Here's a condensed version of the article focusing on the key points:
India's Semiconductor Push: Progress & Challenges
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History: India's 50-year semiconductor ambitions stagnated, leaving its supply chain behind. A major 2021 JV (Vedanta-Foxconn) failed.
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Revival: The government launched a $10 billion "Semiconductor Mission" in 2021 to attract global partners.
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Major Announcement (Aug 15, 2025): PM Modi announced India's first indigenous chip will launch by late 2025.
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Strategy: "Mission mode" approach: 6 chip projects under construction, 4 approved across states like Gujarat.
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First Chip:
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Developer: India Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ISMC) with partners Tower Semiconductor (Israel) & Powerchip (Taiwan).
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Tech: 28nm mature process.
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Production: Mysuru plant (Karnataka), targeting 50,000 wafers/month.
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Applications: Consumer electronics, automotive, defense.
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Packaging/Testing: Tata Electronics (via partial factory ownership).
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Market: 28nm meets needs for IoT/power management; local automakers/electronics likely first clients.
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Approach: "Local R&D + Global Collaboration".
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Other Key Projects:
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Micron: $2.75B packaging plant (Gujarat).
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IGSS Ventures (Singapore): $3B 12-inch fab planned (Tamil Nadu).
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Support: "Design Linked Incentive" scheme; over 200 active Indian design firms.
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Challenges:
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Technical barriers (reliance on partners, weak local R&D for advanced nodes).
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Infrastructure gaps (power, water, skilled labor).
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Funding pressures (Govt covers 50% incentives; corporate commitment unproven).
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Future Plans: Additional $15B over 5 years; target 5% global market share by 2030.
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Broader Goal: Modi urged youth to develop local software/social platforms to reduce foreign reliance.
ICgoodFind: India's first homegrown chip marks progress, but significant hurdles remain for industry growth.
