The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) was successfully held in Mehsana, Gujarat, focusing on strategies to strengthen the semiconductor talent ecosystem. The event highlighted the state’s commitment to transforming Gujarat into a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, design, and workforce development.
VGRC Mehsana: A Platform for Semiconductor Workforce Development
The conference, hosted at Ganpat University in Mehsana, marked the first day with an essential workforce development session under the theme “From Vision to Velocity”. The session aimed to boost the semiconductor workforce and enhance Gujarat’s talent ecosystem strategically.
Key discussions centered on supporting Gujarat’s emerging semiconductor industry and creating a skilled workforce capable of meeting global standards. The conference underscored Gujarat’s determination to position itself as a global hub for semiconductor and electronics industries.
Industry Leaders Share Insights
Several industry leaders participated in the VGRC Mehsana event, offering valuable insights into semiconductor talent development. S. Aparna, CEO of GRIT, emphasized Gujarat’s proactive role in building a robust semiconductor ecosystem and highlighted the importance of quality education in developing skilled talent.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, addressed the session, emphasizing the national need for skilled professionals in this critical sector.
Other notable speakers included P. Bharti, Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology; Neha Kumari, Director of Gujarat State Electronics Mission; Manish Huda, Director of the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM); and Prof. Dr. Manoj Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor of GatiShakti University. Their presentations focused on various strategies and initiatives for strengthening the semiconductor talent ecosystem in Gujarat.
Vision for Gujarat’s Economic Growth
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel shared the state’s long-term vision, stating, “Our aim is to ensure the development of every district in Gujarat. The state’s economy, currently at $280 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2047.”
He further emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in preparing the youth for future challenges, ensuring that Gujarat develops a workforce ready to meet emerging technological demands.
Government Initiatives for Skilled Workforce
Balvant Singh Rajput, Gujarat’s Minister of Industrial Affairs, highlighted the state government’s plan to leverage local district strengths for targeted development. He noted, “Each district has unique features, and the government aims to utilize these capabilities to foster balanced regional growth.”
Investment and Economic Strategies
Mamata Verma, Principal Secretary of the Industrial Department, revealed that Gujarat has been hosting investment summits for over a decade. These summits attract interest from numerous major companies, and approximately 70% of proposed investments are successfully implemented.
The government also plans to divide the state into four zones for regional investment summits initially, followed by district-level summits. This approach aims to ensure inclusive development across Gujarat’s diverse regions.
VGRC Schedule and Regional Focus
The VGRC Mehsana event took place on October 9-10, focusing on northern Gujarat. Subsequent sessions will follow in other parts of the state:
- January: Rajkot – focusing on Saurashtra and Kutch regions
- March: Surat and Vadodara – targeting southern Gujarat
- January 2027: State-level Investor Summit in Gandhinagar or Ahmedabad
These events aim to engage stakeholders across Gujarat, offering tailored strategies for regional economic growth and development.
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Strengthening the Semiconductor Ecosystem
VGRC Mehsana played a pivotal role in addressing the state’s strategic goal of building a strong semiconductor workforce. The discussions and presentations highlighted critical areas such as:
- Talent development and education programs
- Industry-academia collaborations
- Workforce skilling for emerging semiconductor technologies
- Policies to attract investment and global partnerships
By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts, the conference provided a platform for collaborative planning, ensuring Gujarat remains competitive in the rapidly evolving semiconductor sector.
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Future Outlook
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference continues to be a key initiative for regional economic development, attracting global attention and investment. With a clear focus on workforce development and strategic planning, Gujarat is poised to emerge as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing and design.
By integrating technology, education, and industry collaboration, VGRC aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both the local economy and the global semiconductor industry.
