Kaynes Semicon is emerging as a trailblazer in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, driven by visionary leadership and rapid execution. In this exclusive conversation with Semiconductor For You, Mr. Raghu Panicker, CEO of Kaynes Semicon, shares his leadership philosophy, long-term vision, and strategic roadmap for innovation, talent, and global partnerships, as the company positions India on the global semiconductor map.
What leadership philosophy drives Kaynes Semicon’s journey in establishing itself as a frontrunner in India’s semiconductor space?
Kaynes Semicon’s journey builds on decades of expertise in electronics manufacturing and strategic execution, led by a forward-thinking leadership team dedicated to technology-driven transformation. The company’s leadership philosophy centers on “agile execution with global perspective”—prioritizing rapid decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and openness to international best practices. By bringing in seasoned OSAT leaders from Southeast Asia and nurturing local engineering talent, Kaynes Semicon’s leadership fosters innovation, accountability, and resilience, shaping its path as a frontrunner in India’s semiconductor domain and driving the team to deliver ahead of schedule against ambitious milestones.
What is your long-term vision for Kaynes Semicon, and how does it align with India’s aspirations to become a global semiconductor hub?
Kaynes Semicon’s long-term vision is to become a global benchmark in semiconductor packaging and OSAT services, catalyzing India’s rise as a self-reliant semiconductor hub. This vision aligns seamlessly with India’s aspirations—leveraging government incentives, robust infrastructure, and a phased innovation strategy to reduce import dependency and position India alongside major global supply chains. By focusing on capability-building and integrating design to packaging under one roof, the company creates jobs and nurtures high-value manufacturing in India, supporting the nation’s broader mission to become a deep-tech product powerhouse.
Kaynes Semicon has been making strides in product innovation and technology. Could you elaborate on some of the key products and breakthroughs that set the company apart?
Kaynes Semicon’s OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat, is spearheading several industry-firsts for India. Key breakthroughs include pioneering India’s first packaged semiconductor chips (IGBT, IPM, Power MOSFETs) for critical sectors like EVs, satellites, and consumer electronics. The company’s technology roadmap features rapid prototyping, simulation-driven test methodologies, and phased adoption of advanced packaging (2.5D/3D integration, chiplets) for AI, data center, and telecom applications. Strategic collaborations with Infineon, Emerson, and SEALSQ have also accelerated the adoption of new materials, AI-driven quality inspection, and quantum-resistant security solutions, setting Kaynes Semicon apart as a technology trailblazer.
Kaynes recently announced/expanded semiconductor manufacturing plants. Can you walk us through the facilities, their capabilities, and the role they will play in strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem?
The Sanand OSAT facility exemplifies Kaynes Semicon’s commitment to rapid execution and ecosystem development. With an investment of over ₹3,300 crore, the facility offers an initial capacity of 6.3 million chips daily, including high-reliability packaging for automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors. State-of-the-art cleanrooms, vertically integrated assembly and test capabilities, and engineered scalability—all supported by government policy and international partners—position the plant as a catalyst for reducing import dependence and strengthening local supply chains. The pilot line is already operational, with commercial deliveries to key clients targeted by October and mass production starting January 2026.
Where do you see the biggest growth opportunities for Kaynes Semicon in both domestic and global markets?
Kaynes Semicon sees outsized growth potential in both domestic and global arenas. Automotive remains a high-value, stable growth vertical due to electrification and EV adoption, while industrial electronics offer faster cycles and high volume. Data centers and AI workloads are driving demand for advanced packaging and chiplet architectures, and the company is actively exploring opportunities in aerospace, defence, and future segments like railways and space-based systems. By expanding into Japan, US, and global markets—and fostering joint ventures and technology transfer—the company aims to become a preferred partner in performance-driven domains.
Could you highlight some of the recent milestones or achievements Kaynes Semicon has accomplished that you are most proud of?
Recent achievements include cabinet approval and rapid construction of the Sanand facility, ahead-of-schedule delivery of India’s first paid chip prototypes to anchor clients, multi-year agreements with Alpha Omega Semiconductor and partnerships with Infineon, Emerson, and SEALSQ. Kaynes Semicon’s team has demonstrated exceptional speed, completing cleanroom installation and machinery setup within months. The company secured government subsidies and was the first Indian OSAT company to launch commercial-grade packaging—solidifying its reputation for project execution and strategic agility.
What are your near- and long-term priorities for Kaynes Semicon in terms of technology, talent, and global partnerships?
Kaynes Semicon’s immediate priorities include scaling the Sanand plant, expanding the skilled workforce to 1,500+ engineering professionals, and delivering its first international chip shipments. Longer-term, the company is investing in advanced packaging technologies, strengthening global partnerships (with players in the US, Japan, Singapore, and Europe), and integrating quantum security and AI tools into production. Talent development is critical: aggressive recruitment, upskilling, and leadership development ensure operational excellence and drive a culture of innovation and accountability—aligning with both government vision and market demands.
How do you view the India Semiconductor Mission and government initiatives, and what role do you believe Kaynes Semicon can play in making India a self-reliant semiconductor powerhouse?
The India Semiconductor Mission has provided both strategic direction and financial impetus for bold industry moves. Kaynes Semicon is a direct beneficiary, championing rapid execution, indigenous innovation, and local supply chain development. Its role is to catalyze India’s journey from service-based strengths to IC design, packaging, and testing leadership—locking in domestic value and exporting technology to the world. By integrating quantum security and collaborating on ecosystem-wide best practices, Kaynes Semicon strengthens India’s position in global supply networks and reinforces the self-reliant semiconductor powerhouse vision.