Mumbai, 29th March 2025: The city of Pune is emerging as a key player in India’s semiconductor and high-tech sector, leveraging its skilled workforce and strong global industry connections, according to Greg Prado, spokesperson for the US Consulate in Mumbai.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) on Friday, Prado emphasized the importance of Indo-US cooperation in shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing. “Pune has the right mix of talent and global linkages to drive innovation in this critical industry,” he said.

The conference was part of the broader Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) Initiative, an agreement signed in February between India and the United States. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductor development.

The roundtable, which was previously held in Mumbai and Nagpur, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing. Notable attendees included P. Anbalagan, Principal Secretary (Industries), Shailesh Rajput, Joint Director (Industries, Pune), and Ajay Srivastava, Director of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Pune).

During the discussions, stakeholders from industry and academia highlighted key roadblocks that need to be addressed to accelerate semiconductor manufacturing in Maharashtra. Based on these deliberations, the IACC will prepare a policy recommendation paper for the state government, suggesting reforms and incentives to attract further investment in the sector.

Drawing a comparison between Pune and Austin, Texas, Prado noted how both cities have transformed from university towns into thriving technology hubs. “Austin was once a quiet academic town, but today it hosts global giants like Texas Instruments and Tesla. Pune is on a similar trajectory, with its expanding tech ecosystem and dynamic industrial base,” he said.

Interestingly, Pune and Austin had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2018 to foster cultural and economic ties. As Pune continues to establish itself as a major center for semiconductor and advanced technology industries, this Indo-US collaboration is expected to open new avenues for investment and innovation.