Government of India to invest ₹4,500 crore for modernization of SCL Mohali; Assures that it will not be privatised

**Executive Summary** The Government of India will invest ₹4,500 crore for the modernization of the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) Mohali, ensuring it remains a government entity and is not privatized. During a recent visit, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw oversaw the handover of 28 student-designed chips, part of the "Chips to Start-up" (C2S) program. The modernization aims to significantly increase production capacity and support the growth of the semiconductor industry in India. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Investment and Modernization:** * The Government of India will invest ₹4,500 crore to upgrade and expand SCL Mohali. * Modernization aims to increase production capacity to 100 times current levels. * The SCL will not be privatized. * The Government of India has requested the Punjab Government to allot 25 acres of land to support the modernization program of SCL. * **"Chips to Start-up" (C2S) Program:** * 28 student-designed chips fabricated at SCL were handed over, with a total of 56 chips designed by students fabricated under the C2S program to date. * Students from nearly 300 universities in India are using world-class Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools provided through government support to design semiconductor chips. * **Facility Enhancements:** * The Semiconductor Process Gallery and Abhyuthanam Training Block were inaugurated. * The Semiconductor Process Gallery showcases a clean room lab equipped with earlier-generation fabrication tools. * The Abhyuthanam Training Block includes online and offline semiconductor training modules & hands-on fire and safety training. * **Strategic Focus:** * SCL will continue to support students, researchers, and start-ups by providing fabrication facilities to turn their chip designs into real silicon. * The Government of India aims to build an ecosystem for indigenous chip development. * A consortium featuring CDAC, DRDO, and other organizations will work together on design, product development, and manufacturing of Swadeshi chips. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: SCL Mohali** * **Impact:** SCL Mohali will be modernized with significant investment, increasing its production capacity. It will continue to serve as a hub for talent development, innovation, and support for start-ups in the semiconductor sector. * **Action Required:** Utilize the investment to upgrade facilities, processes, and infrastructure to meet the modernization objectives and capacity targets. **Stakeholder: Students and Researchers** * **Impact:** Access to enhanced fabrication facilities and support, enabling the transformation of chip designs into real silicon. * **Action Required:** Leverage the available resources and support to further develop semiconductor design skills and contribute to indigenous chip development. **Stakeholder: Government of India** * **Impact:** The government's vision of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in strategic sectors will be further advanced through the development of an indigenous chip ecosystem. * **Action Required:** Continue supporting the development and manufacturing of Swadeshi chips through strategic partnerships and investments. **Stakeholder: CDAC, DRDO, and Other Organizations** * **Impact:** Collaboration in a consortium to work on design, product development, and manufacturing of Swadeshi chips. * **Action Required:** Contribute expertise and resources to develop and manufacture indigenous chips, in line with the government's Atmanirbharta goals. **Stakeholder: Punjab Government** * **Impact:** Requested to allot 25 acres of land to support the further modernisation program of SCL. * **Action Required:** Consider the Government of India's request.

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