In a recent podcast interview, Jaya Jagadish, Country Head of AMD India and a member of the Semicon Talent Building Committee, shared her thoughts on India’s growing aspirations in the semiconductor industry and the crucial role of nurturing talent in this burgeoning sector.
As India aims to cement its position as a global semiconductor hub, the country has been actively luring multinational companies with enticing incentives and investment opportunities. Jagadish underscores the pivotal role of talent development, highlighting India’s unique strength in producing over half a million engineering graduates annually. She also commends the government’s supportive measures, including incentives for startups and industries, which are collectively turning India into a prime destination for semiconductor firms.
One of the critical topics addressed during the conversation is the imperative need to cultivate skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry and bridge the existing skill gap. While India consistently churns out a vast number of graduates, not all are job-ready. To address this issue, various initiatives such as curriculum enhancements and reskilling programs have been set in motion.
Jagadish accentuates India’s substantial progress in the design sector, with several major semiconductor players establishing design centers within the country’s borders. However, the manufacturing aspect remains in its nascent stages, necessitating investments and specialized training for technicians and operators.
The discussion also delves into the rising demand for talent within the semiconductor industry, with projections estimating the need for approximately 12 million engineers and various professionals in the coming years. Consequently, the industry is proactively working to attract more students to consider semiconductor-related careers.
In closing, the conversation underscores the significance of fostering collaboration within the industry, particularly with startups, while broadening efforts to engage with smaller colleges and institutions to expand the talent pool at the grassroots level. This collective effort is poised to solidify India’s position as a prominent player in the global semiconductor arena.
