From Mature Nodes to Power Devices: Paresh Bharkhada Outlines Phased Strategy for India's Semiconductor Test Engineering Hub

Paresh Bharkhada, Managing Director at Teradyne India, delivered a motivating keynote at the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) Vision Summit 2026, stressing the critical yet often underappreciated role of test engineering in transforming India's semiconductor investments into reliable, high-quality production. With over 20 years of experience across engineering, management, and business development in the semiconductor sector, Bharkhada positioned test capabilities as foundational infrastructure essential for the nation's journey toward becoming a robust player in the global value chain, particularly in OSAT and ATMP segments.

Drawing on a high-profile real-world example, Bharkhada recounted the 2016 GoPro Karma drone recall, where inadequate real-world testing of a battery connector led to mid-flight failures, a recall of approximately 2,500 units, losses exceeding $373 million, and a stock decline of over 40 percent, ultimately forcing the company out of the drone market. He used the case to illustrate that rigorous testing and quality assurance are not optional luxuries but indispensable requirements for commercial success and reputation protection.

Bharkhada described test engineering as the point where silicon meets reality, enabling early detection of what works, what is margi...