India’s Demographic Dividend is Huge Advantage Electronics Industry: Amrit Manwani

Sahasra Electronics is looking to expand its footprints in IT hardware while strengthening its presence in the global markets.

India’s electronics industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years, driven by a strong push towards self-reliance and technological advancement. With initiatives like “Make in India” and the introduction of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, the sector has gained significant momentum, creating new opportunities for innovation and manufacturing excellence.

As the country positions itself as a global hub for electronics, companies like Sahasra Electronics are leading the way with their cutting-edge contributions.

In an exclusive interview with IGNITO, Amrit Manwani, Managing Director of Sahasra Electronics, shared the company’s vision, growth trajectory, and its role in shaping India’s electronic manufacturing ecosystem.

From pioneering memory and storage solutions to its strategic investments in R&D and global expansion, Sahasra is at the forefront of India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant electronics powerhouse.

Manwani also shared insights into Sahasra’s strategic steps, the challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor industry, and how the company is leveraging India’s demographic dividend to create jobs and build capacity for the future.

IGNITO: Sahasra Electronics has become pioneer in several areas of electronic manufacturing. Can you share your company’s vision and how it aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in electronics?

Manwani: Well, at Sahasra Group, we see ourselves as a technology-focused organization. Essentially, we operate across three key domains: electronic components, electronic assembly, and electronic products. That’s how we best describe what we do.

Looking ahead, we’re aligning our efforts with the country’s progress. We’re making significant investments in R&D to develop products and components where the intellectual property stays within India. This focus ensures national security remains a priority.

With this mission in mind, we’re working towards expanding our R&D capabilities while continuing to grow our component business and EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) operations.

IGNITO: What strategic steps has Sahasra Electronics taken to position itself as a leader in the memory and storage solutions sector?

Manwani: We’ve been working in the memory and storage domain since 2016. Over the years, we’ve supplied products like pen drives and other memory solutions to big names like Sony and HP—not just for the domestic market but also globally. So, we bring about 8 to 9 years of experience in this field.

To strengthen our capabilities, we’ve moved towards backward integration by venturing into memory packaging, which has also brought us into semiconductor packaging. The ICs we package are mainly in the memory domain, such as SD cards, NAND flash memory, and the controllers used in these products.

With this move into the packaging space, we’re proud to say we’re pioneers in memory packaging in India. Looking ahead, we’re committed to maintaining our leadership in both the memory packaging and memory products business.

IGNITO: How has your company leveraged initiatives like “Make in India” and PLI schemes to enhance its footprint in the Indian electronics market?

Manwani: We’re proud to be the recipient of several Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which have been instrumental in driving our growth and innovation. These awards come from the Ministry of Electronics and IT, recognizing our efforts across various domains.

For instance, under the PLI for mobile phone components, we set up a state-of-the-art semiconductor or IC packaging unit in Bhiwadi, marking a significant milestone for us. In addition, we were awarded the PLI for LED driver chips as part of the white goods category, further expanding our expertise. More recently, just last year, we were also granted the PLI for IT hardware, which has opened new opportunities for us in this sector.

Thanks to these incentives, combined with the SPECS scheme for CAPEX, we’re in a strong position to actively contribute to the Government of India’s Make in India initiative. These schemes not only provide us with financial benefits but also enable us to play a significant role in strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem and advancing our capabilities in key technology domains.

IGNITO: We would like to know how Sahasra group has transformed over years from PCB to EMS and then ATMP. How do you see this journey?

Manwani: Yes, that’s right. My entrepreneurial journey actually began in PCB manufacturing, but Sahasra as a company was formed later, in the year 2000. Our initial focus was mostly on EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services), and being located in the Noida Special Economic Zone, we naturally concentrated on exports. In fact, over the last two to two and a half decades, about 90% of our EMS business has been export-driven.

Around 2010, we acquired the PCB manufacturing unit entirely within our group. This was a strategic move for us, as it not only strengthened our capabilities but also provided a captive supply of PCBs for our EMS operations.

As we progressed, particularly while working on EMS for memory products for brands like Sony, HP, and PNY, we realized the potential of backward integration. That’s when we decided to take a big step and set up our ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) plant to manufacture memory chips right here in India.

Now, with PCB manufacturing, EMS, and ATMP all under one roof, we believe we’re in a strong position to contribute meaningfully to the growth of India’s electronics sector.

IGNITO: Sahasra also has international operations. Kindly throw some light on it. What inspired you to choose Africa as one of the manufacturing destinations?

