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Display Manufacturing Needs Special Focus, Says ICEA

Display Manufacturing Needs Special Focus, Says ICEA

The government is providing 50% fiscal support under the Rs 76,000-crore semiconductor incentive scheme for display fabrication.
The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) emphasized on Tuesday the need for special attention to display manufacturing in India, which is currently the third-largest consumer of display products globally.
Despite the government offering 50% fiscal support under the Rs 76,000-crore semiconductor incentive scheme for setting up display fabrication units, none of the three applications received for display fabs have been approved so far.
“We have not made significant progress beyond display assembly. Displays constitute a major 15% to 20% of the Bill of Material, comparable to logic, memory, and semiconductors. This is a significant concern,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of ICEA.
The association, which includes companies like Apple, Foxconn, Lava, and other Chinese handset and electronics companies, stresses the importance of focusing on this sector to establish India as a robust display manufacturing hub.
Mohindroo added, “This sector needs special attention, and we are determined to make India a strong display manufacturing nation.”
Experts believe that display manufacturing in India offers a unique opportunity to attract international companies looking to diversify their supply chains. This would not only meet domestic demand but also enhance exports from India.
According to ICEA, the demand for displays in India is primarily driven by mobile phones, among other devices such as televisions, notebooks, tablets, and desktops.
The total demand for displays in the country increased to 338.4 million units in 2023, up from 303.7 million units in 2022, with mobile phones accounting for 310 million display units in 2023. The overall display demand in India is expected to reach 383.5 million units by 2026.

May 30, 2024
IIT-Madras to Fund Sports-Tech Startups

IIT-Madras to Fund Sports-Tech Startups

IIT-Madras is set to provide up to Rs 5 crore in funding to support innovative sports-tech startups in India, aiming to bridge technology and the sporting industry to enhance athletic excellence. These startups will focus on AI and IoT-based products incorporating sensors, networks, actuators, and controllers, leading to the creation of a sports tech incubator fund at IIT Madras. The funding will be provided by the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and the IIT Madras Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA).
Identified areas for sports tech innovation include media and entertainment, fan/player engagement, athlete performance measurement and enhancement, team and coach success, esports, sports education, data analytics, and sports commerce and communities.
Shortlisted submissions will present their business plans at the ‘IIT Madras Sports Technology Start-up Conclave’ on June 14-15 at the IIT Madras Research Park, the first event of its kind in India. After evaluation by a distinguished panel and final review by IIT Madras CESSA and Pravartak Technologies, the selected startups and their funding amounts will be finalized.
Ramesh Kumar, CEO of CESSA and former global head of ESPNCricinfo, emphasized the goal of creating a deeper connection between technology and sports, aiming to foster an ecosystem for developing products that enhance sports performance. Prof Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations at IIT Madras and head of CESSA highlighted the conclave as a significant step in India’s sports tech innovation as the country prepares to bid for the Olympics.
Funding for each startup, based on business potential, will range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, with IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation taking an equity stake and IITM CESSA providing support during the incubation process. Startups can be at the idea or initial stage but must have incorporated their company and intellectual property rights.
IITM CESSA will offer startups access to high-tech sports infrastructure, technical support, a comprehensive startup ecosystem, and a data center for research. Shankar Raman of IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation expressed confidence in fostering entrepreneurs who use technology to enhance athletes’ performance globally.
As of May 2024, the IIT-Madras Incubation Cell has incubated 351 startups, attracting Rs 10,425 crore in investment and achieving a combined valuation of Rs 45,000 crore. These startups generated Rs 3,600 crore in revenue for the financial year 2022-23 and created over 10,000 jobs, filing more than 210 patents in the process.

