KPMG at WEF 2026 flags India’s semiconductor push and AI scale-up as a global growth lever
A KPMG India note published during World Economic Forum 2026 highlights India’s semiconductor ecosystem build-out and rapid AI adoption, pointing to policy backing for chip manufacturing and deep-tech R&D alongside large-scale compute infrastructure under the IndiaAI Mission.
Semiconductors: from policy to execution
India’s ambitions in semiconductors and artificial intelligence are being positioned as a key driver of broader economic transformation, according to a KPMG India press release issued during the World Economic Forum 2026. The note argues that India is moving from intent to execution by building capacity across the semiconductor value chain—fabrication, testing, packaging, and the upstream supply base.
The release highlights government support for semiconductor fabrication projects and deep-tech research funding, framing these as signals of long-term commitment to domestic capability-building. It also points to ecosystem enablers such as talent development, R&D, and partnerships needed to convert industrial policy into reliable output.
AI: compute, adoption and economic impact
On AI, the note flags rapid adoption across sectors and describes India’s scale-up as being supported by significant compute deployment under the IndiaAI Mission. It also references an emerging focus on responsible AI, including governance and safety initiatives, as AI use expands in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education and defence.
The larger claim is directional: if chip capacity, R&D, and AI infrastructure mature in parallel, India could become a more influential node in global technology supply chains and standards-setting—especially as companies diversify manufacturing and design footprints across geographies.
What it could mean for India’s tech economy
For businesses, the semiconductor story is not only about fabs; it is also about testing and packaging, reliable chemicals and gases supply, skilled engineers, and demand from sectors like automotive and electronics. For AI, the near-term pressure point is access to compute and talent, while the long-term question is whether adoption converts into productivity gains and exportable products. The KPMG note suggests both tracks are now being pursued at scale rather than in pilots.