India Enters the 2 Nanometre Era: A Major Leap in Advanced Semiconductor Design

 

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India Enters the 2 Nanometre Era: A Major Leap in Advanced Semiconductor Design

By Home Academy | Tech Update

India has marked a decisive milestone in its technological journey with the launch of a 2 nanometre (2 nm) semiconductor chip designed at Qualcomm’s Bengaluru facility. This achievement places India firmly on the global map of advanced chip design and deep-tech innovation, highlighting the country’s growing role in next-generation semiconductor engineering.

The development of a 2 nm chip represents one of the most advanced stages in semiconductor technology. Chips at this scale offer higher performance, greater energy efficiency, and reduced power consumption, making them crucial for applications such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, advanced telecom systems, autonomous vehicles, and strategic technologies.

India’s Rising Role in Global Semiconductor Engineering

The successful design of a 2 nm chip in India reflects the country’s strength in engineering talent and electronic system design. Global technology companies are increasingly relying on Indian design centres for cutting-edge semiconductor innovation, moving India beyond services into the domain of core product and IP creation.

This progress signals a shift where India is no longer just a consumer of semiconductor technology but an active contributor to global chip architecture and design leadership.

Building a Complete Semiconductor Ecosystem

India’s semiconductor strategy focuses on creating a self-reliant and end-to-end ecosystem, covering design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and packaging. Currently, multiple semiconductor units are under construction, with several having entered pilot production. These units are undergoing product qualification and validation, paving the way for commercial-scale manufacturing in the near future.

The decision to initially focus on 28 nanometre fabrication was strategic, as it caters to nearly 75% of global demand, including automotive electronics, telecom infrastructure, power management systems, and strategic sectors.

Talent Pipeline: The Real Backbone of Semiconductor Growth

One of the strongest pillars of India’s semiconductor mission is its talent ecosystem. Since 2022, more than 315 universities across India have been equipped with world-class Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools from leading global providers. Students, including those from remote institutions, are now actively designing chips, participating in tape-out processes, and validating real silicon.

This large-scale academic integration is creating a robust and future-ready workforce, ensuring that India has the skilled manpower required for sustained leadership in semiconductor design and innovation.

India Semiconductor Mission 2.0: A Design-Led Vision

The upcoming India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 marks a strategic evolution in policy focus. While ISM 1.0 concentrated on establishing foundational infrastructure such as ATMP facilities and ecosystem readiness, ISM 2.0 will emphasize:

Supporting design-led startups and product companies

Developing a complete domestic supply chain, including equipment, chemicals, gases, and testing facilities
Deepening advanced skills by partnering with universities for solution-oriented research

This shift underlines India’s ambition to move from manufacturing support to innovation leadership.

Preparing for the Fifth Industrial Revolution

As the 5th Industrial Revolution takes shape, convergence between government, industry, and academia becomes essential. Semiconductor technology lies at the heart of this transformation, enabling smart manufacturing, AI-driven systems, sustainable technologies, and digital infrastructure.

To fully realize this potential, continuous upskilling and reskilling of students and professionals is critical. Industry-aligned curricula and applied research will ensure that India not only meets global demand but also creates high-value solutions for the world.

Conclusion

The launch of the 2 nm semiconductor chip in Bengaluru is more than a technological event—it is a statement of India’s readiness to lead in deep-tech innovation. With a strong talent base, expanding infrastructure, and a design-first policy vision, India is steadily transforming into a global semiconductor powerhouse.

MCQ QUESTION🙋

1. The launch of the 2 nanometre semiconductor chip in Bengaluru highlights India’s growing strength primarily in which area?
   A) Semiconductor raw material mining
   B) Advanced chip design and engineering
   C) Consumer electronics manufacturing
   D) Telecom equipment import
   Answer: B

2. A 2 nm semiconductor chip is especially significant because it offers
   A) Larger size and lower cost
   B) Higher power consumption
   C) Higher performance with greater energy efficiency
   D) Reduced processing capability
   Answer: C

3. The initial focus on 28 nanometre semiconductor fabrication in India was chosen because it
   A) Supports only defence applications
   B) Covers nearly three-fourths of global chip requirements
   C) Is the most advanced chip technology
   D) Requires no skilled workforce
   Answer: B

4. Which sectors are mainly served by 28 nm semiconductor technology in India?
   A) Agriculture and textiles
   B) Entertainment and media
   C) Automotive, telecom and power management
   D) Tourism and hospitality
   Answer: C

5. The integration of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools in more than 315 Indian universities mainly aims to
   A) Reduce software imports
   B) Promote theoretical research only
   C) Create a strong semiconductor talent pipeline
   D) Replace manufacturing units
   Answer: C

6. India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 primarily emphasizes
   A) Importing finished semiconductor chips
   B) Closing existing fabrication units
   C) Design-led startups and complete ecosystem development
   D) Shifting focus away from academia
   Answer: C

7. The term “tape-out” in semiconductor education and design refers to
   A) Packaging of finished chips
   B) Final stage of chip design sent for fabrication
   C) Testing of consumer devices
   D) Marketing of semiconductor products
   Answer: B

8. The Fifth Industrial Revolution places strong emphasis on
   A) Manual labour and traditional industries
   B) Separation of academia and industry
   C) Collaboration between government, industry and academia
   D) Limiting technological innovation
   Answer: C

9. The successful design of advanced chips in India indicates a shift from
   A) Manufacturing dominance to agriculture
   B) Services-only role to product and IP creation
   C) Domestic focus to isolation
   D) Public sector to informal economy
   Answer: B

10. Continuous upskilling and reskilling in the semiconductor sector is essential to
    A) Reduce student enrollment
    B) Eliminate academic research
    C) Meet global technology solution demands
    D) Replace automation with manual work
    Answer: C