May 28, 2024
Electronics Manufacturers Urge Indian Government to Introduce PLI Scheme for Components and Wearables

Electronics Manufacturers Urge Indian Government to Introduce PLI Scheme for Components and Wearables

A trade association representing major electronic manufacturers such as Asus, Dell, Google, Canon, and Dixon has appealed to the Indian government to introduce a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronic components and wearables. In a letter to S. Krishnan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Manufacturers Association for Information Technology (MAIT) emphasized that such incentives would not only boost exports but also enhance large-scale production capacity and attract investment in the electronics sector.
MAIT’s members, which include notable companies like Harman, Konica Minolta, and 3M, argued that a PLI scheme for hearables and wearables would help meet the government’s ambitious export targets. Dixon, one of the association’s members, manufactures laptops in India for Lenovo.
This appeal aligns with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s plans to introduce similar PLI schemes for the broader electronics ecosystem. Senior officials have indicated that the government will initiate a consultation process for a potential electronics components PLI after the current Lok Sabha elections conclude.
“For the component PLI, we should consider a unified PLI for electronics rather than sector-specific schemes to build a robust electronics industry. Focusing solely on one sector in the past has limited the effectiveness of the component PLI for mobiles,” MAIT’s submission stated, as seen by Moneycontrol.
The industry body also recommended that India’s forthcoming cybersecurity strategy align with international partners’ legislative or regulatory frameworks to create secure global supply chains and enhance collective security.
“The rise of global value chains and India’s PLI and Make in India initiatives have significantly boosted the country’s global trade, particularly in electronics and ICT sectors. At MAIT, we believe that for India to fully integrate into global supply chains, regulatory adjustments encouraging global investment and local company participation are crucial,” said Rajkumar Rishi, President of MAIT.
“As more companies consider investing in Indian manufacturing, we foresee accelerated growth in output, exports, and the overall economy. Developing a robust cybersecurity strategy is a top industry priority,” Rishi added.
Additionally, MAIT presented specific recommendations to various ministries and departments, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Finance, and the Department of Telecom. The suggestions included:
– Supporting Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
– Considering tariff reforms to promote competitiveness and large-scale manufacturing.
– Opening investment limit enhancement under PLI for telecom.
– Excluding the telecom and electronics sectors from section 65A applicability to optimize the Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse (MOOWR) scheme for these industries.
These recommendations aim to foster a conducive environment for electronics manufacturing in India, thereby strengthening the sector’s global position and economic impact.

May 23, 2024
India Has Sufficient Domestic Tyre Capacity; Imports Should Not Be Liberalised Through FTAs: ATMA

India Has Sufficient Domestic Tyre Capacity; Imports Should Not Be Liberalised Through FTAs: ATMA

India has ample tyre manufacturing capacity, and imports should not be liberalised through free trade agreements (FTAs) with duty concessions, according to the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA). The industry body emphasized that domestic manufacturing capabilities in the automotive tyre sector are strong enough to make imports unnecessary, as communicated to the government.
This feedback was provided in response to the government’s inquiry about sectors where India can achieve self-reliance, to ensure that upcoming FTAs protect domestic industries, ATMA stated.
ATMA highlighted that India’s domestic tyre industry, one of the largest globally, produces over 200 million units annually across various categories, including two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off-road vehicles.
Despite these capabilities, tyres worth over Rs 2,000 crore were imported in the first three quarters of FY24, marking a 27% increase from the same period the previous year, ATMA noted.
“In recent years, the tyre sector has seen substantial investments, with leading manufacturers investing over Rs 35,000 crore in capacity expansion, technology upgrades, and research and development,” said ATMA Chairman Arnab Banerjee. “As new capacities come online, it is crucial to meet demand with domestic manufacturing rather than imports.”
Banerjee added that the domestic tyre industry is well-equipped to meet the needs of both domestic and international auto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in terms of design, development, and regular supply for all vehicle types manufactured in the country.
“The industry is ahead of the demand curve in producing all types of tyres. Auto OEMs are not importing tyres as the domestic industry meets their requirements,” Banerjee stated.
ATMA also pointed out that the domestic tyre industry is a significant employer, providing livelihoods to over 500,000 people directly and indirectly involved in manufacturing, distribution, and related services.
“Prioritising domestic tyre manufacturing is essential as it supports the livelihoods of over one million rubber growers in the country, with the tyre industry consuming over 70% of domestic natural rubber,” ATMA emphasized.
By promoting domestic production and leveraging technological advancements, India can strengthen its position as a global leader in the tyre industry while generating employment, promoting sustainability, and driving economic growth, ATMA asserted.

