In our increasingly digital world, electronic gadgets have become integral to daily life. From smartphones and home automation systems to ATMs, these devices rely heavily on semiconductors. These tiny yet essential components play a pivotal role in modern technology. Despite the global supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, the demand for semiconductors continues to rise. According to Statista, the semiconductor market is expected to reach $10.68 billion by 2027. India, heavily reliant on semiconductor imports, is witnessing growing interest from companies looking to establish production facilities within the country. This article explores the top 10 semiconductor companies in India, offering an in-depth look at this critical sector.

Understanding Semiconductors

Before diving into the leading semiconductor companies in India, it’s important to grasp what semiconductors are. Semiconductors are materials with specific electrical properties that are crucial in electronic devices. They are typically solid materials that conduct electricity under certain conditions but not others, making them ideal for managing electrical currents.

Unlike conductors, which always carry electricity, and insulators, which never do, semiconductors fall somewhere in between. Devices such as diodes, integrated circuits (ICs), and transistors are made from semiconductors. Their ability to conduct electricity can vary based on factors like current, voltage, or light exposure. The properties of semiconductors are modified by adding impurities, known as dopants, which are crucial for their functionality in modern technology.

Top 10 Leading Semiconductor Companies in India

1. ASM Technologies

Founded in 1992, ASM Technologies is a significant player in the semiconductor equipment and services sector. This publicly traded Indian company operates globally, with a presence in the USA, Singapore, the UK, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. With over two decades of experience, ASM provides consulting and product development services in Engineering Services and Product R&D. The company has established successful Offshore Development & Support Centers in India and abroad, catering to a diverse international clientele.

2. Broadcom Inc.

Broadcom Inc., a prominent American semiconductor firm, has been active in India for over 20 years. This multinational company manufactures a wide range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products. Broadcom’s offerings serve various sectors, including data centers, networks, broadband, wireless, storage, and industrial applications. In 2023, semiconductors accounted for 79% of Broadcom’s revenue, with the remaining 21% coming from infrastructure software.

3. Vedanta Ltd.

Vedanta Ltd. was founded in the 1980s by D.P. Agarwal, who initially started Sterlite Industries (India) Limited in Mumbai and acquired mining rights in various Indian states. The company is now managed by his sons, Navin Agarwal and Anil Agarwal, and operates through its primary holding company, Volcan Investments, based in Nassau, Bahamas. In September 2022, Vedanta announced a partnership with Foxconn to invest ₹1.54 trillion (approximately $19 billion) in semiconductor manufacturing plants in Gujarat. Although the partnership was paused in 2023, both companies remain committed to establishing semiconductor foundries in India.

4. Micron Technology

Micron Technology, founded in 1978, began as a small semiconductor design company in Boise, Idaho, with just four founders operating from a basement. By 1980, Micron had constructed its first semiconductor manufacturing plant. It quickly made a mark with the introduction of the world’s smallest 256K DRAM. Micron joined the Fortune 500 list in 1994 and has since grown into a leading industry player. The company’s success is attributed to its technological innovations, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions. Micron continues to make significant advancements in memory and storage technologies.

5. MosChip Technologies

Established in 1999, MosChip Technologies is a publicly traded company based in Hyderabad, India. With over 1300 engineers spread across Silicon Valley in the USA, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, MosChip specializes in designing semiconductors for computing, networking, and consumer applications. The company has produced millions of connectivity ICs, becoming a key player in the technology sector. MosChip emphasizes timely delivery and robust client support, aligning its services with client needs to maintain a competitive edge.

6. NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors, headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, holds a significant position in India’s semiconductor market. With around 31,000 employees across 30 countries, NXP generated $11.06 billion in revenue in 2021. The company operates research facilities in Bangalore and Noida, focusing on developing new products, software, and systems. NXP provides technology solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, mobile, and communication markets. It boasts over 9,500 patent families and manufactures chips for applications like electronic passports, RFID tags, and transport systems worldwide.

7. Samsung Semiconductors

Samsung Semiconductors India operates from the Samsung Research and Development Center in Bengaluru, Karnataka. As a branch of Samsung Electronics, established in 1974, Samsung is renowned as a leading global chip maker. The company aims to inspire device manufacturers with its advanced semiconductor components. Samsung collaborates with Indian universities and research institutions to drive innovation in semiconductor research and development, striving to enhance global quality of life with its cutting-edge solutions.

8. Applied Materials

Applied Materials Inc., an American company, provides essential tools, services, and software for manufacturing semiconductor chips used in a variety of electronics, including computers, phones, TVs, and solar products. Located in Bengaluru, Applied Materials also offers tools for producing coatings for flexible electronics and packaging. The company’s innovations and technologies are fundamental to the semiconductor industry, enabling advancements in electronic products and paving the way for future developments.

9. SPEL Semiconductor Ltd.

SPEL Semiconductor Limited, established in 1988, is a pioneer in Semiconductor IC Assembly and Testing in India. Initially focused on the local market, SPEL has expanded its reach globally, serving major Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs) and Fabless Companies in the US and Asia. As India’s sole Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test Services (OSAT) provider, SPEL is a trusted contract manufacturer for top semiconductor firms. Its packaging technology supports a wide range of applications, including communications, consumer electronics, and computing.

10. Masamb

Founded in 2007 and based in Noida, Masamb specializes in semiconductor services. The company supports semiconductor, EDA (Electronic Design Automation), and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) companies with services such as RTL Design, Functional Verification, Analog and Mixed Signal Design, Physical Design, CAD Methodology, and Embedded Systems development. Masamb’s services cover a broad spectrum of semiconductor applications, including Real-Time Embedded/Firmware development and IP development.

Conclusion

The semiconductor industry is vital to modern electronics, and India is making significant strides in this field. With the country’s reliance on semiconductor imports from Taiwan, China, Korea, and Vietnam, establishing a robust domestic semiconductor industry is crucial for India’s self-reliance. The leading semiconductor companies in India, with their extensive experience and innovative approaches, are at the forefront of this transformation. As the Indian government’s initiatives to boost semiconductor production take shape, these companies will play a critical role in driving the country’s progress in the global semiconductor landscape.