CDIL: The Bold Beginning of India's Chip Story

When CDIL entered semiconductor manufacturing in 1964, it marked a bold leap into India's technological future.

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At a time when the nation lacked infrastructure, expertise, and depended heavily on imports, CDIL became the country's first private player to introduce silicon semiconductors. Established as a joint venture with International Rectifier Corporation (USA), the company aligned closely with the Government's Electronics Commission initiative, laying the cornerstone for India's self-reliance in electronics and igniting the nation's semiconductor journey.

In this exclusive interview, Nikita Kumari speaks with Mr. Prithvideep Singh, General Manager, at CDIL, to trace the company's six-decade journey in semiconductors—from pioneering silicon devices in 1964 to driving India's first commercial-scale Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology today. They discuss early collaborations with ISRO, HAL, and BEL, navigating liberalization challenges, and forging global partnerships like Infineon. The conversation reveals how CDIL continues to anchor India's push for semiconductor self-reliance and global competitiveness.

CDIL began semiconductor manufacturing in 1964 what inspired this early start in a nascent Indian tech landscape?