In a significant move to strengthen India's sensor product development and manufacturing capabilities, the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA) and the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA), the premier industry body representing stakeholders in India's electronics and semiconductor sectors, have signed an MoU. This partnership aims to advance India's ambition to become a global leader in the ESDM sector.

IESA's dedication to fostering innovation, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and advancing technology development in India is strengthened by its collaboration with ELCIA. The partnership will establish a Centre of Excellence (ECoE) focused on sensor technologies, addressing India's growing demand for sensor modules and working to reduce reliance on imports. The Indian sensor module market, valued at approximately Rs 20,000 crore, is projected to grow to Rs 31,000 crore by 2027.

This strategic alliance seeks to position India as a global leader in sensor manufacturing by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as analogue and digital sensors, semiconductors, Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS), Nano-Electromechanical Systems (NEMS), IR, UV, and laser technologies. MEMS and NEMS, which integrate mechanical and electronic components, are particularly vital for industrial sensors. The initial focus of the ECoE-Sensors will be on industrial applications, with plans to expand into other sectors.

Ashok Chandak, President of IESA, stated, "This partnership with ELCIA is a critical step toward bolstering India's ambition to be a Product Nation. Focusing on sensor design, manufacturing, and applications will not only reduce reliance on imports but also contribute to the growth of India's semiconductor and electronics sectors."

Sriram Kumar V, President of ELCIA, remarked, "ELCIA has embarked on an ambitious journey to create a holistic ecosystem connecting industry and academia to reduce dependence on imported sensors, which currently exceeds 90 per cent. We warmly welcome IESA as an integral partner in E-CoE-S, where collaboration will be driven by passion and determination to support the Indian industry."

Dr. V. Veerappan, Chairman of IESA, added, "This collaboration is pivotal to India's sensor manufacturing landscape. By combining our strengths, we aim to develop a robust ecosystem that drives growth, generates employment, and fosters research and development in sensor technologies. Our ultimate goal is to establish India as a hub for sensor innovation and manufacturing."