NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory to be Established at IIT Bhubaneswar!

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has approved the establishment of the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar, marking a major milestone in Bharat’s journey toward semiconductor self-reliance. The project, financed under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme, carries an estimated cost of ₹4.95 crore and is designed to empower the next generation of semiconductor innovators, researchers, and engineers.

The NaMo Semiconductor Lab is envisioned as a world-class facility that will strengthen Bharat’s semiconductor ecosystem by providing students and researchers with access to cutting-edge tools, equipment, and training. With a focus on industry-relevant learning, the lab will help develop advanced competencies in chip design, fabrication, and packaging—fields that are crucial for Bharat’s ambitions to become a global semiconductor powerhouse.

Positioned as a key enabler of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’ initiatives, the lab will transform IIT Bhubaneswar into a leading national hub for semiconductor design and research. It will not only nurture talent for domestic industries but also contribute to the global semiconductor workforce. Currently, Bharat represents around 20% of the world’s chip design talent, with students from 295 universities already using advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools through partnerships with leading technology companies. Notably, 28 student-designed chips from 20 different institutions have been successfully taped out at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali — a strong indicator of the country’s growing design capabilities.

Odisha has emerged as a key player in Bharat’s semiconductor roadmap, with two major projects recently approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. One project focuses on developing an integrated facility for Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based compound semiconductors, while the other will establish an advanced 3D glass packaging unit. IIT Bhubaneswar, already home to the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC), is well-positioned to build on these advancements.

The upcoming NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory will further enhance the institute’s research, cleanroom, and training infrastructure. The facility will include essential tools and software suites for semiconductor design and fabrication, supporting both academic research and hands-on learning. Of the total ₹4.95 crore budget, ₹4.6 crore will be dedicated to acquiring state-of-the-art equipment, while ₹35 lakh will be invested in specialized software required for semiconductor design and analysis.

By establishing this advanced laboratory, Bharat takes a significant step forward in its vision to create a strong, self-sustaining semiconductor ecosystem that supports innovation, drives economic growth, and secures its place in the global technology supply chain. The NaMo Semiconductor Lab at IIT Bhubaneswar will stand as a symbol of the nation’s determination to build the future of electronics — designed, developed, and manufactured in India.