Japanese semiconductor companies are increasingly establishing a foothold in India’s burgeoning chip industry, as the nation seeks to become a global semiconductor hub. This expansion was evident at Semicon India 2026 in New Delhi, where over 30 Japanese companies participated in discussions on investment, technology partnerships, supply chains, and research and development with Indian counterparts.
India is focused on developing a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, encompassing chip materials, design, manufacturing, packaging, and testing. The government is also prioritizing the development of local semiconductor capabilities and building a skilled workforce. Despite a large pool of engineering talent, India faces a shortage of specialized semiconductor skills, a gap that Japanese companies hope to help fill.
Several Japanese firms are already forming strategic partnerships with Indian companies. Fujifilm, for instance, is collaborating with Tata Electronics on advanced semiconductor materials, while Sumitomo Chemical is exploring cooperation on semiconductor material supply chains. Enomoto is expected to lend support with production technology.
Tokyo Electron has plans to establish a training center in Gujarat by 2027 to train engineers in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This move is anticipated to facilitate technology transfer and workforce development, contributing to a more resilient semiconductor supply chain in India.
The growing presence of Japanese companies is seen as a positive step towards bolstering India’s semiconductor industry. Industry officials believe these collaborations will lead to substantial advancements in technology transfer and skill development, essential for India’s ambition to emerge as a prominent player in the global semiconductor market.