• Semiconductor imports increased more than fivefold from USD 5.7 billion in FY17 to USD 30.3 billion in FY25, at a CAGR of 23%

• Consumer electronics, automotive and industrial applications are the largest demand drivers, accounting for 30%, 16% and 15% of India’s semiconductor market, respectively

• India accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s chip design engineers, providing a strong base to scale manufacturing and innovation

India’s semiconductor market is projected to grow more than threefold from nearly USD 64 billion in 2026 to USD 200 billion by 2035, creating a significant opportunity to convert domestic demand into manufacturing, innovation and supply-chain resilience, according to EY–IESA report, Semicon India 2.0: From capacity creation to ecosystem leadership. The report was formally unveiled during the SEMICON India 2026 hi-profile event of the industry.

The launch of  EY-IESA report at SEMICON India 2026

As per the EY–IESA report, consumer electronics accounts for 30% of India’s semiconductor market, followed by automotive at 16% and industrial applications at 15%, while AI, data centres, telecommunications, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing are creating new growth avenues. Semiconductor imports increased more than fivefold from USD 5.7 billion in FY17 to USD 30.3 billion in FY25, at a CAGR of 23%, highlighting the opportunity to translate expanding domestic demand into local manufacturing and innovation. India also accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s chip design engineers, providing a significant talent base to scale semiconductor manufacturing, indigenous design and commercialization.

Ashok Chandak, President, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) said, “India now has a unique opportunity to combine its strengths in engineering talent, electronics demand, design capabilities and emerging manufacturing capacity with resilient global supply-chain partnerships. The next phase will be defined by execution, innovation, technology commercialisation, indigenous IP, specialised talent and ecosystem depth. India has moved beyond semiconductor ambition. The opportunity now is to build an ecosystem that the world trusts, India owns and the next generation can scale.”

Aisha Ali Hussaini, Partner and Semiconductor Tax Leader, EY India, said, “India has a powerful combination of market scale, engineering talent and policy momentum. Its rapidly expanding electronics ecosystem adds to this opportunity; electronics production increased sixfold from INR1.9 lakh crore in FY15 to INR11.3 lakh crore in FY25, while electronics manufacturing and exports grew sevenfold and elevenfold, respectively, over the same period. The priority now is to translate this scale into deeper semiconductor value addition by building a connected, innovation-led ecosystem that attracts sustained investment and creates more value domestically. Over the coming decade, a predictable fiscal and regulatory environment, stronger alignment between central and state policies, and focused support for emerging technologies can help improve project viability and accelerate commercialisation. If industry, government and academia work together with a long-term view, India can move beyond being a design powerhouse to play a much larger role across manufacturing, advanced packaging and the wider global semiconductor value chain.”

India has already made significant progress in building its semiconductor ecosystem and is well positioned to build on this momentum. As per the EY-IESA report, the next phase should focus on strengthening and aligning state semiconductor policies with the broader scope of Semicon 2.0, developing integrated semiconductor manufacturing clusters supported by shared, world-class infrastructure, and introducing dedicated talent-certification programmes across semiconductor design, fabrication and advanced packaging.

Looking ahead: opportunity areas and the execution imperative

As global semiconductor value chains are reshaped by diversification and technology transitions, the EY–IESA report identifies advanced packaging, compound semiconductors, photonics and chip-to-system integration as high-potential opportunity areas for India. These segments can build on the country’s design capabilities, growing electronics and AI demand, and emerging manufacturing base to expand its presence in technology-intensive parts of the value chain.

Capturing these opportunities will require coordinated action. Investors will assess policy certainty, cluster readiness and speed of implementation; industry will need deeper partnerships with suppliers, academic institutions and technology owners to localise capabilities; and policymakers must streamline approvals and sustain long-term support for research, talent and supplier development.

Notes to Editors

About EY

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The World Spice Organisation (WSO), the not-for-profit technical partner of the All-India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), has successfully concluded its 5th National Spice Conference (NSC) 2026 at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, Rajasthan. Held on September 19–20 under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Protecting Consumers,” the conference brought together farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors, exporters, regulators, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders from across the spice value chain.

Industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders at the 5th National Spice Conference 2026, held under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Protecting Consumers,” in Jaipur

The two-day conference focused on strengthening farmer incomes, food safety, responsible sourcing, sustainability, innovation and market access, with discussions addressing challenges across the spice value chain. The event also featured an exhibition showcasing technologies and indigenous agri-products and a dedicated Buyer–Seller Meet to facilitate market linkages.

Speaking at the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, World Spice Organisation, said, “NSC 2026 has brought the different stakeholders of the spice value chain together around two priorities that are closely connected: enabling farmers to create greater value from their produce and ensuring that consumers can place greater trust in the spices they use. The discussions over the two days have highlighted the importance of stronger farm-level practices, responsible sourcing, food safety, innovation and market linkages. The focus now is on carrying these conversations forward through meaningful collaboration and action across the value chain.”

