HardwareNov 6, 2026, 10:01 PM UTC·1 min read

India Opens Semicon 2.0 Portal, Vaishnaw Warns Off Frivolous Bids

India has launched the Semicon 2.0 application portal, starting with three of six pillars. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government wants only serious players.

Engineers in cleanroom suits inspect a semiconductor wafer inside a chip fabrication facility. — Image: The Economic Times

The Indian government on Friday launched the web application portal for Semicon 2.0, its next phase of support for the domestic chip industry. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told industry the programme is meant for serious players and that there is no place for frivolous applicants.

Three of six pillars open first

The portal will initially accept applications for three of the programme's six pillars: machines and materials, fabs, and packaging. Guidelines have so far been issued only for these three areas, and the portal is now inviting proposals for them.

The remaining three pillars cover design, research and development, and talent. Applications for those areas are not yet being taken through the portal, since guidelines for them have not been issued.

Why it matters

The message to industry is about quality over quantity. By signalling that speculative or poorly prepared proposals are unwelcome, the government is indicating that it will scrutinise applicants closely as it decides who gets backing under the scheme.

For companies planning fabrication plants, packaging units or equipment and materials supply in India, the portal marks the point at which they can formally put their plans forward. The focus on machines, materials and packaging also reflects an effort to build the wider supply chain around chipmaking rather than only the fabs themselves.

What comes next

Guidelines for design, R&D and talent are still to be issued, after which applications for those pillars are expected to follow through the same route. Firms interested in the first three pillars can now begin submitting proposals on the portal.

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Tags:semicon 2.0indiasemiconductorsvaishnawfabspackaging