Amid India's rapid strides in the semiconductor industry, Assam is making its own inroads with Tata's Rs. 27,000 crore and assembly plant at Morigaon. The recent workshop organized by North East India Scientific and Entrepreneurial Diaspora (NEISEDS) in collaboration with other industry experts such as National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) at Jagiroad College, marks a significant effort in positioning the state as a potential hub for high-tech industries.
In an exclusive conversation with Pankhi Sarma for Business North East, Sanjeev Hazarika, core team member of NEISEDS discusses how this initiative aims to bring cutting-edge technology to Northeast India, providing students and industry professionals with a platform to understand and contribute to this high-tech sector.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Interview Q&A:
Business North East: First of all, could you tell us what the workshop aims to achieve? Could you give a brief overview of its purpose?
Sanjeev Hazarika: Certainly. The workshop was focused on setting up a new semiconductor test and assembly plant. There’s a significant interest in this domain, but there’s a lack of awareness about how the industry operates—both among students and faculty members. We wanted to create a platform for interaction, where industry experts and academia could engage with students, offering them an understanding of how the semiconductor ecosystem functions, as well as insights into the industry and technology. The primary objective is to spark interest and passion among students in this field.
BNE: With this being the first such initiative in Assam, how do you view its potential impact on the economy and the academic landscape?
Sanjeev Hazarika: This initiative represents a transformative step for Assam. We are grateful to the Government of Assam for enabling the establishment of this industry here—it’s a significant achievement. This project is a stepping stone for the future development of the semiconductor industry in the region. We’re starting with the manufacturing side, as the semiconductor industry has two main verticals: the design vertical and the manufacturing vertical. While we're currently focusing on the manufacturing aspect, there’s also substantial potential in design, particularly for engineering and technical graduates. Our aim is to provide a foundation for these students to develop their skills and prepare for future opportunities in this evolving field.
BNE: What is your perspective on the technological advancements in this region, given that the semiconductor industry is extremely high-tech and new here?Sanjeev Hazarika: The semiconductor industry is indeed highly technical, and we must consider the global and national scenarios. While we are starting with a test and assembly plant, which is relatively simpler, the goal is to progress up the value chain. Eventually, we aim to advance towards more complex design activities and, potentially, a full-fledged manufacturing facility. This will complete the value chain, offering vast opportunities and scope for growth in this region.
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BNE: What challenges do you foresee for this industry in the region?
Sanjeev Hazarika: The major challenge is the need for a skilled workforce, especially for design-oriented roles. Currently, design activities are concentrated in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi. To address this, we need robust skill enhancement programs for students, which is what we discussed during the workshop. Initiatives like this workshop aim to provide a roadmap for skill development and bridge the gap between industry requirements and academic training. There is strong government support for skill development in this sector, which we can leverage for the benefit of graduates and technical professionals.
BNE: Are there any plans to set up technical institutes or training centers locally, given that many students currently have to go to metropolitan cities for such training?
Sanjeev Hazarika: That’s a crucial question. It is essential for academic institutions to incorporate relevant courses and training materials into their curriculum. This is especially true for technical institutions, which need to align their offerings with industry demands. The semiconductor industry requires specialized tools and facilities, and there is now substantial government support available for educational institutions to set up the right environment. Our workshop is a step towards building awareness of these opportunities, and we aim to facilitate this transition.
BNE: How does NEISEDS plan to support this technological growth?
Sanjeev Hazarika: NEISEDS is actively working to connect individuals from the Northeast who are engaged in various scientific and technological fields. This includes not only semiconductors but also other disciplines like biotechnology. Our objective is to build a network where students, faculty, and local experts can engage with professionals from across the globe. We plan to host more workshops, conferences, and even offer individual mentorship to guide students and aspiring entrepreneurs. For instance, we have a seminar in biotechnology coming up in January, which is part of our broader vision for creating platforms in different fields of science and technology.
BNE: When you mention mentorship, does NEISEDS also plan to introduce courses specific to the semiconductor industry?
Sanjeev Hazarika: While we are not directly offering courses, our focus is on providing guidance and mentorship. For example, we can offer advice to students on how to explore career opportunities in this field, including one-on-one mentorship sessions. We are a newly formed organization, and as time progresses, we will be able to define our role more clearly and expand our support to a larger audience.
BNE: Apart from students, how do you see this high-tech industry benefiting the working population in terms of job creation and economic growth?
Sanjeev Hazarika: The semiconductor industry is fundamental to many sectors today - it is the backbone of numerous industries, from automotive to consumer electronics. As such, it plays a critical role in the economy, both at a national and global level. Establishing a strong semiconductor presence in Assam can significantly contribute to job creation and economic growth in the region. However, it requires a skilled workforce, strategic industry collaboration, and support from academia and the government. This collaborative effort is what will drive the region forward and help India achieve its vision of becoming a global leader by 2047.
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