The first session of Day 2 focused on Changing Regulations in Organic Farming & Certifications, examining the evolving certification landscape and its implications for farmers and other stakeholders in the spice value chain. This was followed by a session on the Role of FPOs in Consumer Protection and Food Safety, highlighting the role of farmer organisations in strengthening quality and compliance at the farm level.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Menon, CEO, ICCOA said, “India’s organic sector has come a long way from being a niche segment. With organic exports growing from INR 67 crore in 2005 to over INR 5,400 crore in 2025, the sector has significant potential for further growth. However, as global markets and regulations evolve, strengthening certification, maintaining credibility and ensuring compliance will be critical to sustaining this momentum.”

The conference then turned to Buyers’ Requirements, with Mr. Ganapathy K D, Business Committee Chairman, NSC 2026, outlining key considerations for producers and FPOs in meeting evolving market expectations. The programme concluded with a dedicated Buyer–Seller Meet, providing an interface between producers and buyers and creating opportunities for stronger market connections across the spice value chain.

Across the two days, the conference covered a broad range of issues including farmer empowerment and income growth, sustainability and responsible sourcing, food safety and consumer protection, innovation and future readiness, farmer challenges and crop outlook, organic farming and certifications, FPOs and market requirements. Discussions also highlighted emerging solutions in areas such as digital traceability, post-harvest infrastructure, farm-level technologies, testing and processing, warehousing and financing.

The conference provided a common platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and perspectives on strengthening India’s spice value chain, with the 2026 edition placing particular emphasis on connecting farm-level practices with consumer safety, quality and evolving market requirements.

The National Spice Conference 2026 concluded with a renewed focus on strengthening collaboration across the spice ecosystem and creating stronger linkages between farmers, FPOs, industry, regulators and buyers. The discussions over the two days highlighted the need for continued engagement and practical solutions to support a safer, more sustainable and more rewarding spice value chain.

About World Spice Organisation
WSO (World Spice Organization) was established in 2011 with the objectives of achieving Food Safety and Sustainability in this sector. Over the course of the past few years, WSO has carried out many projects in the fields of Sustainability, Biodiversity and Food Safety in collaboration with prominent national and international organizations like Spices Board, Indian Institute of Spice Research (IISR), GIZ (Germany) and IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative (Netherlands).

For more information about NSC 2026: www.nationalspiceconference.in.

Background of National Spice Conference (NSC)
Launched in 2022, the National Spice Conference (NSC) has quickly become the premier event for the Indian spice industry. With delegate counts increasing year-on-year (293 in 2022, 345 in 2023, 370 in 2024 and 485 in 2025), NSC has become a key platform for fostering collaboration across the supply chain and promoting sustainable practices in spice production. More than 50% of participants in the previous editions were representatives of FPOs, underscoring NSC’s focus on improving market access and growth opportunities for farmers.

Hurun India, a leading research and recognition platform that tracks and celebrates India’s most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and high-value enterprises, has honoured Mr Arun Mn, Founder and Managing Director of Casagrand, with the Self-Made Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the prestigious India Real Estate Leadership Conclave & Excellence Awards 2026. Hosted by Hurun India in association with Grohe, the landmark event held in Mumbai brought together some of the country’s leading real estate entrepreneurs, developers and industry leaders to celebrate excellence and leadership in one of India’s most significant economic sectors.

Mr. Arun Mn, Founder and Managing Director of Casagrand receiving the Self-Made Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The recognition celebrates Arun Mn’s journey of building a significant real estate enterprise from the ground up, and the vision and determination that have defined that journey. Starting with a 12-apartment residential project in Chennai in 2003, Arun Mn has built Casagrand into a multi-market real estate enterprise with 180+ projects spanning more than 88 million sq. ft, including a diverse range of formats, from apartments, villas, high-rise residencies and floor villas to expansive, large-format communities as the 41-acre Casagrand Highcity, 40-acre Casagrand Suncity etc. Over the past two decades, he has navigated changing market cycles, evolving consumer aspirations and an increasingly competitive real estate landscape to take Casagrand from its Chennai roots to key markets across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Pune and Dubai. 

The Self-Made Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year recognition acknowledges not only the scale of what has been built, but also the entrepreneurial vision, perseverance, and ability to create enduring value that have driven Casagrand’s transformation. His vision has always been centred on building mid-segment homes with maximum offerings, keeping in mind the aspirations and affordability of a larger section of homebuyers. His passion lies in creating homes that enable people to upgrade their lifestyle, build a new address, and achieve their aspirations, while ensuring maximum value for every homebuyer. This commitment to delivering quality homes with exceptional value has made his entrepreneurial journey truly meaningful and impactful.

The recognition comes as Hurun India and GROHE mark a decade of recognising leadership and achievement in Indian real estate, with the 2026 edition also marking the return of the flagship pan-India conclave. Bringing together leading real estate entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders from across the country, the landmark 10th edition underscores the scale and stature of the platform. 

