‘ISM 2.0 to boost deep tech startups’

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 will focus on boosting deep-tech startups, prioritizing the creation of a design ecosystem, and getting equipment manufacturing and designing in the country, said Union minister of electronics and information technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw."As the semiconductor sector globally grows from $800-900 billion to a trillion-dollar industry, a 2-million talent gap that the second phase creates will mean opportunities for students," the minister said while delivering the keynote address at the Gujarat SemiConnect Conference 2026. "Today, we have 10 semiconductor plants in the offing, with the first one starting commercial production on Saturday. Together, these projects represent an investment of about Rs 1.60 lakh crore. Very soon, the second plant will also start commercial production. Three more semiconductor plants will go into commercial production in India this year," he said. "The top priority for ISM 2.0 will be creating a design ecosystem, so that deep tech startups get the opportunity to develop the next Qualcomm," Vaishnaw said. On bridging the talent gap, the minister said, "From 350 (in ISM 1.0), we will take it to 500 universities."