Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : India's ambitious drive towards semiconductor self-reliance is heating up, with two major players — India's own Tata Electronics and Israel-based Tower Semiconductor — emerging as the top contenders to overhaul the crucial Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. This significant development involves a massive Rs 4,000 crore investment aimed at transforming the decades-old facility into a modern, state-of-the-art chip fabrication unit.
The Mohali SCL, established in 1976, is set for a substantial upgrade, moving from its current older technology to a more advanced 65-nanometer (nm) fabrication process. This modernization is not just about producing smaller, more efficient chips; it's strategically focused on manufacturing specialized components. The revamped plant will concentrate on vital products like power management chips, analog integrated circuits (ICs), and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors. These components are essential across a wide range of industries, from consumer electronics and automotive to defense and telecommunications.
For Tata Electronics, this opportunity represents a significant step in its burgeoning semiconductor ambitions. The Indian conglomerate has been actively exploring ventures in chip manufacturing, seeing it as a critical sector for India's future technological sovereignty. Partnering with a facility like SCL Mohali would provide a vital foothold in the complex world of chip fabrication.
On the other hand, Tower Semiconductor brings decades of global expertise in specialized chip manufacturing. The Israeli company is a renowned player in the analog and mixed-signal semiconductor industry, with a strong track record in developing and operating advanced fabs. Their technical prowess could be instrumental in successfully upgrading and running the Mohali plant to global standards.
This move is a cornerstone of the Indian government's broader 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiatives in the electronics sector. By bolstering domestic chip production capabilities, India aims to reduce its reliance on global supply chains, which have proven vulnerable to disruptions, as seen during the recent worldwide chip shortages. The successful revamp of SCL Mohali would not only create high-tech jobs but also foster a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the country, attracting further investments and cementing India's position on the global technology map. The final decision on which company will lead this transformative project is eagerly awaited, promising a significant boost to India's technological future.
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