The conclave also featured an exclusive fireside chat of Arun Mn during which he shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey and various aspects of building Casagrand over the years, including business strategies, approaches, people, culture, values, and the journey behind the company’s growth and success.

For Arun Mn, the recognition comes at an important juncture as Casagrand builds on its strong South Indian foundation and pursues its ambition of creating a stronger national real estate presence.

About Casagrand
Casagrand is the largest developer in the residential sector in Chennai, with a market share of approximately 25% in terms of launches and approximately 18% in terms of demand during the period January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2025 (Source: CBRE Report). Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the company has delivered 103 Completed Projects encompassing 21.79 million square feet of Saleable Area, and currently has 57 Ongoing Projects spanning 44.10 million square feet of Saleable Area and 21 Forthcoming Projects with an Estimated Saleable Area of 23.81 million square feet across Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Hyderabad (Telangana), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Pune (Maharashtra) and Dubai as of June 30, 2025. The company offers apartments and independent villas under luxury, mid-end, and affordable categories, all under the Casagrand brand.

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has strengthened the quantum technology capabilities of its faculty members and students through an advanced international training programme involving participants from its Bengaluru and Manipal campuses. The initiative is part of the institution’s preparations for the launch of the laboratory Quantum-Hub@MAHE (Q-Hub), scheduled to be inaugurated on 13 October 2026 at the MAHE Bengaluru campus.

Quantum Technology Capabilities at MAHE Bengaluru Campus

Four faculty members and seven students completed the specialised programme across India and the Netherlands, gaining hands-on exposure to the complex hardware and engineering systems that support quantum computing. The initiative positions MIT Bengaluru to develop a trained academic and student talent base for Q-Hub from its inception.

The training was conducted in two phases. The first phase at MIT Bengaluru focused on quantum control systems, vacuum technologies, practical vacuum assembly and foundational quantum engineering concepts. The second phase was held at the QuantrolOx laboratory and QuTech at TU Delft, Netherlands, where participants received advanced training from experts working at the forefront of quantum technology.

Faculty members and students gained practical experience in microwave technologies, RF electronics, gas handling systems, dilution refrigerator assembly, cryocooling systems, superconducting quantum processing unit assembly, signal measurement and analysis, and the use of QuantumEDGE software and QBlox modules.

The programme has strengthened the ability of faculty members to teach, mentor and lead research in emerging quantum technologies. For students, it has created an opportunity to move beyond theoretical learning and engage directly with the hardware, control systems and experimental processes involved in quantum computing. The trained cohort will support laboratory instruction, research projects and the operation of critical infrastructure at Q-Hub.

Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, observed, “India’s quantum future depends on meaningful collaboration between academia and industry. At MAHE Bengaluru, Q-Hub will bring faculty, students, researchers and industry partners together to develop talent, address real-world challenges and advance quantum innovation in India.”

Commenting on the initiative and the upcoming launch of Q-Hub, Dr. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru, said, “The inauguration of Q-Hub marks a significant milestone in our journey towards building advanced technological capabilities that can contribute meaningfully to India’s emerging quantum ecosystem. Q-Hub has been envisioned as much more than a conventional academic laboratory. It brings together quantum computing, superconducting quantum hardware, cryogenic systems, RF and control engineering, research, education, innovation and industry collaboration under a single platform. Our aspiration is to move from learning quantum technology to engineering quantum systems and ultimately creating quantum technologies in India.”

Participants described the programme as an important opportunity to connect quantum concepts with real-world engineering applications. Their exposure to international laboratories and advanced quantum infrastructure deepened their understanding of the design, development and manufacturing of quantum computing components.

Scheduled to be inaugurated on 13 October 2026, Q-Hub Lab will serve as an integrated platform for quantum education, faculty development, student training, research and innovation. By bringing together academia, industry, start-ups, government agencies and international partners, the centre aims to contribute to the development of a skilled quantum workforce and strengthen India’s ambition to build indigenous quantum technologies.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Avas Wellness is entering a defining new chapter in Alibaug, bringing its residential, wellness and hospitality ambitions together at a scale not seen before. Two new residential communities, including Alaaya by Avas, will join the brand’s growing portfolio, while the forthcoming Avas Wellness Club and Casa Avana will introduce new dimensions of hospitality, wellbeing, recreation and social life. Together, they represent a broader vision for Avas, one in which the experience of living extends well beyond the home.

Alaaya by Avas, a wellness-led residential community bringing contemporary tropical living to Alibaug

Over the past few years, Avas has established a distinct approach to residential living in Alibaug, beginning with Avas Living in Awas. Its next phase takes that philosophy further, creating a collection of communities and shared destinations that respond to different ways of living while remaining connected through an emphasis on design, nature and wellbeing.

