Prime Minister Inaugurates 'Semicon India - 2025' to Boost Semiconductor Ecosystem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Semicon India - 2025' today, September 2nd, at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment for India's ambition to become a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The three-day conference, running until September 4th, aims to catalyze a robust, resilient, and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem in the country. The event is set to feature sessions on the progress of the Semicon India Programme, semiconductor fabrication (fab) and advanced packaging projects, infrastructure readiness, smart manufacturing, innovations in R&D, artificial intelligence, and investment opportunities.
PM Modi emphasized India's remarkable strides in the semiconductor field, stating that the nation's first locally-made semiconductor chip is expected to be ready for the market by the end of 2025. This initiative is part of the larger ₹76,000 crore Semicon India Programme, which includes the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme aimed at encouraging startups to design chips domestically. The conference brings together over 20,750 attendees, including more than 2,500 delegates from over 48 countries, reinforcing India's growing potential in the global semiconductor value chain.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) to Gain National Importance Status
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram is set to receive the prestigious status of an "Institution of National Importance." This recognition is expected to significantly enhance IIST's academic stature and provide greater opportunities for collaboration and innovation in space science and technology. Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor announced the development, highlighting the Centre's positive response to his request.
Established in 2007, IIST has been instrumental in training skilled professionals for India's space sector, with a curriculum designed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The institute is actively involved in cutting-edge research related to human spaceflight, particularly as India prepares for its ambitious Gaganyaan mission. This move aligns with India's broader strategy to advance its space program by investing in specialized education and research, ensuring a steady pipeline of scientists and engineers.
India Emerges as a Leader in Medical Technology Manufacturing
India is rapidly establishing itself as a global hub for medical technology, driven by innovation, robust policy support, and increasing domestic demand. According to Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, India has made significant progress in manufacturing advanced medical equipment since the COVID-19 pandemic. The country now indigenously produces MRI and CT scan machines, mammography units, ventilators, stents, heart valves, dialysis machines, and various implants—products that were previously considered impossible to manufacture locally.
This growth is further supported by several government initiatives, including the establishment of three new medical device parks, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Medical Devices, and the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech (PRIP) Scheme. These measures aim to boost cost competitiveness, deepen domestic value chains, and accelerate R&D-driven innovation, positioning India not just as a market but as a leader in medical technology.
Indigenous Water-Soluble Fertilizer Technology Developed
India has achieved a significant breakthrough in fertilizer technology by developing its first indigenous water-soluble fertilizer. This innovation, the result of seven years of research, aims to transform India from an import-dependent nation to an export-oriented player in specialty fertilizers, particularly reducing reliance on imports from China, which currently account for nearly 80 percent of India's specialty fertilizer needs. The new technology offers a single process to manufacture almost all soluble fertilizers, unlike conventional methods that require separate technologies for each product.
Backed by the Ministry of Mines and designed using Indian raw materials, this "Make in India" milestone is also eco-friendly, being a zero-effluent and emission-free project. Commercial production is anticipated to reach farmers' fields within two years, with ongoing joint venture discussions with major fertilizer firms.
India and Switzerland Reaffirm Commitment to Research and Innovation
India and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to boosting research and innovation collaborations. During a meeting co-chaired by Martina Hirayama, Switzerland's State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, and Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of India's Department of Science and Technology, both sides reviewed ongoing collaborations under their 2003 bilateral agreement on science and technology. The discussions focused on optimizing existing support instruments and introducing new approaches to strengthen ties in research and innovation.