Gujarat is emerging as a future-ready technology hub, backed by strong policy support and strategic investments. The state is advancing rapidly in semiconductors, AI, and digital infrastructure. Shri Arjun Modhwadia, Hon’ble Minister for Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, in conversation with Hemangini Rajput and Sahaj Anand of Elets Technomedia, shares how the Department of Science & Technology is driving this transformation.
Question 1: Gujarat is rapidly emerging as a major centre for science, technology, and innovation. How is your department shaping this transformation to strengthen the state’s leadership in future-ready industries?
Gujarat’s transformation into a future-ready technology hub is being driven by strong policy support, world-class infrastructure, and strategic execution by the Department of Science & Technology. The state has introduced progressive policies covering semiconductors, electronics, SpaceTech, and the Science, Technology & Innovation Policy 2026–31, supported by a dedicated INR 1,000 crore innovation fund.
Simultaneously, Gujarat is developing advanced infrastructure through IT parks across multiple cities, hyperscale data centres planned at Dholera, and a submarine cable landing station, positioning the state as India’s strategic digital gateway. Through institutions like Gujarat Informatics Limited, the AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City, GSWAN, and the State Data Centre, Gujarat is deploying practical AI and digital governance solutions, steadily transitioning from a technology-enabled state to a technology-defining leader.
Question 2: What are the key priorities of DST Gujarat in strengthening research, technology development, and industrial innovation across the state?
DST Gujarat’s primary focus is on promoting applied, industry-oriented research in high-growth sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and clean energy.
The department is strengthening industry-academia collaboration through initiatives like Project SAMARTH at IIT Gandhinagar, the Swadeshi Anusandhan Fund under the STI Policy, and the creation of Research and Innovation Clusters integrating academia, startups, and industry.
Through startup support ecosystems like i-Hub and SSIP, structured innovation challenges, and deployment of over 40 AI use cases across departments, Gujarat is building a strong innovation-to-industry pipeline. Additionally, traditional industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and engineering, are being modernised using advanced technologies while simultaneously nurturing future-ready scientific and industrial talent.
Question 3: As Gujarat takes a leading role in India’s semiconductor mission, what strategic measures are being implemented to position the state as a global semiconductor manufacturing and design hub?
Gujarat has established itself as India’s semiconductor frontrunner by launching the country’s first dedicated Semiconductor Policy aligned with the India Semiconductor Mission. The policy offers globally competitive incentives, including combined capital subsidies of up to 70%, subsidised land, reliable utilities, and fast-track approvals. These strategic measures have already attracted investments exceeding INR 1.25 lakh crore from major players such as Tata Electronics, Micron, CG Semi, and Kaynes.
In parallel, Gujarat is building comprehensive semiconductor ecosystems in Dholera and Sanand through Electronics Manufacturing Clusters, integrated logistics, advanced skilling initiatives, semiconductor design capabilities, and high-performance computing infrastructure. This holistic approach positions Gujarat not only as a manufacturing base but also as a global centre for semiconductor design, innovation, and ecosystem development.
Question 4: How are semiconductor projects in Dholera, Sanand, and other strategic regions expected to transform Gujarat’s industrial landscape and economic growth?
Semiconductor investments in Dholera, Sanand, and other strategic locations are driving a structural transformation in Gujarat’s industrial economy by shifting it toward high-value, technology-intensive manufacturing. With investments exceeding INR 1.25 lakh crore, including Tata’s semiconductor fabrication facility and Micron’s ATMP plant, Gujarat is building India’s first integrated semiconductor ecosystem covering fabrication, assembly, testing, and packaging.
These projects are expected to generate over 50,000 high-skilled jobs while catalysing ancillary sectors such as speciality chemicals, logistics, precision engineering, and equipment manufacturing. This cluster-led model will significantly strengthen Gujarat’s export potential, GDP contribution, technological self-reliance, and strategic position within global semiconductor supply chains.
Question 5: What measures are being taken by the Department of Science & Technology to build a skilled workforce for semiconductors, data centres, AI, and other advanced technology sectors?
Developing a future-ready workforce is central to Gujarat’s science and technology strategy. The department is collaborating with global technology leaders such as Micron, Tata Electronics, Microsoft, and IBM to create industry-aligned skill development programs. Key initiatives include the ATMP Training Centre with PDEU, Project SAMARTH at IIT Gandhinagar, and partnerships with NIELIT and CDAC, creating a comprehensive talent pipeline from technicians to advanced researchers.
Under Gujarat’s IT/ITeS Policy, financial assistance of up to INR 50,000 per course is being provided through direct benefit transfer for industry-recognised technical programs. By integrating technical education, AI governance training, advanced certifications, and industry partnerships, Gujarat is ensuring sustained human capital development across semiconductors, AI, data centres, and strategic technologies.
Question 6: What is your long-term vision for Gujarat’s Department of Science & Technology in positioning the state as a global destination for semiconductors, data infrastructure, and strategic technology investments?
DST Gujarat’s long-term vision is to establish the state as a globally trusted destination for semiconductors, advanced data infrastructure, AI, and strategic technology investments. This vision is being realised through policy leadership, investor-friendly governance, world-class infrastructure, and sustained institutional development. Strategic hubs like Dholera and Sanand are being developed with reliable power, logistics, digital connectivity, and ecosystem support to attract global investments.
Simultaneously, Gujarat is making major investments in research institutions, startup ecosystems, innovation clusters, and workforce development to ensure sustainable, innovation-led growth. Through this integrated strategy, Gujarat aims not only to attract global investments but also to become a major contributor to India’s technological self-reliance and a critical player in global technology value chains.