Architecture plays an important role in giving each Avas community its own distinct character. Through Avas Design Studio, the brand collaborates with globally recognised architects and design experts, including SAOTA, one of foremost award-winning South African based architecture firms, and Madrid-based architect Felipe Gonsalves of Studio Sukyf. Rather than adhering to a singular aesthetic, upcoming residences will explore a range of architectural languages, from Neo-Mediterranean and Spanish Revival to Balinese influences, tropical modernism and contemporary minimalism. Natural materials, generous volumes, landscaped courtyards and gardens, expansive views, and fluid indoor-outdoor spaces will allow each home to respond thoughtfully to its setting and sit naturally within Alibaug’s tropical landscape. 

What is taking shape around these homes is equally important. Avas is extending its focus beyond residential development to create places that encourage movement, restoration, connection and time spent together. A dedicated court club will bring racquet sports together with fitness and recovery, creating a setting that is as much about community and social interaction as it is about performance and recreation.

Casa Avāna will become another key expression of this idea. Conceived as a destination in its own right, it will bring hospitality, wellness and culture into one setting through dining, spa experiences, landscaped gardens, recreation, art, private gathering spaces and a changing programme of social experiences. The intention is for Casa Avāna to have a different rhythm at different hours, a place for wellness and quiet mornings, leisurely afternoons with family and friends, and dining and gatherings as the day moves into evening.

The Avas Wellness Club, scheduled to open by the end of 2026, will bring together preventive health, longevity, fitness, recovery, nutrition, beauty and skin, alongside curated culinary experiences, making wellness a more natural part of everyday life. Ahead of its launch, Avas will introduce its Wellness Club Membership this Diwali, initially bringing together residents and their guests, prospective homeowners and select members of the Alibaug community, with the membership evolving alongside the wider Avās ecosystem.

“We didn’t set out to build another residential development in Alibaug. We set out to reimagine what living well could look like. The home is only the starting point. The real opportunity lies in creating an ecosystem around it, one that brings together wellness, hospitality, sport, food, nature and community in a way that becomes part of everyday life. That is the ambition behind Avas, and ultimately, we believe it can define an entirely new paradigm for wellness-led living in India,”says Aditya Kilachand, Founder and CEO, Avas Wellness. 

The timing coincides with a wider change underway in Alibaug. The Atal Setu has altered the journey between Mumbai and the region, making Alibaug considerably more accessible, while the forthcoming Rewas–Karanja bridge is expected to strengthen that connection further. Greater accessibility is gradually changing the role Alibaug plays for homeowners too, allowing it to move beyond its long-held identity as a weekend getaway towards a destination where people can spend longer periods of time and build more rooted lifestyles.

It is within this changing landscape that Avas is shaping its next stage. The new residential communities will broaden the brand’s architectural offering, while Casa Avāna, the court club and the Avas Wellness Club will create a network of experiences around them. The result is a model where residences, wellness, hospitality, recreation and community are not treated as separate propositions, but as interconnected parts of how people live.

With this expansion, Avas is looking beyond the conventions of luxury residential development to shape a more complete experience of Alibaug, one defined not only by the homes themselves, but by the quality of life that unfolds around them.

• The world is looking for new and trusted manufacturing destinations; India is steadily preparing itself to meet this need: PM Modi

• Ashok Chandak says India moves from credibility to Capability with Policy Continuity and Commitments

• The three-day flagship event which runs till September 19th at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, is tracking toward 40,000+ visitors with involvement of 400+ executives and over 150 speakers, 600+ participating companies with representatives from 52 countries – metrics that reflect India’s repositioning within global semiconductor supply chains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 at New Delhi, underscoring the government’s commitment to establishing India as a semiconductor powerhouse. Against the backdrop of Semicon 2.0 moving into its next phase through six strategic pillars – Design, Machines and Materials, Setting up more Fabs, Strengthening the ATMP/OSAT industry, Research & Development, and Talent Development with expanded budget of Rs 1,27,500 crore, the flagship event marks a watershed moment for the country’s chip manufacturing ambitions.

MoU announcements at SEMICON India 2026

Addressing the inauguration, PM Modi drew parallels between India’s semiconductor trajectory and the semiconductor industry’s concept of “tape-out”—not an endpoint, but the genesis of the next generation. “No nation builds a semiconductor ecosystem overnight; it takes decades of capability-building,” PM Modi said. “Yet with the partnership of industry leaders, India has compressed that timeline into something remarkable.”

Addressing the media during SEMICON India 2026, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that investment commitments of around Rs 1 lakh crore (approximately USD 11–12 billion) have already been received under the Semicon 2.0 ecosystem. These commitments are expected to translate into significant economic activity and employment, with close to 1 lakh new employment opportunities expected to be created across the semiconductor ecosystem. The investments are expected to materialize over the next two to three years, with companies announcing their respective investments as and when they receive the required board and shareholder approvals.

