What is India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)?

Sept. 3, 2024

The Union Cabinet recently gave the green light to Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to establish a new semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, which is the fifth semiconductor unit to be approved under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):

  • ISM is a specialized and independent Business Division within the Digital India Corporation.
  • It aims to build a vibrant semiconductor and display ecosystem to enable India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design.
  • ISM has all the administrative and financial powers and is tasked with the responsibility of catalysing the India Semiconductor ecosystem in manufacturing, packaging, and design. 
  • ISM has an advisory board consisting of some of the leading global experts in the field of semiconductors.
  • ISM has been working as a nodal agency for the schemes approved under the Semicon India Programme. 

Key Facts about the Semicon India Programme:

  • The ISM was launched in 2021 with a total financial outlay of Rs. 76,000 crores under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Government of India.
  • It is part of the comprehensive program for the development of sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystems in the country. 
  • The programme aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem.
  • It also promotes and facilitates Indigenous Intellectual Property (IP) generation and encourages, enables, and incentivizes the Transfer of Technologies (ToT).
  • The following four schemes have been introduced under the aforesaid programme:
    • Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India.
    • Scheme for setting up of Display Fabs in India.
    • Scheme for setting up of Compound Semiconductors/Silicon Photonics/ Sensors Fab and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP)/OSAT facilities in India.
    • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.