What is Semiconductor: In today’s era, from smartphone to car, TV, missile, satellite and artificial intelligence, only one thing is working behind almost every modern technology and that is semiconductor. Without semiconductors neither the Internet nor the dream of Digital India is possible. In such a situation, it becomes very important to know what semiconductors are, why India is laying so much emphasis on their production and why it is important for the country’s economy and security.
What are semiconductors?
Semiconductors are substances whose electrical conductivity is neither completely conductor nor completely insulator. In simple language, they can stop and pass electricity as per the need. Due to this specialty, they are used in making electronic chips.
Silicon is the most commonly used semiconductor material. From this, microchips, processors, memory chips and sensors are made which are considered the backbone of today’s digital world.
Why are semiconductors called the heart of technology?
How fast your smartphone will work, how powerful your laptop will be or how smart the safety system in your car will be, all these are directly related to semiconductors. The smallest chips contain millions of transistors that take decisions in fractions of seconds.
The development of 5G networks, AI, cloud computing, electric vehicles and defense technology is not possible without semiconductors. That is why it is called the “heart” of modern technology.
Why did India need semiconductors?
Till now India has been largely dependent on other countries in the matter of semiconductors. Most of the chips are imported from Taiwan, China, South Korea and America. When the supply chain was disrupted during the Corona period, the whole world saw the impact of the chip crisis.
In India too, mobile, car and electronics industries suffered huge losses. It is from here that the government understood that if the country has to become self-reliant, then it will have to come forward in semiconductor production itself.
Make in India and Semiconductor Mission
The Government of India started India Semiconductor Mission to promote semiconductor manufacturing. Under this, emphasis is being laid on setting up fab units, chip design and packaging units in the country.
The government is giving huge subsidies, tax exemptions and infrastructure support to the companies so that global companies invest in India. Its objective is not only to reduce imports but also to make India a global semiconductor hub.
Where are semiconductor plants being built in India?
In the last few years, many big projects have been announced in India. Work has started on semiconductor fab and assembly units in states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Assam. Domestic and foreign companies are jointly laying the foundation of chip manufacturing here. This will not only increase technical self-reliance, but will also create new employment opportunities for lakhs of youth.
Why is semiconductor production so difficult?
Making semiconductors is not as easy as making goods in a factory. For this, state-of-the-art machines, clean rooms, pure water and very precise technology are required. A small mistake can make the entire chip useless.
Apart from this, it requires huge investment and long time patience. This is the reason why only a few countries of the world are ahead in this field. India is now slowly accepting this challenge.
Why is semiconductor strategically important for India?
Semiconductor is not only an economic issue but also a national security issue. Defense equipment, missile systems, cyber security and space technology all are based on chips. If the supply stops during any crisis, the country’s security may be affected. Domestic production will not only make India safe but will also become technologically self-reliant.
New opportunities for youth and startups
The growth of semiconductor sector will give a huge boost to research, design and innovation in India. This is a new golden opportunity for engineering students, chip designers and startups. Startups working in areas like AI, IoT and robotics will no longer have to depend on foreign countries, which will further accelerate the pace of innovation.
What will change in the coming times?
Semiconductors can become an important part of India’s economy in the coming 10 years. There will be a big jump in electronics manufacturing, export and technology jobs. If the plans are implemented properly, India will not only meet its needs but can also be in a position to export chips to other countries.
India’s future chip
Semiconductor is not just a technical term, but the foundation of India’s future. The dream of becoming Digital India, Self-reliant India and a developed nation passes through these chips. India has taken steps in this direction at the right time. If government, industry and youth work together, then in the coming times Made in India semiconductors can make their mark in the whole world.
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