Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched INSPIRE, Pakistan’s first national semiconductor training program designed to build a skilled workforce for the rapidly growing semiconductor industry. This landmark initiative, supported by the Ministry of IT & Telecom and implemented by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), involves an investment of Rs4.5 billion. The program aims to train 7,200 professionals in key areas such as semiconductor design, verification, and research.
INSPIRE will operate through a collaboration of nine universities and six integrated circuit (IC) labs across the country, creating a comprehensive training ecosystem that combines academic knowledge with hands-on industry experience. This initiative not only addresses the skills gap in Pakistan’s tech sector but also signals the country’s formal entry into the global semiconductor market, which is valued at over $600 billion.
By nurturing talent in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, INSPIRE is set to promote innovation, enhance digital self-reliance, and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness on the international stage. This program positions the country to capitalize on the growing demand for semiconductors, which are critical components in everything from smartphones and computers to advanced medical devices and automotive systems. INSPIRE reflects Pakistan’s strategic commitment to developing a high-tech industry capable of contributing significantly to economic growth and technological advancement in the years ahead.
