Gujarat to Host SemiConnect Conference-2026 Focusing on Semiconductor Development

Gujarat's Role in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Gandhinagar, Feb 27: Gujarat is set to host the SemiConnect Conference-2026 on March 1 and 2 in Gandhinagar, as the state progresses with semiconductor initiatives valued at around Rs 1.24 lakh crore, aiming to establish itself as a pivotal manufacturing hub in India's chip-making sector.

During a press briefing in Gandhinagar, Arjun Modhwadia, the state's Science and Technology Minister, emphasized that this conference aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a global semiconductor powerhouse.

He noted that the disruptions in global supply chains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in semiconductor production, highlighted the critical need for domestic chip manufacturing.

“Viewing this challenge as an opportunity, the Prime Minister has committed to positioning the country as a semiconductor leader. Consequently, India is now at the forefront of semiconductor and fifth-generation smart manufacturing,” Modhwadia stated.

He also mentioned the recent India AI Impact Summit-2026 held in New Delhi, where representatives from approximately 88 countries collectively endorsed a declaration on the ethical application of artificial intelligence.

Modhwadia remarked, "Gujarat is emerging as a national center for semiconductor production, bolstered by significant investments currently in progress."

The two-day event will feature Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Information and Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

According to Modhwadia, this conference serves as the state's premier semiconductor platform, uniting global and domestic stakeholders across the electronics value chain.

He added that this initiative aims to position Gujarat as a hub for memory packaging and advanced semiconductor manufacturing, thereby enhancing India's electronics production and technological capabilities.

The conference seeks to foster collaboration among high-tech chip manufacturers, supply chain partners, and local industries to promote sustainable ecosystem growth.

As per the minister, this third edition builds on the success of the previous events in 2024 and 2025, which attracted various stakeholders, including fabs, foundries, equipment suppliers, and design ecosystem partners.

So far, over 2,500 registrations have been recorded from more than eight countries, encompassing industry representatives, foreign institutions, researchers, investors, and students.

Notable investors expected to participate include Dr. Randhir Thakur from Tata Electronics, Sanjay Mehrotra of Micron Technology, G. C. Chaturvedi from CG Power and Industrial Solutions, Ramesh Kannan of Kaynes Semicon, and Ajay Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI.

Modhwadia indicated that announcements regarding new investments and skill development initiatives in Gujarat's semiconductor and electronics sectors are anticipated during the conference.

The agenda will feature panel discussions on next-generation semiconductors, logistics and infrastructure in areas like Dholera and Sanand, semiconductor financing through GIFT IFSC, research and workforce development, and enhancing India's electronics ecosystem from printed circuit board manufacturing to component supply chains.

Additionally, country-focused roundtables with Taiwan and Japan, a Micron ecosystem roundtable, and a session titled 'From Silicon to Students' focusing on workforce development are planned.

Selected one-on-one meetings between senior industry leaders and government officials will occur alongside the formal sessions.

On March 2, delegates will tour Dholera Semicon City, where discussions with Tata Electronics and senior officials are scheduled.

Participants will receive insights into the plug-and-play industrial infrastructure, utilities, and logistics readiness supporting semiconductor-related advancements.

The conference is backed by both international and national knowledge partners, including SEMI, JETRO, KOTRA, the India Semiconductor Mission, ELCINA, IESA, ICEA, MEDEPC, and Invest India.

Officials such as Yu Yoshida from JETRO, Mr. Kim from KOTRA, and Homer Chang from TECC are also expected to attend.