Ajit Manocha, President and CEO, SEMI said, “The USD 1 trillion semiconductor target for 2030 is now tracking at more than USD 2 trillion. India’s consumption is doubling annually while global markets grow at 60 percent—that pace is real. As domestic manufacturing scales under Semicon 2.0, India is poised to realize significant economic growth over time. And in the AI era, the global semiconductor value chain needs to extend its geographical footprint to enable new technology breakthroughs, strengthen its resilience, and develop a deeper talent pipeline. India’s strategic focus to establish a recognized hub and critical ecosystem for the global semiconductor industry builds on its existing strengths while developing new ones for the benefit of India and the world. The word for 2026 is indispensability. That’s India’s path forward.”

Ashok Chandak, President, SEMI India and IESA said, “The successful two days of SEMICON India 2026 have demonstrated the growing confidence, commitment and momentum behind India’s semiconductor journey. The inauguration by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has given this journey an even stronger national and global dimension. With 50+ MoUs and major announcements, more than USD 7 billion in investment commitments, commercial launches, global CxO participation and strong industry engagement, SEMICON India 2026 has showcased the scale at which the ecosystem is now taking shape. And this is only the beginning—more investments, partnerships and opportunities are in the pipeline. India is moving from building credibility to building capability, and steadily positioning itself as a trusted and competitive player across the global semiconductor value chain.”

First two days of SEMICON India 2026 brought together a total of 28,000 on ground participants including policymakers, global semiconductor leaders, Indian industry, researchers, startups, academia and students for deliberations spanning manufacturing, supply chains, Research and Development (R&D), international partnerships, chip design, advanced packaging, materials and talent, reflecting India’s progress towards an integrated and globally competitive “Silicon to Systems” ecosystem.

Reinforcing the strong momentum that is reflected in the event over first two days Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, SEMI India and IESA said, “The energy at SEMICON India this year speaks for itself — from the exhibition floor to the hackathon, the startup pavilion to the country roundtables and a series of strategic collaborations across semiconductor materials, manufacturing, power electronics, advanced packaging, logistics, design and skilling involving Indian and global ecosystem partners ,it’s clear — this is a movement, not a moment, and India’s semiconductor journey is accelerating.“

The MoU press briefing on day 1 and day 2 of SEMICON India 2026 witnessed a milestone moment with Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw witnessing several MOU’s and products marking a significant step forward for India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Major Investments and Commitments at SEMICON India 2026:

• Applied Materials: Announced a USD 5 billion investment over the next decade covering research, supply chain development, and workforce expansion.

• Lam Research: Committed approximately Rs 10,000 crore for its first silicon component manufacturing and vertical ingot processing facility in India.

• Micron stated the company will assemble and test tens of millions of chips at Sanand this year, scaling to hundreds of millions next year.

Focused Sessions

Over the two days the event featured focused sessions charting India’s transition from foundational policy planning to large-scale execution across the silicon value chain. These sessions covered AI-enabled chip design and manufacturing, advanced packaging, next-generation manufacturing, equipment R&D and workforce development, strengthening India’s design enablement and test ecosystem amongst others. The State Spotlight session highlighted initiatives of Assam, Odisha, Gujarat and Karnataka in incentives, infrastructure, ease of doing business and industry-linked skilling.

With a bold vision and theme “Transform Tomorrow: “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem,” SEMICON India 2026 has drawn senior representation from the semiconductor industry’s critical players including – AMD, Applied Materials, BAIN & Company, Intel, KLA, Lam Research, McKinsey, Tokyo Electron, ASML, DISCO, FUJIFILM, KAS, Kaynes, L&T Semiconductor Technologies Ltd, Micron, PwC- SanDisk, SIEMENS, UST, AECOM, BCG, Ecolab, HCLTech, Infineon, Infosys, NXP Semiconductors, Synopsys, Tech Mahindra, Wipro- reinforcing the show’s positioning as a forum for end-to-end value chain participation. The exhibition features six Country Pavilions representing Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore and Sweden, along with 12 State booths, a Startup Pavilion, Innovation Showcase, Student Hackathon and Workforce Development Pavilion.

For more details, please visit www.semiconindia.org and connect with SEMI India on LinkedIn and X.

Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) has marked another significant milestone in its growing global academic footprint, with its School of Leadership & Management (SLM) making its debut in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2027.

SLM-MRIIRS has been placed in the 301+ global band, making it one of only five Indian institutions to enter the QS Global MBA Rankings for the first time this year. The School has also been placed 51st in Asia and 9th in India, while securing the 2nd position in India for Diversity.

A total of 19 Indian business schools feature in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2027. The five new Indian entrants this year include O.P. Jindal Global University, Jaipuria Institute of Management, School of Business and Management at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), School of Leadership & Management at MRIIRS, and Vikrant University Gwalior.

In the 301+ global band, SLM-MRIIRS features alongside several long-established names in Indian management education, including IIM Udaipur, IIFT Delhi, Management Development Institute Gurgaon, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, IMT Ghaziabad and K J Somaiya Institute of Management, among others.

The latest Global MBA ranking represents a further expansion of Manav Rachna’s presence across QS benchmarks—from international trade and online management education to the flagship global full-time MBA rankings. It’s Online MBA had gained global recognition through the QS Online MBA Rankings 2026, entering the 76–100 global band, securing the 9th position in the Asia-Pacific region, and being ranked 1st globally for Class Experience.

Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, said, “Our entry into the QS Global MBA Rankings is an important recognition of the direction in which management education at Manav Rachna has evolved. We have consistently worked towards creating a learning environment that brings together academic rigour, industry engagement, global exposure, research, entrepreneurship and diversity. This recognition encourages us to further strengthen an ecosystem that prepares our students for meaningful leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, said, “Management education today must remain closely connected with the realities of industry and the changing nature of business. At Manav Rachna, we have consciously built mechanisms that bring practitioners, corporate leaders and academic experts into continuous dialogue with our students and faculty. The QS recognition is an encouraging validation of this approach.”

A distinctive pillar of this industry-integrated approach is the Strategic Mentoring Board of Manav Rachna, founded and first chaired by the late Padma Shri Dr. Pritam Singh, one of India’s foremost management thinkers and former Director of MDI Gurgaon and IIM Lucknow. The Board was conceived to deepen the interface between academia and industry and to ensure that management education remains continuously informed by changing business realities. Over the years, it has brought senior leaders and practitioners into academic deliberations, mentorship, curriculum inputs and industry engagement at Manav Rachna.

The Strategic Mentoring Board continues to serve as a critical bridge between academic direction and industry practice at the School of Leadership & Management. Its contemporary agenda includes deeper faculty-industry immersion, strengthening Professors of Practice and mentorship-led learning, building thought leadership, workforce readiness, knowledge partnerships and sustained institutional collaboration.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, MRIIRS, said, “Global rankings benchmark institutions not only on academic outcomes, but on their ability to create measurable impact across employability, research, entrepreneurship, international engagement and diversity. SLM’s debut in the QS Global MBA Rankings reflects years of sustained institution-building and an academic model that deliberately brings together scholarship and practice. We see this recognition as an impetus to raise these benchmarks further.”

The School of Leadership & Management follows an industry-integrated and globally oriented approach to management education. Its portfolio includes MBA programmes with specialisations and industry-linked learning, along with global pathways including the MBA Global dual-degree programmes with KEDGE Business School, France, and Queen Mary University of London. The School also offers programmes incorporating specialised academic and industry collaborations in areas such as business analytics, finance and emerging business domains.

The QS Global MBA Rankings assess programmes across key dimensions including Employability, Return on Investment, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes, Thought Leadership and Diversity. The strong performance of SLM-MRIIRS on Diversity, where it stands 2nd among Indian institutions, reflects the School’s emphasis on varied perspectives and an inclusive management-learning environment. The 2027 ranking comes at a time when India’s presence in global management education is expanding substantially. Nineteen Indian institutions now feature in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2027, pointing to the increasing international visibility of Indian business education.

For MRIIRS, the achievement also forms part of a wider global-ranking trajectory. The University made its debut in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is also ranked in the QS Asia University Rankings, further strengthening its international academic presence.

The Indian homebuyer is becoming increasingly discerning, with purchase decisions now extending well beyond the traditional considerations of price and location. According to Mr. Kaustubh Virkar, Director, Virkar Developers, today’s buyers are evaluating homes through a broader lens that includes the efficiency of space planning, privacy, natural light and ventilation, quality of construction, meaningful amenities, regulatory transparency, connectivity and the property’s potential long-term value.

SEVEN, Baner Project

Drawing on the company’s direct observations and customer interactions across its residential projects in Kalyan and Pune, Virkar Developers notes that the definition of a premium home is evolving. Rather than simply seeking larger homes or longer lists of amenities, buyers are increasingly looking at how effectively a residence supports everyday living and whether the overall offering delivers lasting value.

From Bigger Homes to Better-Planned Homes

For today’s homebuyer, size alone is no longer enough. The usability of the available space has become an important consideration, with buyers paying closer attention to layouts, movement within the home, privacy and the relationship between different spaces.

Natural light and ventilation are also gaining importance as homeowners seek residences that offer comfort and functionality alongside aesthetics. Thoughtful planning, according to Virkar Developers, is therefore becoming an important differentiator in the premium housing segment.

“Today’s homebuyer is much more informed and is looking beyond just the size or price of a home. We are seeing buyers place greater importance on how effectively the space is planned, the quality of construction, meaningful amenities, transparency, RERA compliance and the long-term value of the property. The premium home of today is increasingly defined by better planning, better functionality and greater trust,” said Mr Kaustubh Virkar, Director, Virkar Developers.

Amenities That Add Value, Not Just Numbers

The shift in buyer preferences is also reflected in how amenities are evaluated. While amenities continue to play an important role in residential decision-making, buyers are increasingly looking for facilities that have a clear purpose and relevance to their lifestyle rather than simply a long list of offerings.

For developers, this places greater emphasis on creating residential environments where design, functionality and amenities work together. The focus is moving towards creating spaces that contribute meaningfully to residents’ everyday experiences.

