In a significant step towards building India’s semiconductor ecosystem, the Gujarat Government has announced the establishment of the Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Research and Training Hub (SAMARTH) at IIT Gandhinagar with a total investment of ₹190 crore.
The ambitious initiative is designed to create a world-class research, innovation, and skill development centre that will support India’s rapidly expanding semiconductor industry. The project is jointly funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Gujarat Government’s Department of Science and Technology, and IIT Gandhinagar. The facility is expected to become operational after the ongoing procurement of advanced equipment and infrastructure is completed.
The initiative represents another major milestone in Gujarat’s efforts to become India’s semiconductor manufacturing capital while supporting the country’s long-term goal of technological self-reliance.
Key Highlights
- Gujarat will establish the SAMARTH (Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Research and Training Hub) at IIT Gandhinagar.
- The project involves an investment of ₹190 crore.
- The centre is jointly funded by MeitY, the Gujarat Government, and IIT Gandhinagar.
- More than 10,000 students, researchers, faculty members, technicians, and professionals are expected to be trained over the next five years.
- The hub will house advanced laboratories for semiconductor fabrication, CMOS technology, nano-fabrication, IC design, device modelling, and chip testing.
- Engineering colleges across Gujarat will collaborate with IIT Gandhinagar through MoUs to expand access to semiconductor training.
Why Semiconductors Matter More Than Ever
Semiconductors are the foundation of nearly every modern electronic device. They power:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Electric vehicles
- Medical equipment
- Telecommunications
- Artificial Intelligence systems
- Defence technologies
- Consumer electronics
- Industrial automation
- Space and satellite applications
As global demand for advanced chips continues to rise, countries around the world are investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing and research to strengthen technological independence and secure supply chains.
India is now positioning itself as a major player in this rapidly growing industry.
What Is SAMARTH?
SAMARTH, short for Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Research and Training Hub, is envisioned as a comprehensive centre that integrates research, education, innovation, and industry collaboration.
Unlike conventional academic laboratories, the hub will focus on producing “fab-ready” engineers—professionals equipped with the practical skills required to work in semiconductor fabrication plants and advanced electronics manufacturing facilities.
Advanced Facilities Planned at the Centre
The new hub will feature cutting-edge laboratories and specialised infrastructure, including:
Nano-Fabrication Laboratory
Supporting semiconductor manufacturing research and advanced fabrication techniques.
CMOS Process Training
Providing hands-on experience in Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology, the backbone of modern integrated circuits.
Semiconductor Process and Device Design
Helping students understand semiconductor manufacturing workflows and device engineering.
Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and Prototyping
Training future chip designers through practical exposure to design tools and prototype development.
Device Modelling and Characterisation
Advanced facilities for testing, quality assessment, inspection, and performance evaluation of semiconductor devices.
These facilities are expected to bridge the gap between classroom education and industrial requirements.
Training More Than 10,000 Professionals
One of SAMARTH’s primary objectives is workforce development.
Over the next five years, the centre plans to train more than 10,000 participants, including:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- PhD scholars
- Polytechnic and vocational trainees
- Engineering faculty members
- Semiconductor industry professionals
- Certificate programme participants
- School and college students through summer schools and outreach programmes
This large-scale training initiative aims to create a sustainable talent pipeline for India’s expanding semiconductor sector.
Industry Collaboration at the Core
The hub is expected to collaborate with:
- National research institutions
- International universities
- Semiconductor companies
- Engineering colleges across Gujarat
- Government agencies
IIT Gandhinagar is also preparing to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with engineering institutions across the state, allowing students to access specialised semiconductor training programmes at affordable fees.
Gujarat Emerges as India’s Semiconductor Hub
The establishment of SAMARTH complements Gujarat’s rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem.
The state has already attracted several major semiconductor investments, including:
- Chip assembly and packaging facilities
- Semiconductor fabrication projects
- Electronics manufacturing investments
- Design and testing centres
- Semiconductor supply-chain infrastructure
Combined with supportive policies, infrastructure, and industrial investment, Gujarat is steadily positioning itself as India’s leading destination for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
Supporting the India Semiconductor Mission
The project aligns closely with the Government of India’s broader semiconductor strategy, which focuses on building an end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem encompassing:
- Chip design
- Wafer fabrication
- Assembly and testing
- Advanced packaging
- Research and development
- Equipment manufacturing
- Skilled workforce development
Rather than importing expertise, India aims to develop indigenous capabilities across the entire semiconductor value chain.
Benefits for Students and Researchers
The new centre will create significant opportunities for aspiring engineers and researchers.
Students will gain:
- Practical industry-oriented training
- Exposure to advanced semiconductor technologies
- Research opportunities
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Internship and collaboration prospects
- Access to specialised certification programmes
Faculty members will also benefit from advanced research infrastructure and professional upskilling programmes.
A New Chapter for India’s Technology Ecosystem
The creation of SAMARTH reflects India’s transition from being primarily a semiconductor consumer to becoming an innovation-driven participant in global chip manufacturing.
By integrating research, advanced training, and industry collaboration under one roof, IIT Gandhinagar is expected to become an important centre for semiconductor excellence.
Beyond supporting Gujarat’s industrial ambitions, the initiative contributes to India’s larger vision of becoming a trusted global destination for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development.
