Geopolitics is now measured in Nanometers. Anything with a battery or a plug has a semiconductor inside. But these chips aren’t just tech anymore, they’re shaping who becomes the next Superpower.

In the 1980s, India was just two years behind the world in semiconductors. Today, we’re 12 generations behind. What went wrong?

India’s top semiconductor expert, Raja Manickam, returns to The Neon Show to break it all down.

We discuss how the U.S. lost the chip race it started, China’s strategic rise, and how one visionary turned Taiwan into the most valuable island in the world.

Raja Manickam dives into what the $10B India Semiconductor Mission is getting right and where we may fall behind. He explains why <$5 chips might be India’s best shot, and how founders can enter semiconductors with just ₹1 Crore.

This episode isn’t just about chips, it’s about who gets to shape the next decade of tech, trade, and power. 

From the role of the government to private capital and Mr. Raja’s own vision through his company iVP Semiconductor, this episode tells you how semiconductors are deciding India’s Future.

0:00 – Trailer

1:26 – Masters of Chips will rule the world

8:24 – Why US is falling behind despite its head start

11:22 – Does the US have the talent to win?

12:54 – How Taiwan became World’s most valuable island

18:51 – The US vs China dilemma for Taiwan

22:21 – China’s rise is strategic, not accidental

29:09 – Will India only be a chip-outsourcing hub?

32:41 – Does India want to build for itself or others?

34:07 – Why the US wants to kill the Chips Act

38:21 – US-China chip war for global power

40:16 – How can India win in <$5 chips?

43:31 – Should the Indian govt give grants or take equity?

45:05 – Semiconductor will not create jobs

47:50 – What went wrong for India post-80s?

50:11 – Why Mr. Raja returned to India

52:04 – Can India democratise chips too?

55:23 – How India’s govt is supporting chip startups

58:06 – India’s $10B Semiconductor Mission

1:03:19 – Why Raja is disappointed with Private sector

1:08:48 – iVP’s ambition to be a chip giant from India

1:10:47 – What’s India still missing?

1:16:39 – Is India not ready for 3nm Chips?

1:21:43 – How can new founders enter semiconductors?

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This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted and do not constitute professional advice.

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