EPIC Foundation, a think tank focused on hardware innovation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics (VµE) to strengthen research and development in India’s electronics and semiconductor sectors. The collaboration aims to foster joint innovation between Indian and German institutions, with a focus on microelectronics technologies including sensors, MEMS, opto-electronics, CMOS design, packaging, and testing.
The MoU was formalized during the Indo-German Workshop on the draft charter and roadmap for collaboration, held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The agreement also includes initiatives for skilling, capacity building, and the creation of Electronics Innovation Clusters (EICs) across India.
The partnership will facilitate industry-sponsored research projects to bridge the gap between academia and industry. It also aims to promote mobility of researchers and develop a workforce aligned with international standards in future technologies.
“India’s ESDM sector is pivotal to achieving the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. To power the next wave of growth in the domestic ESDM sector, it is crucial to focus on R&D and next-generation technology innovation. This collaboration underscores our commitment to leveraging research capabilities for sustainable growth and building a self-reliant digital economy,” said Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman of EPIC Foundation.
“We have embarked on a journey to reduce dependency on imports and create a robust ESDM ecosystem by joining hands with Fraunhofer, which is known for its diverse expertise and infrastructure. We believe this partnership will contribute to India’s electronics industry achieving greater strategic autonomy,” he added,
“India is a strategic partner in Fraunhofer‘s global innovation journey. The country offers significant potential for collaborative R&D, supported by its talent pool, expanding industrial base, and strong policy momentum. Our aim is to co-develop technological capabilities and a skilled workforce that align with India’s developmental and competitive goals,” commented Anandi Iyer, Director of Fraunhofer Office India.
India’s Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector is expected to reach a market size of USD 300–400 billion by 2025, according to various industry estimates. EPIC Foundation is working with state governments and industry stakeholders to promote policies and build a sustainable electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
EPIC Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded by Ajai Chowdhry and Arjun Malhotra, co-founders of HCL. It serves as a think tank focused on hardware innovation and collaborates with government and industry to strengthen India’s domestic electronics manufacturing capabilities.
