Semiconductor Revolution Unleashed in Kerala: Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Inaugurates FutureDesign Roadshow

 

Thiruvananthapuram:  Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar marked a groundbreaking moment by facilitating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IBM and C-DAC at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) today. This collaboration aims to propel India’s Processor Design and manufacturing capabilities for High-Performance Computing, signifying a significant leap in the country’s technological advancement.

Speaking at the 4th Semicon India FutureDesign Roadshow, Minister Chandrasekhar emphasized the transformative era where semiconductor engineers are considered superheroes, underscoring the strides made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event, attended by students, researchers, industry leaders, and members from ISRO, witnessed the Minister announcing the establishment of a regional center for the upcoming Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre (BSRC) at IIST, Thiruvananthapuram. This move is expected to invigorate the city’s startup and tech ecosystem.

In a bid to boost Kerala’s electronics, IT sector, and startup ecosystem, the Minister inaugurated new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centers in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. These state-of-the-art facilities are poised to play a pivotal role in fortifying the IT infrastructure of Kerala, offering emerging tech startups the resources to innovate, grow, and compete globally.

Following the inauguration, Minister Chandrasekhar engaged with startups at the Incubation Centre and participated in a discussion themed “Catalyzing Tech Startups in Kerala.”

Expressing optimism about Thiruvananthapuram’s potential, the Minister addressed the city’s aspirations to become the largest technology hub in South India. He underscored the importance of the newly inaugurated STPI centers in propelling the state towards technological prominence.

During the FutureDesign Roadshow, Minister Chandrasekhar provided a comprehensive overview of India’s semiconductor ecosystem, highlighting significant progress over the past 2.5 years. He urged young Indians and startups to join the journey of progress, emphasizing the unprecedented opportunities in the sector.

The Minister unveiled the FutureDESIGN program, designed to empower startups and foster an indigenous innovation ecosystem in semiconductor technology. He urged students to capitalize on the opportunities, stating, “You are the luckiest generation of students in Independent India.”

Minister Chandrasekhar outlined the government’s commitment to creating a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem, with substantial funding allocated to support startups. He emphasized a strategy that includes collaboration with global majors and the development of indigenous semiconductor families, such as RISC V and IBM’s Power.

Senior industry members and ISRO officials present at the event lauded the government’s efforts in building an innovation ecosystem, foreseeing a bright future for India in the semiconductor sector. The event concluded with Shri Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, South Asia, NVIDIA, expressing the potential for India to become the global hub of intelligence.

As India charts a course towards semiconductor self-sufficiency, the FutureDesign Roadshow marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards technological leadership.