As India accelerates its semiconductor ecosystem, shop-floor execution, full-stack connectivity, and intelligent automation are emerging as core pillars for modern high-tech fabs and packaging facilities. In an exclusive discussion at SEMICON India, Vaishali Chauhan interacted with Augusto Vilarinho, Head of Global Sales and Business Development at Critical Manufacturing, to explore how smart manufacturing execution systems (MES) and AI capabilities are empowering India’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.
Exhibiting alongside shareholder ASMPT, Critical Manufacturing showcased its Industrial Operations Platform—a solution engineered to transcend traditional MES boundaries. Beyond core execution, quality control, and traceability, the platform enables advanced levels of shop-floor automation, paving the way toward lights-out manufacturing. Central to this architecture is an integrated industrial data platform that unifies shop-floor data into a context-rich ecosystem, laying the groundwork for AI-driven analytics and decision-support copilots tailored for precision manufacturing.
Addressing India’s evolution from initial infrastructure initiatives (“Semicon 1.0”) to broader ecosystem expansion (“Semicon 2.0”), Vilarinho highlighted the immense opportunities across the complete value chain—from wafer fabrication to end-to-end device assembly. While acknowledging key industry hurdles such as capital intensity, precise long-term technology roadmapping, and the critical need for specialized technical talent, he emphasized that Critical Manufacturing is uniquely positioned to partner with Indian manufacturers. By combining deep domain expertise, global system-integrator partnerships, and advisory-led deployment, the company aims to help Indian enterprises navigate operational complexities and build sustainable, world-class semiconductor manufacturing operations.
How has Semicon India been for your company so far? What kind of response have you received from visitors and customers, and what are some of the key conversations taking place at the event?
The response at Semicon India has been very positive so far. We have seen strong engagement from the beginning, following invitations sent to our customers and partners ahead of the event.
We have a strong partner ecosystem in India and are significantly expanding our business in the country. Participating in Semicon India is a natural extension of these efforts.
This is our first time exhibiting at the event alongside our shareholder, ASMPT, and we have been actively engaging with existing and prospective customers, as well as local partners. These include major system integrators with whom we collaborate on projects worldwide.
Overall, the event has provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and engage with potential customers and partners in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
What are you showcasing at Semicon India, and what are some of the key solutions or developments you would like the industry to know about?
We are showcasing Critical Manufacturing’s Industrial Operations Platform, which goes beyond the capabilities of a traditional manufacturing execution system (MES). At its core, the platform supports shop-floor execution and control, encompassing capabilities such as traceability, quality control, equipment maintenance, automation and process control.
The platform also supports advanced levels of automation, including what is commonly known as lights-out manufacturing, where production facilities can operate with minimal or no human intervention.
Beyond execution and control, our ecosystem provides comprehensive connectivity capabilities and incorporates an industrial data platform. This brings together information collected from machines, processes and people into a single, contextualised environment, creating a foundation for more advanced manufacturing capabilities.
An important aspect of this approach is the ability to make effective use of artificial intelligence. When manufacturing data is readily available, well-organised and enriched with context, it becomes possible to introduce AI capabilities that can support operational decision-making.
We already offer AI copilots and analytics copilots within our system. These are among the solutions we are presenting to Indian manufacturers as the country’s manufacturing ecosystem continues to develop and expand.
India’s semiconductor ecosystem is growing rapidly. What opportunities do you see in the Indian market, and where do you see the greatest potential for your company?
The Indian market offers significant opportunities for companies like ours. Following the initial funding initiatives under what could be described as Semicon 1.0, the country is now moving towards its next phase of investment, or Semicon 2.0.
This next phase involves moving beyond the initial semiconductor installations, including fabrication plants and backend facilities, towards developing the broader ecosystem. This encompasses everything from wafer fabrication to the supply chain for finished electronic devices.
The growth we are witnessing, together with the strategic investments being made by the Indian government, presents considerable opportunities for Indian manufacturers to expand their capabilities and strengthen their position in the electronics and semiconductor industries.
As an established solutions provider specialising in these high-tech industries, we see significant potential to strengthen our presence in India. We can bring our experience, advisory capabilities and manufacturing execution expertise to support Indian manufacturers while building long-term partnerships with customers.
What are the key challenges facing India’s semiconductor industry today, and what role can industry players like your company play in addressing them?
Based on our experience in India and other markets, we can see that the country is making significant progress in developing its semiconductor industry.
Semiconductor manufacturing is inherently complex and requires extensive knowledge and experience, given the level of precision and detail involved in manufacturing processes. In my view, the Indian authorities’ strategic commitment to developing this industry has been fundamental in helping build the necessary capabilities and expertise.
India is now moving from ambition towards operational implementation. One of the key challenges is ensuring that organisations have access to the right talent and specialised knowledge to support this transition.
Another important consideration is the need for a long-term strategy. Semiconductor manufacturing is highly capital-intensive, requiring substantial initial investments that must remain sustainable over time. Decisions regarding equipment investments and technology roadmaps need to be made well in advance, taking into account the industry’s specific requirements and the pace of technological advancement.