Manwani: Yes, we have a manufacturing unit in Rwanda, East Africa, where we produce LED lights primarily for the local Rwandan market. Initially, our goal was to expand beyond Rwanda and cater to the broader East African region.

However, we’ve encountered some challenges, particularly with the duty structures between these countries. While these frameworks exist on paper, the ground realities often don’t align, making it difficult to seamlessly trade across borders. We’re actively working on addressing these issues to unlock the full potential of the region.

Our decision to invest in Africa stems from the tremendous growth opportunities we see there. Many countries in the region face energy shortages, and LED lights offer an energy-saving solution that aligns perfectly with their needs. This combination of challenges and opportunities convinced us that Africa is a market with significant long-term potential.

Beyond Africa, we’ve established a global footprint. We have Sahasra Europe and Sahasra UK, which enable us to serve European markets, and we’re also active in North America through a partnership where we hold a shareholding in the U.S. Together, these investments give us a strong presence across key regions: Africa, Europe, the UK, and North America. This global reach allows us to tap into diverse markets and grow as a multinational player in the electronics and lighting sectors.

IGNITO: The semiconductor industry is seeing the rapid evolution globally. What key trends do you foresee shaping India’s electronic manufacturing ecosystem in next five to 10 years?

Manwani: When we talk about semiconductors, India is placing a big bet on this sector, with the government introducing initiatives like the ISM (Indian Semiconductor Mission) to help build a strong semiconductor ecosystem. And rightly so—it’s a critical industry for our future.

That said, we need to acknowledge that this won’t be an easy journey. The semiconductor ecosystem is already very mature in countries like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Competing with them is going to be challenging. But what’s important is that we stay resilient and persistent.

We need to keep our focus on developing semiconductors across various domains—not just ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) but also in setting up fabs for different nodes, manufacturing semiconductor equipment, and producing raw materials.

Building such a robust ecosystem won’t happen overnight. It could take a decade, maybe even longer. But this is where both the government and the industry must remain committed. If we stay the course, we can not only establish ourselves as a key player in semiconductors but also position India as a viable manufacturing alternative to some of our northern neighbors. The goal is not just to survive in this space but to thrive and succeed.

IGNITO: What are the main challenges you face as an Indian manufacturer in competing with global players, and how is Sahasra Electronics addressing these challenges?

Manwani: One of the major global challenges we face is the lack of availability of components and raw materials within the country. Take PCBs, for instance—key raw materials like laminates, green masks, and photopolymer films are simply not produced in India. We have to import them from neighboring Southeast Asian countries, which not only adds to the cost but also creates logistical challenges.

To address this, we need to focus on developing a robust component ecosystem right here in India. The good news is that the government is now considering a component PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme, which could also cover raw materials for components. This is a step in the right direction and could make a big difference in reducing our dependency on imports.

Another challenge lies in building the infrastructure and promoting the use of locally made components and EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services). As a nation, we need to support this ecosystem so that companies manufacturing products here can rely on Indian-made components instead of seeking cheaper alternatives abroad. While lower prices may seem appealing, it’s more important to focus on self-reliance and creating a sustainable system.

To achieve this, all stakeholders in the industry must work together and support each other. Collaboration is key to making India not only a self-reliant manufacturing hub but also a global leader in manufacturing for the world.

IGNITO: With AI and IoT gaining traction, how is Sahasra Electronics adapting its product line to cater to emerging tech trends?

Manwani: To stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape, we need to integrate cutting-edge technology platforms into our operations. Technologies like Industry 4.0, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are becoming essential. They allow us to monitor real-time manufacturing processes, address issues proactively, and improve traceability and yield. This approach is crucial for achieving excellence in both product quality and manufacturing practices.

At Sahasra, we are fully committed to this transformation. In our new facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan—designed for both semiconductor manufacturing and EMS—we’re introducing AI-enabled systems to revolutionize how we operate. These systems will allow us to track production processes in real-time, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions more efficiently.

The benefits of this technology integration are immense. It will not only boost our productivity but also significantly enhance the quality of our products. Additionally, leveraging these advanced tools positions us at the forefront of technological innovation, enabling us to meet global standards and compete effectively in the market. For us, it’s about combining efficiency with innovation to deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers.

IGNITO: The electronics manufacturing industry requires a lot of skilled workforce. So what steps is Sahasra Electronics taking to address skill gaps and train talent for the future?

