Synopsis
The Gujarat Semiconnect Conference resulted in the signing of eight significant MoUs, totaling over Rs 1.04 lakh crore, aimed at enhancing semiconductor manufacturing and creating numerous job opportunities in Gujarat.Key Takeaways
- MoUs worth over Rs 1.04 lakh crore signed.
- Significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Creation of thousands of jobs in the sector.
- International collaborations to boost technology.
- Focus on skill development and education initiatives.
Gandhinagar, March 6 (NationPress) The Gujarat Semiconnect Conference, conducted at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, witnessed the signing of eight crucial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
These agreements, collectively valued at over Rs 1.04 lakh crore, are designed to enhance semiconductor and electronics manufacturing in Gujarat, creating thousands of job opportunities.
The three-day event attracted over 1,500 delegates and 250 exhibitors, solidifying Gujarat's status as a pivotal player in India's semiconductor industry.
Among the notable agreements, JABIL INDIA inked an MoU to set up a Silicon Photonics Manufacturing Unit in Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore. This facility will produce photonics transceivers essential for AI, telecom, Internet of Things (IOT), and smart infrastructure, leading to nearly 1,500 new jobs.
Moreover, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Tata Electronics (TEPL) signed a Financial Support Agreement (FSA) for the establishment of a semiconductor fab unit in Dholera with a remarkable investment of Rs 91,526 crore, supported by the Central government.
In another significant move towards skill enhancement, Tata Electronics formed an MoU with IIT Gandhinagar to improve training in the semiconductor domain.
A tripartite agreement was also forged between Tata Electronics, Taiwanese firm PSMC, and Himax Technologies for semiconductor chip production in Dholera.
Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology (TSMT) signed an MoU to create an Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) unit in Gujarat with an investment exceeding Rs 500 crore, promising around 1,000 job opportunities.
Micron Technology, based in Sanand, entered into a partnership to support environmental, health, and safety initiatives, alongside STEM education and workforce development in local rural regions.
NextGen revealed plans for a substantial Rs 10,000 crore investment to set up a compound semiconductor fab and optoelectronics facility in Gujarat, receiving technical assistance from Hitachi and Solidlight.
Additionally, CANS secured a vital collaboration with Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Limited (AOS), a leading US semiconductor chip designer, for multi-year semiconductor chip products including POWER MOSFETs, IGBTs, and IPMs.
The conference also highlighted the launch of the semiconductor supply chain compendium, the unveiling of the "Semiconductor Manufacturing Supply Chain" report by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), and the introduction of the "Vision to Reality" initiative – a 'Make in India' product endeavor.
The foundation stone for Keynes Technology's semiconductor unit in Sanand was laid, with pilot manufacturing expected to begin in June 2025 and full-scale production by January 2026.
During the event, Chief Minister Patel emphasized Gujarat's proactive measures to cultivate a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
He highlighted the state's dedicated Semiconductor Policy of 2022 and the ongoing development of Dholera as India's inaugural greenfield smart city featuring plug-and-play facilities.
CM Patel further detailed the newly announced Global Capability Centre Policy aimed at advancing AI, machine learning, and analytics, reinforcing Gujarat's position as a leader in high-tech manufacturing.
Netherlands Ambassador to India, Marisa Gerhards, emphasized the semiconductor sector's crucial role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism regarding Indo-Dutch collaboration in semiconductor technology, stating that Gujarat’s contributions to this sector will be vital in shaping India's technological future.
Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi reaffirmed Gujarat's standing as a national manufacturing hub, attributing this to the state's strong financial management, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.
He remarked that Dholera Semicon City and Sanand GIDC are developing into key semiconductor packaging hubs, bolstered by strategic infrastructure initiatives such as uninterrupted power and water supply, expressway connectivity, a new railway station, and the forthcoming Dholera Greenfield Airport, which is slated to become operational by July 2025.