Transparency and Connectivity Become Part of the Value Proposition

As homebuyers conduct more research before making a purchase, transparency is becoming an increasingly important part of the decision-making process. Regulatory compliance, including RERA compliance, construction quality and clarity around the overall offering can influence buyer confidence.

Connectivity remains another key consideration, particularly as buyers assess not only the home itself but also its accessibility to workplaces, education, healthcare, retail and other everyday requirements. Together, these factors are contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of value in residential real estate.

SEVEN, Baner: Reflecting the Evolving Buyer Preference

Virkar Developers’ SEVEN in Baner, Pune, serves as a project-level example of this approach. The development offers 3 and 4 BHK residences, complemented by 20+ curated amenities, with layouts designed with attention to privacy, natural light and ventilation.

The project reflects the developer’s broader focus on spacious and functional home design, thoughtful planning and construction quality attributes that the company believes are increasingly relevant to the expectations of today’s informed homebuyer.

With more than three decades of experience in residential development across Kalyan, Thane and Pune, Virkar Developers continues to focus on creating homes that balance design, functionality, quality and long-term value.

About Virkar Developers

Virkar Developers is a Kalyan-based real estate developer with a legacy of more than 35 years in residential development. Established under the founding leadership of Mr. V. N. Virkar, the company is now driven by the next generation under Mr. Kaustubh Virkar. With a footprint spanning Kalyan, Thane and Pune, the developer’s philosophy centres on thoughtfully planned residential spaces built around quality, design integrity, transparency, functionality and enduring value for homeowners.

SEVEN in Baner, Pune, reflects this approach through its spacious 3 and 4 BHK residences, 20+ curated amenities and layouts designed with deliberate attention to privacy, natural light and ventilation.

For more information, visit virkardevelopers.com

SEMI, the global industry association advancing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, and the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) today announced their intention to collaborate on a plan for the India Semiconductor Academy (ISA), with the objective of establishing it as a national, industry-led platform for semiconductor education, skills and employment.
 

Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Min for Electronics & IT), Mr. Arun Kumar (Chair, IDTA & Celesta Capital Managing Partner) Shari Liss, Vice President, Global Workforce Development & Initiatives, SEMI
 

The proposed Academy will strengthen India’s training and workforce-development objectives as India expands investment across semiconductor design, fabrication, advanced packaging and testing, equipment, and materials. Its focus will be on converting India’s broad engineering and technical talent base into practical, industry-ready capability for priority roles across the semiconductor value chain.

The proposed Academy will partner with a number of industry participants and academic institutions to achieve its objectives, including Cadence, CG Semi, Dixon Technologies, Micron Technology, Synopsys, 3D Glass Solutions, the University of California San Diego and IIT Kanpur.

The collaboration will draw on SEMI’s global experience convening semiconductor employers and building industry-led workforce initiatives worldwide. The partners expect to adapt relevant lessons to India’s institutional landscape, industrial priorities and employment needs.

A roadmap from planning to establishment

In the planning phase, SEMI and IDTA will engage industry, universities, technical institutions, training centers and laboratories to define the Academy’s governance, operating model, curriculum priorities, funding framework and phased implementation. The plan is expected to address:

• an annually refreshed national forecast of semiconductor skills demand by role, capability and location;

• industry-validated occupational standards and stackable credentials for priority jobs in design, fabrication, assembly, testing, marking and packaging, and equipment operations;

• access to shared laboratories, tools and simulation environments;

• apprenticeships, on-the-job training and employment-linked pathways; and

• annual reporting on proficiency, placement, retention and employer satisfaction.

The Academy is intended to serve the full semiconductor talent pyramid: from fab-ready technicians and operators to manufacturing, packaging and design engineers, advanced researchers and materials scientists, and system and solution architects. It will place particular emphasis on hands-on capability in process and equipment operations, facilities, maintenance, packaging, testing, quality and safety, alongside India’s established strength in semiconductor design.

The initiative will also complement Pax Silica, through which India, the United States and other trusted partners are pursuing greater resilience, security and innovation across semiconductor and artificial-intelligence supply chains. A deeper pool of skilled talent in India can strengthen both India’s domestic ecosystem and trusted international technology partnerships.

Quotations:

S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY
“India’s semiconductor strategy must be built not only on capital and infrastructure, but also on people. The proposed India Semiconductor Academy can strengthen the training objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission by aligning education and skilling with the real requirements of industry, and by creating pathways from learning to productive employment.”

Ajit Manocha, President and Chief Executive Officer, SEMI
“SEMI is pleased to bring its global industry network and its experience with workforce-development initiatives to this collaboration. India has an important opportunity to connect educators, employers and learners through industry-defined competencies and hands-on training that can support semiconductor growth at scale.”

Arun Kumar, Chair, Executive Committee Chair, India Deep Tech Alliance and Managing Partner, Celesta Capital
“Talent is the longest lead-time input in semiconductor development. The Academy will help India translate its formidable technical potential into fab-ready and industry-ready capability. It will also reinforce the trusted technology partnerships envisaged by Pax Silica by expanding the skilled workforce available to India and thus its partners across the semiconductor value chain.”

