India Semiconductor Mission Advances with NaMo Lab Approval at IIT Bhubaneswar

The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has approved the establishment of the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar, funded under the MPLAD Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs. 4.95 crore. Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, which aims to develop talent for indigenous chip manufacturing and packaging units across the country.

The laboratory will equip students with skills in semiconductor training, design, and fabrication. It includes essential equipment costing INR 4.6 crore and software at INR 35 lakh. This setup will position IIT Bhubaneswar as a hub for semiconductor research and skilling, contributing to the country's talent pool.

The project aligns with the Make in India and Design in India initiatives by providing industry-ready capabilities. It will support the semiconductor ecosystem, where India holds 20% of the global chip design talent. Currently, students from 295 universities access the latest EDA tools provided by industry partners. Additionally, 28 student-designed chips from 20 institutes have been taped out at SCL Mohali.

Odisha's role in the sector factors into the lab's location. The state recently secured approvals for two projects under the India Semiconductor Mission: an integrated facility for Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based compound semiconductors and an advanced 3D glass packagi...