January 12, 2024
Vaishnaw urged IIT Gandhinagar to establish a centre of excellence for semiconductor research and development (R&D)
The proposed semiconductor fabrication facility by Tata Group, currently under evaluation by the Union government, would surpass the scale of Micron Technology's semiconductor plant
An MoU was also signed between ISRO's Space Applications Centre and Gujarat Knowledge Society to collaborate on semiconductor design and space technology
The minister also expressed enthusiasm for creating an ecosystem for R&D and facilitating the growth of the semiconductor sector.
During the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, at least three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. One of them, between the Gujarat government and Simmtech, a South Korean PCB-manufacturing company, proposed an investment exceeding Rs 1,250 crore and creating over 1,000 job opportunities.
In addition, two other MoUs were signed between Micron and Namtech, the education initiative of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel and between CISCO and Namtech. These agreements focus on advancing talent pipelines and creating cybersecurity, networking, and AI learning academic programs.
At the event, Union Minister for Communications and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw continued encouraging the semiconductor sector to invest in Gujarat and India. He specifically urged IIT Gandhinagar to establish a centre of excellence for semiconductor R&D.
Vaishnaw asserted that the proposed semiconductor fabrication facility by Tata Group, currently under evaluation by the Union government, would surpass the scale of Micron Technology’s semiconductor plant in Sanand.
Emphasising the need for talent in the industry over the next decade, Vaishnaw, who also oversees the Railways portfolio, stated that India could provide a million more professionals. He expressed enthusiasm for creating an ecosystem for R&D and facilitating the growth of the semiconductor sector.
Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra shared updates on the construction of their testing and assembly plant in Sanand, mentioning that the second phase is expected to commence in the second half of the decade. He highlighted the ongoing hiring and training activities.
Responding to queries about Simmtech’s timeline, Vaishnaw explained that their schedule aligns with the chip manufacturer Micron Technology, aiming to produce the first chip by December 2024. He clarified that Simmtech’s work would begin in the next one to three months, taking about six to seven months to establish its setup.
Vaishnaw also touched upon the progress of negotiations with Tata Sons for a semiconductor fab in Dholera, expressing optimism and highlighting the increased trust and confidence of semiconductor companies in India.
Vaishnaw concluded that work to attract the semiconductor sector is ongoing in various locations, emphasising factors such as clean energy, quick decision-making, and stable policies as crucial for investment decisions. He addressed Foxconn-Vedanta’s plans, which did not materialise, as a common occurrence when partners fail to reach agreements. Another noteworthy MoU was signed between ISRO’s Space Applications Centre and Gujarat Knowledge Society to collaborate on semiconductor design and space technology development in Gujarat.
Source: Indian Express