A measured English daily covering India and the wider world.
With AI reshaping demand patterns, India’s semiconductor ambitions are increasingly framed around execution—fabrication approvals, ecosystem building, and R&D investment. A recent industry note highlighted approvals for multiple fabs and funding for deep-tech research as part of the wider effort to build domestic capacity across design, manufacturing and advanced packaging.
A report cited by ETTelecom says India’s semiconductor demand in the AI era could climb to about 28% by end-2026, with strong interest in AI chips, custom silicon and memory-intensive components. The trend reflects how data centres, devices and digital services are reshaping the country’s hardware needs.
A Forrester report has raised questions about how successfully AI pilots are turning into production deployments within Indian IT services. The study suggests that while AI experimentation is widespread, only a small share of pilots mature into scaled, long-term solutions—pushing firms and enterprise buyers to focus more on governance, measurable outcomes and integration readiness.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme will not be delayed due to the recent PSLV-C62 anomaly, stressing that the PSLV investigation and Gaganyaan progress are independent tracks.
A KPMG report launched at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos says India’s growing role in semiconductors and AI is reshaping its place in global trade and technology. The report points to approvals for multiple semiconductor fabrication plants, higher deep-tech R&D allocations and ecosystem-building initiatives such as India Semiconductor Mission and Semicon India. It also highlights expanding AI infrastructure and governance measures, including deployments under the IndiaAI Mission and the creation of a safety institute.
Karnataka has approved a Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions (CATS) at Keonics’ HSR Layout facility in Bengaluru, to be set up with Nasscom and backed by multi-source funding. The centre aims to support AI adoption, prototypes, IP creation and start-up collaboration.
Sam Altman is expected to visit India in mid-February 2026, timed around the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi (February 16–20). The report says OpenAI may also hold a closed-door gathering for senior executives and VCs during the week.
A new outlook from staffing firm Xpheno suggests India’s tech job market has started 2026 on a weaker note, with active tech openings down year-on-year and demand concentrated in large hubs, while GCC hiring remains relatively resilient.