August 12, 2025

The Union Cabinet has given a big thumbs-up to four new semiconductor projects worth ₹4,594 crore, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced at a lively press meet in New Delhi on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Why is this so thrilling? Because semiconductors are the heart and soul of modern technology. Without them, no country can claim to be developed! Mr. Vaishnaw explained, "Semiconductors are a foundational, strategic industry without which no country can count itself among developed nations. Four projects have been approved, two in Odisha, one in Punjab, and one in Andhra Pradesh." This year’s addition follows six earlier approved projects, which already have a massive capacity to produce 24 billion chips every year. But what's new and sizzling this time? Get ready for cutting-edge tech in Odisha! The Minister revealed a special silicon carbide plant will come up in Bhubaneswar. "Silicon carbide is a strategic need for the country. This plant will manufacture silicon carbide. This plant will be in Bhubaneswar. It’s an advanced plant where there will be advanced research. IIT Bhubaneswar has a research unit with great success," said Vaishnaw. He elaborated, "To grow silicon carbide, the powder is vapourised at 2,400 degrees, and accreted on a crystal. A wafer is then made. This is precision work, and this plant will do that work." Hold on, there's more! A 3D glass factory is also set to bloom in Odisha. Vaishnaw added, "In this unit, Intel has an investment, the world’s big companies will invest soon: Lockheed Martin, many private equity and venture capital funds. This [3D Glass] technology will be used across various industries like defence." What exactly is 3D glass? The Minister explained vividly, "3D glass is akin to a multi-storey building, it’s three dimensional packaging. It will be used in aerospace, defence, radar, wireless and high power computing racks." Punjab and Andhra Pradesh are not left behind. Continental Device India Pvt Ltd (CDIL) will team up with a Korean firm to create special devices like MOSFETs in Punjab. Meanwhile, Advanced System in Package Technologies Pvt Ltd (ASIP) will set up their plant in Andhra Pradesh. With these plans rolling out, India’s chip and semiconductor space is about to get a vibrant boost. The Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s words ring loud and clear – India is racing ahead in tech, building a future powered by innovation and skill!

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Tags: Semiconductor projects, Ashwini vaishnaw, India tech growth, Silicon carbide plant, 3d glass technology, Chip manufacturing,