May 22, 2024
AI Spending Trends in India: BFSI and Manufacturing Lead Investment

AI Spending Trends in India: BFSI and Manufacturing Lead Investment

Artificial Intelligence (AI) spending in India is poised to triple to $5 billion by 2027, with the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) and manufacturing sectors emerging as top industry spenders, as per an Intel-IDC report released on Tuesday.
The report highlighted the BFSI sector’s transition from robotic process automation (RPA) to AI-driven automation, emphasizing areas such as security, productivity, and customer experience (CX). Advanced AI solutions incorporating behavioral analysis and fraud detection represent a shift towards more sophisticated and adaptable systems.
Sharath Srinivasamurthy, Associate Vice President at IDC, addressed the primary challenges hindering AI adoption in India, citing unclear or lower-than-expected business outcomes and compliance issues as the top concerns.
Additional challenges identified include skill shortages, high ownership costs that are difficult to justify, and process-related issues stemming from inadequate organizational support to coordinate cross-functional initiatives.
Santhosh Viswanathan, Vice President and Managing Director of Intel India Region, emphasized India’s readiness for AI adoption, citing the country’s role as a significant producer of global data and its position as the third-largest global market. He noted India’s leadership in technical skill availability on a global scale.
The IDC Asia/Pacific AI Maturity Study 2024 classifies India as an AI Practitioner (stage 2), with the country exhibiting strong potential in AI adoption. The report indicates that India’s performance aligns closely with the Asia/Pacific region average in the enterprise dimension, surpasses in the government dimension, and slightly lags in the socio-economic dimension.

May 15, 2024
Innovation and Sustainability Showcased on National Technology Day

Innovation and Sustainability Showcased on National Technology Day

The celebration of National Technology Day 2024, organized by the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology, took place on May 11th at the INSA Auditorium in New Delhi. The event centered around the theme of ‘Promoting Clean and Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future’ and brought together distinguished scientists, dignitaries, and thought leaders with the shared goal of advancing towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient nation.
During the event, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasized the importance of initiatives like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). He highlighted the EV Mission led by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology Innovation and Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), aimed at establishing supportive standards and frameworks for EV adoption.
Prof. Sood also highlighted the strategic significance of the National Hydrogen Mission in India’s journey towards achieving a net-zero target by 2070, stressing substantial investments in green hydrogen production. He emphasized ongoing efforts in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies, aimed at optimizing costs and expanding industrial applications to further India’s sustainability objectives.
In the context of enhancing India’s technological frameworks and policies for sustainable development and meeting international climate goals, Prof. Sood emphasized the importance of consultative groups and international collaborations, such as OPSA’s partnership with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) on Zero Emission Trucking.
Addressing the audience, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, highlighted the pivotal role of innovation in national development, emphasizing the need to foster a culture of innovation and provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to the nation’s progress. He underscored government initiatives in funding research and development programs and nurturing innovation through schemes like NIDHI and TDB, which focus on incubating startups and fostering entrepreneurship.
Prof. Karandikar stressed the integration of technology into policy frameworks to drive progress, highlighting collaborations with line ministries towards sustainability goals. With a vision for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, he aspired for India to become a global leader in sustainability efforts.
The event also featured a keynote address by Padmashri Prof. G.D. Yadav, advocating for sustainable solutions and technological innovations to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. He emphasized the potential of white and green hydrogen and proposed innovative approaches such as waste-to-wealth factories, hydrogenating plastic, and battery recycling.
Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, highlighted pivotal projects funded by TDB, emphasizing the critical role of these technologies in promoting environmental stewardship.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA and Former Secretary of DST, emphasized the essential role of technology in achieving sustainability goals, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize technology initiatives that focus on electric vehicles (EVs), green hydrogen, carbon capture, and energy-efficient habitats to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
Additionally, the event showcased 23 students representing 20 projects selected to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). These finalists will represent India at the prestigious fair in Los Angeles, California, USA, from May 11-17, 2024, where they will engage with over 1,600 young science enthusiasts from 60+ countries and showcase innovative projects on a global stage.

