India’s semiconductor industry is poised for significant expansion, with projections estimating a market size of $40 billion by 2030, according to the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA). However, women’s participation in the sector remains low, with only 25% of the workforce currently female. A separate NLB Services report predicts that with the right initiatives, women’s representation can increase to 35% by 2030, marking a crucial step toward gender inclusivity in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Expanding India’s Semiconductor Market
The semiconductor industry’s supply chain is a crucial area for development, as chip manufacturing is highly complex and requires a robust ecosystem, IESA President Ashok Chandak stated at the IESA Vision Summit.
“Any chip manufacturing process touches at least 10 different countries. If India wants to succeed in semiconductor manufacturing, it must focus on developing a strong local supply chain, including materials, chemicals, and gases required for chip production,” Chandak said.
With the global semiconductor supply chain market expected to reach $420 billion by 2030, India aims to capture 10% of this share, translating to a $40 billion opportunity. This could be achieved through:
- Global companies setting up manufacturing operations in India
- Government incentives attracting supply chain investments
- Expanding semiconductor fabrication, packaging, and testing facilities
IESA’s report also forecasts that India will require approximately 1.5 million skilled workers and 5 million semi-skilled workers by 2027 to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor industry.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Semiconductor Workforce
Despite the sector’s rapid expansion, women continue to be underrepresented, particularly in leadership roles and chip fabrication.
Currently, women make up only 25% of India’s 220,000-strong semiconductor workforce, but this is expected to rise beyond 30% by 2027 and reach 35% by 2030, according to NLB Services. However, disparities remain:
- Chip fabrication: 60% men, 40% women
- Chip design: 70% men, 30% women
- Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP): 80% men, 20% women
- Leadership roles: 93-95% men, 5-7% women
NLB Services CEO Sachin Alug emphasized the importance of gender-inclusive policies to bridge this gap.
“Gender-neutral policies, equal pay, and inclusive benefits such as maternity leave, career-break support, and flexible work options are critical to attracting and retaining female talent in semiconductors,” Alug stated.
Additionally, government-private sector collaboration will play a key role in ensuring worker-friendly environments, including housing, healthcare, and safe transport for women in manufacturing and engineering roles.
Growing Global Interest in India’s Semiconductor Industry
The 19th IESA Vision Summit highlighted increasing global confidence in India’s semiconductor potential. Over 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including Tata Electronics’ agreements with PSMC and Himax. The summit saw:
- 2,400 registrations
- 1,750+ attendees at the inaugural session
- 250+ international semiconductor leaders
Chandak called semiconductors a pillar of the digital revolution, emphasizing that global stakeholders are eager to participate in India’s semiconductor growth story.
Also read: Navy Chief: Semiconductor Policy Key to India’s Defence Future
A Transformational Decade Ahead
With increasing investments, rising global interest, and a focused approach toward workforce expansion, India’s semiconductor industry is set to become a major global player by 2030. However, ensuring women’s greater participation will be key to making this growth inclusive and sustainable.
By prioritizing skills training, workplace inclusivity, and a strong supply chain, India has the potential to become a powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation, setting the stage for a transformative decade in the industry.
