Announcement
SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association, and the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) announced their intention to collaborate on the creation of the India Semiconductor Academy (ISA). The Academy is envisioned as a national, industry‑led platform to deliver education, skills development, and employment pathways for the semiconductor sector in India.
Objectives and Scope
The Academy will address India’s expanding investment across semiconductor design, fabrication, advanced packaging, testing, equipment, and materials by converting the country’s broad engineering talent base into practical, industry‑ready capability. Its core deliverables include an annually refreshed national forecast of semiconductor skills demand by role, capability and location; industry‑validated occupational standards and stackable credentials for priority jobs across design, fabrication, assembly, testing, marking, packaging and equipment operations; shared laboratory, tool and simulation access; apprenticeships, on‑the‑job training and employment‑linked pathways; and annual reporting on proficiency, placement, retention and employer satisfaction.
Partner Contributions
The initiative will draw on SEMI’s global experience convening semiconductor employers and building workforce initiatives. It will partner with a range of industry participants and academic institutions, including Cadence, CG Semi, Dixon Technologies, Micron Technology, Synopsys, 3D Glass Solutions, the University of California San Diego and IIT Kanpur. Government representation includes Union Minister for Electronics & IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, while IDTA Chair Arun Kumar (also Managing Partner at Celesta Capital) and SEMI Vice President Shari Liss will lead the collaboration.
Implementation Plan
During the planning phase, SEMI and IDTA will engage industry, universities, technical institutions, training centres and laboratories to define the Academy’s governance, operating model, curriculum priorities, funding framework and phased implementation. The plan will set out institutional design and commitments required for establishment, encompassing public support, industry contributions in cash and in kind, access to facilities and expertise, and sustainable program revenues over time.
Strategic Alignment
The Academy is intended to serve the full semiconductor talent pyramid—from fab‑ready technicians and operators to manufacturing, packaging and design engineers, advanced researchers, materials scientists and system architects—emphasising hands‑on capability in process and equipment operations, maintenance, packaging, testing, quality and safety, alongside India’s established strength in semiconductor design. The effort complements the Pax Silica initiative, which seeks greater resilience, security and innovation across semiconductor and AI supply chains among India, the United States and other trusted partners. By expanding the skilled workforce, the Academy aims to strengthen both India’s domestic ecosystem and its trusted international technology partnerships.
Quotations
S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted that the Academy will align education and skilling with industry requirements, creating pathways from learning to productive employment. Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI, expressed that the Academy will connect educators, employers and learners through industry‑defined competencies and hands‑on training. Arun Kumar emphasized that talent is the longest lead‑time input in semiconductor development and that the Academy will translate India’s technical potential into fab‑ready capability. Representatives from partner companies—including Micron, UC San Diego, Cadence, CG Semi, Dixon Technologies, Synopsys, 3D Glass Solutions, and IIT Kanpur—affirmed their support for building a robust talent pipeline.