Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has greenlit the establishment of the ‘NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory’ at IIT Bhubaneswar. Funded under the MPLAD (Members of Parliament Local Area Development) Scheme, the ₹4.95 crore initiative is designed to equip India’s youth with cutting-edge skills for semiconductor research, manufacturing, and packaging.
Strengthening India’s Chipmaking Ecosystem
The lab is envisioned as a cornerstone of India’s semiconductor ambitions, aligning with national initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’. By developing industry-ready talent, the lab will contribute to India’s growing pool of semiconductor professionals, especially as chip fabrication and packaging facilities begin to rise across the country.
Currently, India contributes 20% of the world’s chip design talent. Over 295 universities are already integrating Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools into their programs, and 28 student-designed chips have been taped out at SCL Mohali. The new lab at IIT Bhubaneswar is expected to further accelerate this progress.
Why IIT Bhubaneswar?
Odisha has emerged as a semiconductor hotspot with two key projects recently approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. These include a Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based compound semiconductor facility and a state-of-the-art 3D glass packaging unit.
IIT Bhubaneswar is already home to the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC) and advanced cleanroom infrastructure. The new lab will integrate with these facilities to enhance R&D capabilities and provide hands-on training to students and professionals.
What the Lab Will Offer
The NaMo Semiconductor Lab will include essential fabrication and design tools, along with specialized software required for semiconductor research and training. The project allocates ₹4.6 crore for state-of-the-art equipment and ₹35 lakh for design software. The lab will provide a critical platform for experimentation, chip design, and prototype development.
A Catalyst for Semiconductor Self-Reliance
This development is expected to play a catalytic role in India’s roadmap for semiconductor self-reliance. With global supply chains still recovering from disruptions, the lab supports the government’s vision to build a resilient domestic semiconductor ecosystem capable of powering AI, 5G, defence, and consumer electronics.
