UP’s semiconductor ambition takes centre stage at CNBC-TV18 & Moneycontrol UP Tech Next Electronics & Semiconductor Summit

CNBC-TV18 & Moneycontrol UP Tech Next Electronics & Semiconductor Summit

The CNBC-TV18 & Moneycontrol UP Tech Next Electronics & Semiconductor Summit commenced by spotlighting Uttar Pradesh’s growing influence in India’s electronics landscape, setting a confident tone for the state’s semiconductor ambitions. Opening conversation with Nalin Mehta, Managing Editor, Moneycontrol, underscored UP’s emergence as a major engine of India’s electronics sector. Nearly half of India’s mobile phones are now manufactured in the state, and close to 15% of the country’s electronics exports originate here, numbers that reflect both scale and momentum.

Building on this backdrop of rapid growth, Sunil Kumar Sharma, Minister for Information Technology & Electronics, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted on-ground progress: land allotments for semiconductor units, secured central funding, and a rising investor base. The state expects its first semiconductor unit to be operational by 2027–28, marking a significant step toward reducing foreign chip dependency and enabling large-scale employment.

Taking the conversation from sectoral initiatives to the state’s broader economic vision, Awanish Kumar Awasthy, Chief Advisor of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, broadened the lens with UP’s $1 trillion economic target that aligns closely with the Viksit Bharat vision. He emphasised tourism growth, rising revenues, AI and electronics-led initiatives, and increased inter-departmental coordination as key drivers, noting that the real challenge ahead is execution rather than funding.

With this strategic context established, industry leaders from SEMI India, Micron, Kaynes, and Analog Devices brought realism and optimism together. They acknowledged impatience around timelines but reiterated that semiconductors are a long-cycle sector. They highlighted how India is emerging as a trusted manufacturing partner. However, strengthening R&D, university infrastructure, and a skilled workforce remains critical.

Adding the policy layer to these industry insights, Dr. Sushil Pal, IAS, Joint Secretary, MeitY outlined Semicon 2.0’s focus on execution and value-chain growth; other panels explored how chips will transform agriculture, cooperatives, transport, and digital services.

Furthering the theme of future readiness, the innovation-focused panel featuring Saankhya Labs, IndieSemiC, PwC, and UP Electronics Corporation noted India’s talent but expressed the need to strengthen its risk-taking culture, IP creation, and product innovation ecosystem. Their recommendations included encouraging semiconductor startups, prioritizing high-demand chip categories like automotive, and building digital capabilities in rural India.

Across all conversations, the message was clear: Uttar Pradesh is preparing not just to participate in India’s semiconductor journey but to lead it. Driven by policy focus, industry partnership, and an expanding innovation ecosystem, the state is positioning itself as a central pillar in India’s semiconductor future.

Explore every insight, policy detail, and industry perspective by watching the full summit here: https://www.moneycontrol.com/msite/up-technext-summit