Union IT Minister inaugurates end-to-end semiconductor pilot line in Gujarat

Srinagar, Aug 28: Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, on Thursday inaugurated one of India’s first end-to-end Semiconductor OSAT Pilot Line Facility of CG Power at Sanand, Gujarat. The ceremony marks a historic beginning in India’s semiconductor journey under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the inauguration of the pilot line represents a decisive step in fulfilling Bharat’s dream of developing semiconductor design, manufacturing, and downstream capabilities, with Gujarat emerging as a pivotal hub in this transformation. Vaishnaw underlined the critical role of the OSAT Pilot Line, noting that chips manufactured here will be used for customer qualification. “Once these chips are approved, it becomes much easier for commercial plants to commence full-scale production of qualified products,” he said. “This inauguration is among the most significant milestones achieved under the India Semiconductor Mission, which has approved ten projects so far.”Highlighting the importance of developing a strong talent base, the minister said that one of the major objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission is to create a global pipeline of skilled professionals. “By 2032, the world is projected to face a shortage of one million semiconductor professionals, and India has the opportunity to bridge a significant part of this gap,” he said. “To this end, the government has partnered with 270 universities and equipped them with state-of-the-art semiconductor design tools. In 2025 alone, these tools recorded over 1.2 crore usages.” As a direct outcome, 20 chips designed by 17 institutions have already been successfully fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali.The minister said that very few countries in the world provide students with access to such advanced tools. “This initiative will empower India’s youth, strengthen the technical ecosystem, and position the nation as a global hub of semiconductor talent,” he said. He also acknowledged the strong support of the Government of Gujarat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in developing the semiconductor ecosystem in Gujarat.CM Patel lauded the initiative, highlighting its role in positioning the country as a leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing. The State Industries Minister, Balwant Singh Rajput. MLA Kanhubhai Patel, and senior officials of MeitY and the leadership of CG Semi were also present on the occasion.