Manwani: As the Chairman of the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India, I’ve been actively working to promote skill development, not just within the Sahasra Group but across the electronics industry through the council’s initiatives. We’re focusing on three key areas to bridge the skills gap and prepare the workforce for the future.

First, we’re identifying the specific skills needed in various industries, like electronic components, and ensuring that individuals are trained accordingly. Through the Electronics Sector Skills Council, we’ve developed job roles and national occupation standards that serve as benchmarks for training tens of thousands of people in diverse areas. These include electronic components, IT hardware, mobility, mobile phones, transportation, and emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, telecommunications, and drones.

At Sahasra specifically, we’re not only building our internal capabilities but also sharing our expertise with the Electronics Sector Skills Council, the Government of India (through MeitY), and even global organizations like SEMI-USA. We’re providing targeted training to ensure that people joining us are equipped with the right skills for the job.

For those who already have experience, we leverage the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme to formally acknowledge their skills and then offer opportunities to upskill. This way, we cover all bases—recognizing past skills, upskilling for current needs, and preparing individuals for new and advanced technologies.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a highly skilled workforce that can drive innovation and growth, not only for Sahasra but for the entire electronics sector in India.

IGNITO: How do you see Sahasra Electronics contributing to India’s demographic dividend in terms of employee generation and capacity building?

Manwani: India’s demographic dividend is a huge advantage, not just for Sahasra but for the entire electronics industry. The youthful population creates an incredible opportunity, particularly in the component manufacturing sector, which is a significant job generator. Whether it’s PCBs, capacitors, relays, or other essential components, the electronics component industry has the potential to create employment on a scale comparable to traditional sectors like textiles.

At Sahasra, we’re committed to contributing to this growth. By expanding our component manufacturing, we’re not only addressing the demand in the electronics sector but also creating job opportunities for India’s youth. This demographic advantage allows us to tap into a skilled and energetic workforce, which is essential as we build capacity to meet the growing demand.

What’s particularly exciting is how this capacity-building aligns with India’s larger vision. By focusing on meeting domestic demand first, we can scale up production, achieve economies of scale, and become cost-competitive. As we grow, this competitiveness will enable us to integrate seamlessly into the global supply chain.

India is positioned to become a key player in the global electronics market, leveraging its demographic strength and growing expertise in manufacturing. With the right investments and capacity-building efforts, we’ll not only serve India’s needs but also emerge as a major exporter, driving economic growth and reinforcing our place in the global supply chain.

IGNITO: What are Sahasra Electronics’ short-term and long-term growth plans, both in India and globally?

Manwani: Sahasra has some exciting plans in the short term, both in India and globally. Domestically, we’re looking to expand into IT hardware, which is an area we’re already making strides in. We were the first company in India to start manufacturing motherboards for data servers, and we plan to continue growing in this direction. We’ve also signed agreements with notable IT hardware companies like Thomson, Physics Wallah, Altos India etc. which will further boost our capabilities and expand our reach in the Indian market.

Globally, we’ve been successful in the EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) sector, and our goal is to continue growing our presence in international markets. We’ve already established Sahasra UK and are working to expand further in Europe.

In fact, we’ve secured contracts with companies in Germany and the Netherlands for additional products, which will help us increase our footprint in the European EMS market. This is an exciting time for us as we work to strengthen our global operations and make our mark on the international stage.

IGNITO: As a key industry leader, what is your advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to enter the Indian electronics manufacturing space?

Manwani: I have two key suggestions for the youth of India when it comes to the electronics sector. First, electronics is becoming a meta-resource—it’s now integrated into nearly every industry. Whether it’s agriculture, energy, solar, telecommunications, or even household goods, electronics are everywhere. This creates massive growth potential, both in terms of firmware and hardware.

So, I strongly encourage young people to explore the electronics manufacturing domain. There’s huge opportunity here, not only in India but also globally, as the sector continues to grow.

Secondly, the electronics space, particularly in design, offers tremendous startup opportunities. While many people may face challenges like a lack of funding, there are still significant possibilities in the design and fabless sectors. These areas are ripe for innovation and entrepreneurship. So, I would urge the youth to seriously consider this field.

However, I must add that this is not a sprint; it’s more like a marathon. Success in this industry requires perseverance and resilience. It’s a long-term journey. But I can assure you, there’s a rewarding future ahead. The opportunities in this sector are vast, and if you stay committed, there’s a lot to gain.