India Launches First 3nm Semiconductor Design Centres

Introduction

India has marked a significant milestone in its pursuit of technological self-reliance with the inauguration of the country’s first advanced 3nm semiconductor design centres. These state-of-the-art facilities are located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengaluru, Karnataka. The centres are expected to play a crucial role in advancing the design and prototyping of complex semiconductors and System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions at the 3-nanometre (3nm) scale, representing a major leap in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Background and Context

The inauguration of these advanced design centres is a key development under the broader semiconductor mission of the Government of India. Initiated in response to the global semiconductor supply chain vulnerabilities that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government launched the Semiconductor Mission in December 2021. The mission seeks to boost domestic capabilities in chip design, manufacturing, packaging, and testing.

Historically, India has been recognized for its prowess in software engineering and design services, but microelectronics manufacturing and advanced design have largely been concentrated in other global hubs. The introduction of 3nm semiconductor design facilities marks India’s entry into the international league of advanced chip-designing nations, aiming to address the requirements of strategic sectors such as telecommunications, data processing, healthcare, automotive electronics, and national defence technologies.

Details of the Centres

The newly launched design centres are equipped with advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, high-performance computing clusters, secure data storage, and rapid prototyping equipment. The Noida centre, launched in collaboration with established global technology firms and backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is expected to serve as the primary node for industries in northern India. The Bengaluru centre leverages the city's reputation as India’s technology and R&D hub, with access to a large pool of design engineers and established linkages to academic institutions and technology startups.

Both centres are structured to facilitate collaborative projects between industry, academia, and government agencies. They will focus not only on chip design at the 3nm process node but also on research into improved manufacturing processes, power efficiency, system integration, and security features for next-generation electronics.

Facilities and Capabilities

• Support for end-to-end design of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits at the 3nm scale
• Access to advanced simulation and verification platforms
• Secure environments for sensitive and strategic electronics domains
• Training and capacity-building programmes for Indian engineers and researchers
• Prototype fabrication arrangements with global foundry partners

Implementation and Partners

The establishment of the design centres has involved a multi-stakeholder implementation approach. MeitY led the initiative with support from the Department of Science and Technology and the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Industry participation includes partnerships with leading semiconductor EDA tool providers, global chip manufacturers, and Indian electronics design companies.

To ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with prominent technology universities and research institutes. These partnerships emphasize joint research, exchange programmes, and specialized curriculum development targeting semiconductor physics, VLSI design, and nano-engineering.

The centres have adopted robust intellectual property (IP) frameworks to safeguard chip designs and facilitate technology transfer mechanisms. Government incentives, including subsidies, grants-in-aid, and tax benefits, have been leveraged to attract both domestic and foreign participation in the design ecosystem. The facilities are envisioned as open-access innovation clusters, allowing Indian startups, MSMEs, large corporations, and public sector units to utilize their capabilities.

Statements from Government and Industry

The inauguration of these centres marks India’s arrival on the global map of advanced semiconductor research and design. These facilities will provide the infrastructural backbone for achieving self-reliance in critical electronics and enable India’s participation in the next phase of digital transformation.
- Representative, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

With these centres, Indian institutions and startups can now design chips on par with global standards, reducing dependency on imported designs and empowering domestic manufacturers.
- Senior Official, Government of Karnataka

The creation of a robust semiconductor design ecosystem is fundamental to economic resilience and innovation leadership. We are pleased to support these integrated centres for the benefit of the entire engineering community.
- Technology Industry Consortium Member

Strategic and Industry Impact

The centres' operationalisation is expected to have a transformative impact on domestic high-technology manufacturing. Access to 3nm design capabilities will help Indian manufacturers in sectors such as mobile devices, telecommunications, advanced computing, automotive, and industrial automation leverage globally competitive chipsets tailored to local needs.

Academic institutions anticipate increased industry engagement and research opportunities, as the centres will also serve as training grounds for graduate and postgraduate students. Targeted outreach will encourage collaboration with scientists, engineers, and researchers across the country, stimulating knowledge transfer and skill development in the field of microelectronics.

The move is projected to enhance India's standing in the global semiconductor value chain. It builds on earlier efforts such as the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, which provides financial and infrastructural support for indigenous semiconductor design and intellectual property creation.