April Arnzen, EVP and Chief People Officer, Micron Technology
“Micron is pleased to support the India Semiconductor Academy and its vision to strengthen India’s semiconductor talent pipeline. Building a workforce ready for the demands of a rapidly growing semiconductor industry requires close collaboration among industry, academia, and government. Initiatives like ISA create valuable opportunities for industry to help inform workforce competencies, share insights on evolving talent needs, and support the development of educational pathways that prepare students for high-impact semiconductor careers.”

Dr Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor, University of California San Diego
“India’s semiconductor opportunity is ultimately a talent opportunity. The India Semiconductor Academy can help build the industry-ready workforce that will enable India to move from ambition to leadership across the semiconductor value chain. UC San Diego is pleased to partner with SEMI and IDTA as a founding participant on this important national platform and is proud to contribute its expertise in engineering, advanced computing, research and workforce development to this important national effort, while strengthening the trusted technology partnerships between India and the United States.”
 

Jayashankar Narayanankutty, Group Director – Sales, Cadence
“Cadence is pleased to support the India Semiconductor Academy and its vision to build an industry-ready workforce for India’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem. As the industry evolves under ISM 2.0 beyond traditional design services toward IP creation, product ownership, and manufacturing, scaling specialized talent across the entire value chain requires close alignment between industry, academia, and government. Initiatives like ISA provide a crucial framework to translate academic potential into practical capabilities aligned with real-world design and manufacturing demands. We look forward to collaborating with SEMI and IDTA to help nurture the next generation of engineers and support India’s transition into a global semiconductor innovation hub.”
 

LW Yong, Head of Operations, CG Semi
“Building India’s semiconductor ecosystem will require us to build the talent ecosystem alongside it. We are already seeing the intensity of the talent challenge, but we have also been impressed by the hunger and willingness of Indian engineers and technicians to learn and take on this industry. With the right infrastructure and training, we believe India can build the deep talent pool needed to support a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.”
 

Atul Lall, Managing Director & Vice Chairman, Dixon Technologies
“India’s engineering potential is immense, but scaling our semiconductor and electronics ecosystem requires converting that potential into specialized, industry-ready capabilities. Through the India Semiconductor Academy (ISA), we have a unique opportunity to align education directly with real-world manufacturing demands. Dixon Technologies with its long experience in electronics manufacturing is proud to support this initiative, creating clear, employment-linked pathways for young professionals and driving India’s vision of self-reliance in advanced electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.”

Sudeep Shivalli, Regional Senior Director – GTM, Synopsys
“India stands at a pivotal moment in its semiconductor journey. As the nation expands its semiconductor capabilities across chip design, manufacturing, packaging, and system innovation, the demand for highly skilled talent has never been greater. Future engineers must be equipped to navigate the growing complexity of AI-enabled chip design, multi-die architectures, advanced packaging, hardware-software co-design, verification, and system-level optimization. The SEMI and IDTA is launching India Semiconductor Academy which can serve as a critical bridge between academia and industry, helping develop talent that is ready for real-world semiconductor challenges. Synopsys being a global leader in silicon to systems engineering solutions, is proud to support this vision to empower India’s next generation of innovators and strengthen the country’s position as a trusted global semiconductor partner.”
 

Surendra Babu Mandava, Chief Executive Officer, 3D Glass Solutions Inc.
“For companies like ours building fabs on the ground in India, manpower is the single most critical variable for success, as critical as capital or equipment. We need process engineers who can run and troubleshoot fab tools, technicians trained specifically to operate and maintain that equipment, skilled teams who can build and manage fab infrastructure itself, and increasingly, AI and software talent to enable intelligent, data-driven manufacturing. The Academy can help ensure that talent pipeline is ready in parallel with our facilities, not years behind them.”
 

Yogesh S Chauhan, Professor & Head, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur
“India has a vast pool of engineering and technical talent. The opportunity before us is to translate that talent into specialised, industry-ready capability across semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. By bringing industry, academia and government together, the India Semiconductor Academy can help bridge this gap and create employment-linked pathways for India’s young workforce. We are proud to support this collaborative effort.”
 

Next steps

The two organizations will constitute a joint working process and consult partners from industry and academia. The resulting plan will set out the institutional design and the commitments required for establishment, including public support, industry contributions in cash and in kind, access to facilities and expertise, and sustainable program revenues over time.

About collaborating organizations

SEMI

SEMI^® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON^® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics.

Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more. 

India Deep Tech Alliance

The India Deep Tech Alliance is an industry-led consortium of investors, corporates, technology partners, and ecosystem stakeholders focused on accelerating India’s deep tech companies across AI, semiconductors, advanced computing, robotics, biotech, and more. IDTA convenes capital access, technical mentorship, market linkages, and policy engagement to help founders build globally competitive technology companies from India.

Learn more at idtalliance.org.