Empowering NE’s semiconductor future: Industry expert Satya Gupta on self-sufficiency, growth potential, key challenges

Guwahati: One of the most burning topics of discussion is the 'semiconductor plant' coming up in Assam's Jagiroad. Around $11 billion is being been invested by Tata Electronics, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, which has entered the semiconductor manufacturing space. Tata has formed a strategic alliance with Analog Devices, Inc. to explore opportunities for semiconductor manufacturing in India.

Moreover, with the government's focus on strengthening technology infrastructure and creating opportunities for growth in Northeast, Satya Gupta, President of VLSI Society of India has shared some valuable insights on the potential of semiconductor manufacturing and design. The discussion comes at a pivotal time when the Indian government is pushing for technological advancements in the region.

During an exclusive interview with Pankhi Sarma for Business North East (BNE), Satya Gupta highlighted the critical need for industry-academia partnerships and targeted incentives. He said that the Northeastern region, with its high concentration of academic institutions and untapped potential, holds significant promise for the growth of the semiconductor design and manufacturing sectors.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Interview Q&A:

BNE: Could you please share your insights on the recent advancements in the semiconductor industry, especially in the context of the developments in NE? 

Satya Gupta: Certainly. Historically, the semiconductor industry has had a limited presence in the Northeast. However, with recent initiatives like the TAO (Technology and Advanced Operations) around the Silicon Valley Replant and the Indian government's push for more tech-centric development in the region, there is growing interest from policymakers. We now have focused efforts from the central government, especially with the push towards establishing the semiconductor sector. This includes both the manufacturing and design segments.

With companies like Tata setting up manufacturing units here, the manufacturing aspect is being addressed to some extent. However, we still need collective efforts to bring the design ecosystem to the Northeast. The region is home to a high concentration of academic institutions, with a large number of IITs and NITs. We must leverage these institutions by creating awareness among faculty and students about the potential of the semiconductor industry. By working together, we can ensure that the design industry also thrives alongside the manufacturing sector, creating a balanced and complete ecosystem.

BNE: You mentioned that the Northeast has a strong academic base. What steps should be taken to better integrate the design industry with these academic institutions?

Satya Gupta: It is essential to create a curriculum that emphasizes semiconductor design from the beginning of a student's academic journey, rather than relying solely on post-graduation training. After graduation, most students are focused on finding jobs, so they are less inclined to take up additional training. By incorporating relevant skills into the four-year degree programs, we can ensure that students are job-ready upon graduation.

Moreover, faculty development is equally important. If we expect faculty to teach chip design, they need hands-on experience with it. Therefore, we are emphasizing programs where faculty undergo industry-relevant training. This will enable them to impart up-to-date knowledge to students. We are also launching a VLSI Society chapter here in the Northeast, which will focus on supporting curriculum development, industry collaboration, and awareness campaigns to create a robust ecosystem.

BNE: Given that many students currently seek training in semiconductor design outside the region, do you believe setting up local training centers would help?

Satya Gupta: Yes, setting up local training centers would be beneficial, but we must look beyond just post-graduation training programs. Long-term success will come from integrating training into the core curriculum. By training students during their undergraduate years, we can ensure that they have the necessary skills by the time they graduate. This way, we attract the best talent and provide them with opportunities right here in the Northeast, reducing the need for them to migrate to other cities for training.

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BNE: What role do you think the government should play in supporting this ecosystem?

Satya Gupta: The government plays a crucial role in providing incentives that encourage industry growth. For example, I have suggested that the government could subsidize 25% of the salary for professionals who return to the Northeast from other cities for the first two years. This would be a modest investment but would make a significant impact by attracting experienced professionals back to the region. If we provide similar incentives for design companies, it could help in building a balanced ecosystem between manufacturing and design. Right now, the government is heavily focused on the manufacturing side, but we need to allocate a portion of resources to the design aspect as well.

BNE: During the recent panel discussion at the semiconductor workshop at Jagiroad College where you served as a moderator, what challenges did you identify for setting up the semiconductor industry here and training the local workforce?

Satya Gupta: The primary challenge is not a lack of interest or potential but rather the need for coordination among stakeholders. Regular events like panel discussions and workshops can help bring together academia, industry, and government. We need to have an open dialogue to identify what is required and how each party can contribute. This includes bringing in local government representatives to understand the immediate needs and potential benefits of investing in this sector.
Such involvement from the government is essential for creating awareness and aligning efforts. It's also important for those of us without vested interests to guide these initiatives in the right direction, focusing on sustainable growth rather than short-term gains.

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BNE: Finally, what is your vision for the semiconductor industry's growth in the Northeast?

Satya Gupta: My vision is to create a well-rounded ecosystem that leverages the region's academic strength, attracts talent back home, and balances both manufacturing and design sectors. By investing in people and creating opportunities for local talent, we can make the Northeast a hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing. It's a beautiful region, and I believe that with the right support and strategic initiatives, we can achieve significant growth here