May 14, 2024
Driving Factors: Technology’s Role in Shaping India’s Electric Two-Wheeler Adoption

Driving Factors: Technology’s Role in Shaping India’s Electric Two-Wheeler Adoption

Technological factors have the potential to either impede or accelerate the adoption of electric two-wheelers in India’s evolving electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, which has witnessed significant growth in recent years supported by government and private sector initiatives. The interim budget also outlined various measures aimed at expediting the expansion of the domestic EV ecosystem, including bolstering charging infrastructure.
As the EV landscape evolves, it becomes evident how policies, market conditions, and technological advancements influence consumer acceptance of these vehicles. Technology emerges as a critical determinant for the adoption of EVs, particularly in the two-wheeler segment, which constitutes one of the largest automobile segments in India.
According to Sushant Kumar, Founder & Managing Director of AMO Mobility, battery technology plays a pivotal role. Advancements in lithium-ion batteries and the emergence of solid-state batteries enhance efficiency, safety, and charging speed, which are crucial for extending vehicle range and enhancing user convenience. Motor technology also significantly impacts performance, with innovations such as brushless DC motors offering improved efficiency and requiring less maintenance.
Furthermore, material science advancements enable the use of lightweight materials that improve range and performance without compromising safety. Kumar notes that these technological strides collectively shape the future of electric two-wheelers, making them more attractive and efficient for consumers.
Anshul Gupta, Managing Director of Okaya EV, emphasizes the importance of finding the right technology as EVs are still in the pilot phase. He highlights the necessity of progressing charging infrastructure, including rapid charging methods and battery swapping techniques, to address concerns about range anxiety and promote widespread adoption.
In the evolving landscape of EV technology, particularly concerning two-wheelers, several technological factors are poised to influence their future development, experts believe.
Prashant Vashishtha, Chairman & Managing Director of Sokudo India, underscores the significance of battery technology advancements, including shifts to more advanced formulations like solid-state or lithium-sulfur batteries promising higher energy densities and faster charging times. Motor technology is expected to advance further, focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing weight, while electronic control systems become more sophisticated to enhance vehicle dynamics and user interfaces.
The integration of IoT and AI technologies plays a vital role in facilitating real-time vehicle diagnostics, enhancing user experience, and increasing vehicle reliability. These technologies contribute to predicting battery life, optimizing energy management, and improving overall vehicle efficiency, according to industry stakeholders.
Gupta also highlights safety as a primary concern for customers due to high voltages and temperatures associated with EVs. LFP batteries are considered safer than NMC batteries due to their higher thermal runaway temperature and longer lifespan, despite requiring more space.
Overall, infrastructure improvements such as fast-charging stations and connectivity features like GPS navigation, coupled with supportive government policies and incentives, contribute to the growing popularity of electric two-wheelers in India’s dynamic mobility landscape.

May 14, 2024
OpenAI’s new search engine

OpenAI’s new search engine may change marketing

Open AI has been changing the way users browse the web. Imagine users asking questions in a natural way, just like they would a friend. OpenAI’s search engine might be built for this conversational approach, requiring marketers to adapt their content to sound natural and answer real user questions.
Excitement is building for OpenAI’s search engine, and it has the potential to disrupt the search landscape as we know it. However, some questions linger. Can OpenAI make money with this new service? And can it truly compete with the mighty Google? One thing’s for sure: the search engine world is a hotbed of innovation and fierce competition, and OpenAI’s arrival just adds another layer of intrigue.
Marketers might need to track new metrics to understand how users find and engage with their content in this new search landscape.
AI search engines might throw SEO for a loop These new search engines, unlike their traditional counterparts, may value different things. They could prioritize content written in a more conversational style, focus on new ranking signals we haven’t seen before, or even interpret what users are really looking for in a completely different way. Since AI can understand and create human-like text, content that directly answers users’ questions in a natural, conversational way might be the key to ranking highly.
OpenAI’s search engine could change the search game Google has been the undisputed king for ages, but if OpenAI takes off, it could shake things up big time. Marketers will need to ditch their “all eggs in one basket” approach and start spreading their SEO efforts across different platforms to stay competitive.
Overall, OpenAI Search presents both challenges and opportunities for marketers. Being adaptable and creative will be key to success in this evolving search landscape.

To learn more, read here: https://www.cmswire.com/digital-marketing/what-openai-search-would-mean-for-marketers/

May 10, 2024
What is AI doing to the environment?

AI is bad for the environment. But it can be better.

Barely a few years have passed, but it feels like we can’t live without AI anymore. Of course, AI has also had its fair share of criticism, but these seem to focus on its ethical and moral impact. Less light is shed on the environmental impact, which has been great indeed.

