SEMI to Launch India Semiconductor Academy, Boosting Talent and Ecosystem Development
SEMI將啟動印度半導體學院，促進人才與生態系統發展
SEMI, the global industry association serving the semiconductor ecosystem, is spearheading efforts to establish India as a global semiconductor hub through the creation of the India Semiconductor Academy. Modeled after the successful American Semiconductor Academy, the initiative will collaborate with premier Indian technical institutes, including IITs and NITs, to bridge the gap between academia and industry. SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha emphasized the academy’s role in nurturing India’s vast talent pool to meet the industry’s demand for skilled professionals, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline to drive the country’s semiconductor ambitions.
For non-Indian companies, SEMI’s initiatives present a valuable opportunity to engage with a burgeoning talent base and an evolving semiconductor ecosystem. The association’s strategic partnership with the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and its global expertise aim to attract investments and foster innovation. SEMI’s neutral networking platform, which connects 1.5 million industry players annually, could facilitate collaborations and partnerships, making India an attractive destination for global semiconductor giants to expand operations and capitalize on the country’s growth potential.
https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20241225VL205/iesa-india-semi-talent.html
小編點評：SEMI國際半導體產業協會將啟動印度半導體學院，與包括IIT和NIT在內的印度頂尖技術機構合作，縮短學術與產業之間的差距。該學院將培育大量技術專業人才，以滿足產業需求，推動印度成為全球半導體中心的雄心。對於非印度公司來說，此舉提供了接觸印度成長中的人才庫和不斷演進的半導體生態系統的機會，並可能通過SEMI的全球網絡和IESA的合作吸引投資與創新。
Foxconn Completes $230 Million Housing Facility for Tamil Nadu Workers
富士康完成2.3億美元泰米爾納德邦員工宿舍設施
Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has completed its $230 million (INR 1,965.4 crore) project to build housing facilities for its workforce in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Spread across 20 acres, the facility includes six 10-story residential blocks and two utility blocks, accommodating 18,000 beds. The dorms are designed to enhance the convenience and well-being of the predominantly female workforce, offering proximity to the production site along with recreational facilities such as cricket, badminton, basketball, and volleyball courts. Additionally, a subsidized canteen and a grocery store have been established for workers’ daily needs.
This development aligns with Foxconn’s broader strategy of shifting a significant portion of iPhone production to India, following its earlier reliance on Zhengzhou, China. The initiative also reflects Apple and Foxconn’s commitment to expanding operations in India, as the country now contributes 12-14% of global iPhone production. With plans to increase this to 32% by 2026-27, the housing facility underscores Foxconn’s focus on creating a supportive ecosystem for its workforce, addressing earlier controversies regarding recruitment practices, and meeting the growing demand for locally manufactured Apple devices.
https://inc42.com/buzz/foxconn-completes-230-mn-housing-project-for-workers-in-tn
小編點評：台灣電子巨頭富士康完成了位於泰米爾納德邦Sriperumbudur的宿舍設施建設，總投資2.3億美元，提供18,000個床位和娛樂設施，包括羽毛球、籃球和排球場地。此舉支持其在印度擴大的生產營運，反映出富士康與蘋果深化經濟合作的重要性，並鞏固了印度作為全球iPhone製造重地的地位。
India Adopts Liberal Laptop and Tablet Import Policy for 2025, Boosts Local Manufacturing Push
印度放寬筆記型電腦和平板電腦進口政策以推動2025年本地製造
The Indian government has extended its liberal import policy for laptops and tablets throughout 2025, aiming to prevent supply disruptions and support local manufacturing growth. Import authorizations valid for the full year ensure flexibility, with a mid-year review planned to address potential demand-supply gaps. Gradual reductions in imports, targeting a 5% annual decrease, are set to coincide with an increase in local production, with all major brands expected to shift manufacturing operations to India by late 2025. This approach is part of India’s broader strategy to establish a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem while maintaining oversight through an import management system introduced in 2024.
This policy presents both opportunities and challenges for international companies. The extended import timeline allows global players to adapt their operations to align with India’s push for domestic production. However, major tech firms like Apple, Dell, and HP, which have previously expressed concerns about potential supply chain disruptions, will need to manage India’s shifting regulatory framework carefully. The move toward increased local manufacturing may require substantial investment in Indian facilities, positioning the country as a potential global hub for IT hardware production.