Key Outcomes Expected

• Increased indigenous design of critical electronic components and chips
• Creation of high-value engineering jobs and specialized skill development
• Acceleration of research and intellectual property generation in semiconductors
• Greater resilience in critical technology sectors including defence, healthcare, and communications
• Potential for India to attract significant foreign direct investment in electronics and microelectronics

Technological Implications

The transition to 3nm design technologies marks a new era in electronics, enabling chips that are smaller, faster, and more energy efficient. Compared to older process nodes, 3nm technologies offer substantial improvements in transistor density, processing speed, and power consumption, all of which are crucial for future applications in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G and 6G communications, autonomous vehicles, and secure digital infrastructure.

By facilitating advanced design domestically, India can drive innovation for local requirements while adhering to global quality and safety standards. The ability to design and eventually manufacture such advanced nodes domestically also holds implications for national security, supply chain stability, and export potential.

Training and Capacity Development

Building a robust talent pipeline in semiconductor design has been a central focus of the project. Both Noida and Bengaluru centres have launched training initiatives for university students, young engineers, and faculty members. Specialized modules have been developed on subjects ranging from process node scaling and nanofabrication to design verification, system integration, and embedded security.

The centres will hold periodic workshops, internships, and certification programmes. The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and international partners are collaborating to offer mentorship and hands-on experience. The aim is to create a sustainable innovation ecosystem that nurtures talent across the value chain, from foundational science to applied engineering and entrepreneurship.

Access and Outreach

The Noida and Bengaluru design centres have been established with the mandate to serve a broad cross-section of users. Eligible Indian companies, startups, student groups, and public sector units can apply for access to the design suites and support facilities. The centres offer tiered access, ranging from basic design classes for new entrants to full-service design support for advanced projects in strategic sectors.

1. Open innovation labs for prototype development
2. Project-based support for collaborative R&D initiatives
3. Access to test and validation tools for pre-manufacturing verification
4. Facilities for secure handling of sensitive designs
5. Networking opportunities with global experts and industry leaders

To further democratize access, remote usage protocols and cloud-based design toolkits have been introduced, enabling participants from other regions to utilize the resources and infrastructure of the centres.

Coordination with Other National Missions

The launch of the advanced semiconductor design centres is aligned with other Indian national missions viz. Digital India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). As semiconductors form the backbone of all digital and smart infrastructure, the establishment of these centres is expected to reinforce national objectives related to electronics manufacturing, smart mobility, industrial automation, and advanced technology exports.

The centres are also collaborating with government bodies handling smart city development, e-governance, defence electronics, and next-generation communication networks, ensuring a unified approach to the adoption of secure and efficient semiconductor technologies across government services and critical infrastructure.

Administrative and Policy Framework

The design centres operate under a comprehensive administrative and policy framework designed by MeitY and its implementation partners. Key aspects of the framework include:

• Clear IP protection and data security protocols
• Compliance with national and international semiconductor standards
• Transparent project approval and review mechanisms
• Periodic assessment and quality audits by independent technical committees
• Regular reporting to policy-making and regulatory authorities

The administration remains focused on continuous facility upgrades, engagement with emerging global technology trends, and support for basic and applied research relevant to India's long-term technology roadmap. Engagement with international standard-setting bodies and alignment with global best practices form a part of the policy direction adopted by the centres.

Long-term Vision and Future Developments

The opening of these design centres lays the groundwork for future expansion into semiconductor manufacturing and robust chip fabrication (fab) facilities in India. The government has indicated that successful operationalization of design facilities will form the basis for attracting further investments into manufacturing and packaging capabilities.

Further phases are set to include the establishment of additional centres across other Indian cities, scaling up R&D in emerging areas such as photonics, quantum chips, and advanced packaging, and deeper integration with global technology alliances. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced import substitution, export of indigenously designed chips, and increased participation in global electronics innovation networks.

Industry bodies and academic forums have called for continued public and private investments, sustained skill development programmes, and regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with rapid technological changes. The government has responded by committing to allocate more resources to R&D, incentivize private sector participation, and maintain strong international collaborations.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the first advanced 3nm semiconductor design centres in Noida and Bengaluru marks a defining moment for India’s electronics and technology sector. By equipping engineers, researchers, and companies with the tools and expertise required to match global standards, these centres are poised to catalyse a new era of innovation, employment, and competitiveness. Continued support and collaboration among government agencies, industry, and academia will be essential in realizing the nation’s ambition to become a leading player in next-generation microelectronics and digital technology.

The move is set to have wide-ranging implications for India’s economic security, industrial growth, and technological leadership in an increasingly digitized world.