As AI models become more complex, more energy is required to train and run them. This results in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Researchers estimate that the amount of computing power required to train cutting-edge AI models has doubled every 3.4 months since 2012.
E-waste from AI hardware contains hazardous chemicals that can harm human health and the environment. The World Economic Forum projects that the total amount of e-waste generated will have surpassed 120 million metric tonnes by 2050. Proper e-waste management and recycling are essential to avoid environmental harm.
AI applications like driverless cars and delivery drones can pose a threat to animals and their habitats. The automation brought about by AI may also lead to increased consumption and waste in certain sectors. The use of AI in agriculture could result in the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, harming biodiversity. AI systems used for environmental management can also be biased if trained on inaccurate or incomplete data.
Some companies prioritize financial gain over the environmental impact of AI technologies. The complexity of AI systems makes it difficult for users to understand their environmental footprint. To address this issue, more transparent procedures and regulations are needed to ensure that AI is developed and used in an environmentally responsible way.

The undeniable potential of AI cannot overshadow the environmental threats it poses. From its massive energy consumption to its contribution to e-waste and disruption of ecosystems, AI’s environmental impact necessitates immediate action. Transparency and responsible development are crucial to ensure AI becomes a tool for a sustainable future, not a detriment. There need to be work done to highlight these challenges and foster a dialogue that paves the way for AI advancements that coexist harmoniously with our planet.

Read more here:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/06/business/dealbook/ai-power-energy-climate.html

May 9, 2024
Repercussions of a Clean Technology Trade War: Lessons from History

Repercussions of a Clean Technology Trade War: Lessons from History

What happens when a leading trading nation faces the reality that its supremacy is waning?
For the first country to grapple with this dilemma — Britain — it led to an enduring identity crisis that continues more than a century later. As the United States confronts a similar crossroads, it must weigh whether free trade or protectionism holds the promise of greater prosperity.
In the 19th century, the UK’s fusion of manufacturing prowess and open commerce propelled it to pre-eminence. By the late 1800s, it accounted for approximately a quarter of the world’s industrial output. However, beneath this imperial confidence lay deep-seated anxieties triggered by the ascent of new global powers.
In Chicago, the Union Stock Yards sprawled over an area half the size of the old City of London, employing tens of thousands and processing enough meat to feed 80% of America’s population. Henry Ford replicated the Yards’ production-line innovations in Detroit to establish car factories on an unprecedented scale. Meanwhile, in Ludwigshafen, south of Stuttgart, Britain ceded its early lead in chemicals to BASF SE, whose vast integrated plants conferred near-monopoly status on Germany by 1900.
Joseph Chamberlain, a former titan of the world’s largest screw-making business and now a prominent British politician, saw the solution in a departure from the Empire’s free-trade ethos. “Tariffs! They are the politics of the future, and of the near future,” he declared at a parliamentary dinner in 1902.
The resultant policy, Imperial Preference, proposed steep levies on imports from outside the Empire. This protectionist approach dominated until the Second World War shattered Britain’s global pretensions, casting a long shadow over its turbulent relationship with the European Union’s trading bloc.
The parallels with present-day America, grappling with China’s manufacturing prowess, are stark. Like late Victorian Britain, a dominant power faces a rival endowed with abundant land, labor, and capital, rapidly closing the gap. Moreover, China’s investments and monumental industrial infrastructure overshadow competitors. China’s dominance of the clean technology supply chain appears near-absolute, producing 84% of the world’s solar modules, 86% of lithium-ion batteries, and a substantial share of wind turbine components and electrolyzers for green hydrogen.
President Joe Biden’s recent remarks underscore America’s response to this challenge, signaling a stance against China’s economic practices with higher tariffs on its products.
The experience of Britain’s brief experiment with protectionism offers cautionary lessons. Despite early 20th-century angst, the UK remained a top-five manufacturing power until the 2000s, when it was overtaken by China, Italy, South Korea, India, Mexico, and Russia. In contrast, nations embracing protectionism encountered stunted manufacturing sectors and enduring debt burdens.
While the United States is unlikely to face such dire consequences, it faces a shifting global landscape where multiple industrial giants vie for dominance. Sustaining its hegemony will require avoiding isolationist tendencies and embracing strategic engagement in the global economy.

May 7, 2024