小編點評：印度政府延長了寬鬆的筆記型電腦和平板電腦進口政策至2025年，旨在避免供應中斷並支持本地製造增長。此政策允許國際品牌靈活適應印度的本地化生產策略，但也對公司如蘋果、戴爾和惠普提出挑戰，它們需要應對印度不斷變化的監管框架並調整運營計劃。
ESC Urges Enhanced R&D Incentives, Proposes Extension of Design Linked Incentive Scheme
ESC敦促加強研發鼓勵，建議延長設計鏈激勵計劃
The Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) has called for a recalibration of India’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme to make it more comprehensive and impactful. During a recent interaction with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, ESC proposed extending the DLI scheme by 10 years, until 2035, citing the long gestation periods required for advancements in electronics and semiconductor design. The industry body also recommended additional funding of $20 billion for R&D in emerging technologies like AI and IoT and suggested tax holidays on sales of IP-driven products to incentivize innovation and reduce reliance on foreign patents.
These initiatives reflect India’s strong focus on building a thriving electronics and semiconductor ecosystem, creating significant opportunities for international companies. The emphasis on R&D incentives and local IP development opens avenues for global firms to engage with India’s advancing technology sector. With the country’s electronics market projected to reach $300 billion by 2025-26, aligning with these efforts could enable foreign businesses to capitalize on one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide.
小編點評：印度電子及電腦軟體出口推廣協會（ESC）呼籲延長印度設計鏈激勵（DLI）計劃至2035年，並建議為AI和物聯網等新興技術增加200億美元的研發資金。這些舉措展示了印度在建立蓬勃發展的電子與半導體生態系統方面的決心，為國際公司提供了與印度快速增長的技術市場合作的機會。
EV Assembly Lines in Existing Factories to Qualify for Incentives Under SMEC
現有工廠的電動車生產線將符合SMEC激勵資格
In a move to bolster electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in India, the government has clarified that investments in setting up dedicated EV assembly lines within existing factory premises will qualify for incentives under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars (SMEC). This long-awaited policy clarification is expected to attract global EV makers, including those already operating in India, who had been seeking assurance on what constitutes eligible investment before committing to the scheme. The SMEC also allows automakers to initially import high-end EVs at reduced duties while they establish local production facilities and scale up operations.
This decision is particularly significant for foreign automakers eyeing India’s growing EV market. Companies with existing internal combustion engine production units can now repurpose their facilities to include EV assembly lines and avail themselves of SMEC benefits, enhancing their competitiveness. Industry insiders noted that this clarity addresses a major concern for global carmakers, potentially accelerating foreign investments and collaboration in India’s EV sector.
小編點評：印度政府澄清了現有工廠設立專用電動車生產線的投資符合促進印度電動乘用車製造計畫（SPMEPCI）激勵資格，為全球汽車製造商提供了改造其內燃機生產廠房以包括電動車生產的機會。此政策預計將吸引更多外資，加速印度電動車市場的增長。
Electronics Industry Seeks Import Duty Cuts and Subsidies in Upcoming Budget
電子產業在即將公布的預算中尋求降低進口稅與補貼
The electronics industry in India has urged the government to reduce import duties on key components used in mobile phone manufacturing, such as inductor coils, microphones, and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), in the upcoming Union Budget. Industry representatives have also called for subsidies to offset the cost of mandatory testing and certification, an extension of the 15% corporate tax waiver for manufacturing companies, a technology acquisition fund, and the creation of dedicated clusters for component manufacturing. Phone makers, in particular, have sought a reduction in the import duty on components like microphones, receivers, speakers, and flexible printed circuit assemblies from 15% to 10%, along with duty-free imports of PCBA parts, currently taxed at 2.5%.
These reforms are critical to making India competitive with manufacturing hubs like China and Vietnam, where tariffs on mobile phone inputs are significantly lower. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has proposed a simplified tariff structure, including duty-free imports for certain inputs and a tiered duty system for components and sub-assemblies. For non-Indian companies, these potential changes could open up new opportunities in India’s electronics sector by reducing costs for local manufacturing, thereby making the Indian market more attractive for investment and supply chain integration.
小編點評：印度電子產業敦促政府在即將公布的聯邦預算中降低手機製造關鍵零組件的進口稅，如印刷電路板組件（PCBA）、麥克風和感應線圈，並提供測試與認證費用補貼。這些改革對於增強印度在全球製造業中的競爭力至關重要，也為國際公司進入印度電子產業創造了潛在機會。