specialists, and fabrication experts will rise, especially in areas like wafer fabrication and assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP).
In addition, newer roles will emerge in domains like AI hardware, RF and analog design, and photonics. With advancements in sub-10nm technologies and chip miniaturization, specialized skills in thermal engineering, materials science, and nanotechnology will also become crucial. This demand is fueled by the sector’s need to innovate rapidly and address the complexities of next-generation devices.
What are the most critical skills that workers need to acquire or upgrade to meet the demands of the semiconductor industry?
The semiconductor industry is highly dynamic, requiring workers to stay at the forefront of technology. Critical skills include proficiency in ASIC and FPGA design, RTL coding, and tools like Cadence, Synopsys, and Mentor Graphics. Understanding Design for Testability (DFT) and low-power design methodologies is also essential as chips become more compact and energy-efficient.
For those in manufacturing, expertise in process control, yield optimization, and equipment calibration is vital. Workers should also focus on soft skills like critical thinking and teamwork, as the industry heavily relies on collaboration across disciplines.
Given the integration of AI and IoT in semiconductor applications, knowledge of machine learning, Python programming, and data analytics will significantly enhance employability.
What are the key skills that are currently in short supply, and how does this impact the sector’s growth?
One of the pressing challenges in India’s semiconductor sector is the scarcity of specialists in advanced node technologies, especially in areas below 7nm. There is also a notable gap in RF and analog-mixed signal design, which are critical for 5G and IoT applications. Similarly, expertise in areas like silicon photonics, quantum computing, and advanced packaging technologies remains limited.
This skill shortage affects the sector in multiple ways. It slows down project timelines, limits the ability to innovate, and increases dependence on global talent, which can escalate costs. Bridging this gap is essential not only to sustain growth but also to establish India as a credible player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
To reach the target of 1 million skilled employees by 2026, India will need to upskill 500,000 people annually. What specific programs or initiatives are in place to achieve this goal?
Several initiatives are underway to address this ambitious target. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is working closely with academic institutions and industry players to establish training and skilling programs. Collaborative efforts, such as partnerships between leading semiconductor companies and universities, are introducing specialized courses in VLSI design, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing processes.
Moreover, organizations like the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) are providing certifications tailored to industry needs. Companies, including KeenSemi, are also stepping in with their in-house skilling programs, internships, and mentorship initiatives. By aligning these programs with global standards, India is building a future-ready workforce to sustain the sector’s rapid growth.
What specific steps can the Indian government take to support the skilling and reskilling efforts needed for the semiconductor sector?
The Indian government can play a crucial role in fostering a robust ecosystem for skilling in semiconductor technology. One approach is to establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in major cities, dedicated to providing practical training in areas such as chip fabrication and advanced packaging.
Additionally, incentivizing public-private partnerships can enable companies and universities to collaborate on developing industry-aligned curricula. Offering tax benefits to firms investing in employee upskilling and providing R&D grants to institutions can further drive progress in this field.
Encouraging global semiconductor giants to set up training academies in India would not only enhance skill development but also strengthen confidence in the nation’s talent pool.
How does KeenSemi ensure continuous upskilling of its employees?
At KeenSemi, we believe in nurturing talent as a cornerstone of innovation. Our continuous upskilling strategy includes partnerships with global technology leaders to provide access to cutting-edge tools and techniques. Employees regularly participate in certification programs, hands-on workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions led by industry veterans.
Our in-house training modules focus on emerging areas like AI-driven chip design, advanced verification methods, and power optimization techniques. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and providing opportunities to work on state-of-the-art projects, we ensure that our team stays ahead of the curve.
How important are emerging technologies like AI and machine learning in the semiconductor industry, and what skillsets are needed to integrate these into semiconductor processes?
AI and machine learning are becoming integral to the semiconductor industry. They optimize design workflows, enhance yield in manufacturing, and enable predictive maintenance of equipment. In chip design, AI helps accelerate simulations and verification processes, reducing time-to-market.
To integrate these technologies, professionals need skills in machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn, combined with a deep understanding of hardware architecture and semiconductor physics. The ability to analyze large datasets and develop predictive algorithms is equally critical. These skill sets will define the future of smart, adaptive chip solutions.
How does KeenSemi leverage AI and other innovative technologies in its processes?
KeenSemi is committed to integrating AI across our operations to enhance efficiency and innovation. From using machine learning algorithms to optimize chip layouts to employing predictive analytics for identifying potential manufacturing defects, AI plays a crucial role in our processes.
Our R&D team is actively exploring AI-driven methodologies for low-power design and thermal management, addressing the growing demand for energy-efficient chips. By combining AI with our expertise in VLSI design, we deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet our clients’ evolving needs.
With a projected 25% increase in investments in skilling and reskilling over the next 2-3 years, how do you foresee this affecting the semiconductor talent pipeline?
The surge in investment comes as a timely boost for the semiconductor sector, paving the way for an expanded talent pipeline by offering greater access to technical training and industry-grade tools. This initiative will, over time, produce a larger pool of industry-ready professionals, thereby reducing reliance on imported talent.
Furthermore, these investments will drive the development of specialized expertise in advanced fields such as photonics, quantum computing, and sub-5nm technologies, ensuring India’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor landscape.
Beyond job creation, what other economic benefits do you expect from having a highly skilled semiconductor workforce?
A highly skilled semiconductor workforce can unlock numerous economic benefits. It attracts foreign direct investments (FDIs) from global semiconductor players, boosts exports, and strengthens India’s position in global value chains. The rise of local manufacturing will also spur the growth of ancillary industries, from materials suppliers to advanced tooling companies.
As innovation accelerates, India can become a hub for intellectual property (IP) development, further enhancing its economic footprint. The cumulative effect of these developments will be an innovation-driven economy with greater resilience and global influence.
What specific areas of skilling should receive priority attention to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry?
To meet the industry’s changing needs, skilling initiatives should emphasize advanced node technologies, low-power design, and 3D system-on-chip (SoC) integration. Equally important is building expertise in RF design, photonics, and chip design security, which are crucial for IoT and 5G applications.
Additionally, developing proficiency in materials science, thermal management, and AI-driven optimization will be essential to address future challenges. Aligning skilling efforts with these emerging technological trends will ensure sustained growth and strengthen global competitiveness.
Anannya Saraswat, APAC News Network
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