Two roundtable discussions were held on the second day of the Madhya Pradesh Semiconductor Summit-2026 at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore to explore opportunities for developing a self-reliant semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the state. Industry leaders and experts deliberated on research, technology development, workforce skills and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.
First Roundtable: Focus on Research, Innovation and Youth Skill Development
Chairing the discussion, MPSEDC Managing Director Shri Anshuman Raj said the objective was to understand industry requirements and explore how academic institutions and the government could provide the necessary support, facilities and resources.
Professor Shri Shailendra Kumar of IIT Kharagpur highlighted Madhya Pradesh's potential to develop these technology sectors, emphasising coordination among industry, academic institutions and the government. He also highlighted the importance of developing indigenous technologies, translating research into practical applications, and strengthening training programmes.
Professor Shri Mukesh Kumar of IIT Indore invited participants to suggest ways to build local technological capabilities through training and collaboration.
Industry-Oriented Training for Local Youth
Participants emphasised the need to align training at ITIs, polytechnics and universities with semiconductor industry requirements, incorporating practical training in electronic equipment handling, signal measurement, testing and packaging into engineering education.
The roundtable also examined the need to identify priorities based on Madhya Pradesh's requirements, develop specialised talent and provide startups with skilled human resources, technical facilities and research support. Other proposals included research projects addressing sector-specific needs, including defence, and providing institutions with the required equipment and financial assistance.
Second Roundtable: Strengthening Semiconductor Manufacturing and MSMEs
The second roundtable focused on empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and positioning Madhya Pradesh as a major hub for Semiconductor and Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM). The meeting was chaired by Shri John Kingsley, Secretary, MSME Department, and attended by industry representatives, policymakers and experts.
Discussions centred on developing a robust local semiconductor supply chain, including chip packaging and testing, speciality chemicals, industrial gases and electronic components. Participants emphasised the need to improve MSME access to advanced technologies, financial assistance and new markets. Shared testing and certification facilities were identified as a means of reducing operating costs and improving product quality.
The meeting also agreed on the need to introduce specialised training programmes in collaboration with IIT Indore and other reputed technical institutions. These programmes would cover multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, electronics instrumentation and advanced manufacturing technologies to prepare a skilled workforce for the industry.
The discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts by the government, industry, MSMEs and academic institutions to build a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. Strengthening technical capabilities, industrial infrastructure, access to finance and market linkages is expected to improve MSME competitiveness, attract investment and create skilled employment opportunities for young people in Madhya Pradesh.
