Guwahati: Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran emphasized the importance of the semiconductor industry, calling it a foundational industry for the future, during the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for Tata’s new semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam. The unit will be established with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore.

Chandrasekaran expressed confidence that part of the facilities would be completed by 2025, with operations starting soon thereafter. The ceremony was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who performed the ‘bhoomi pujan’ alongside Chandrasekaran. The unit is expected to create 15,000 direct and 11,000 to 13,000 indirect jobs.

"The semiconductor industry is crucial for our future. Chips will be integral to every aspect of our daily lives, from electronics and automobiles to mobile technology, defense, and healthcare. With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, the demand for chips will only increase," Chandrasekaran told the media.

He highlighted that many countries are striving to enter this space, but only a few have the capability. "India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken a bold step, and Tata Group is proud to be part of this initiative. We are building the entire electronics value chain, with facilities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and now this advanced semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam. We are also setting up a fab in Valera, Gujarat, and a design house," he added.

Chandrasekaran noted that the facility in Assam would help create a semiconductor ecosystem. "At full capacity, it will employ 27,000 people, including 15,000 direct jobs and 12,000 indirect jobs. Additionally, it will attract companies producing different components, leading to a thriving electronics hub," he said. He anticipated the completion of part of the facilities and the start of operations by 2025.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the unit is expected to be operational within 18 months. "Today's 'bhoomi pujan' marks a significant milestone. This unit could have been established anywhere in India, but they chose Assam, which is a huge landmark for our state," he stated.

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the plant’s capabilities, noting it will manufacture approximately 4.83 crore chips per day. "The unique aspect of this plant is that all the major technologies used are developed in India. The chips will be used in electric vehicles and communication and network infrastructure," he said.

Officials mentioned that the Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India was launched in December 2021 with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore. In June 2023, the Union Cabinet approved Micron's proposal to set up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat. Tata’s semiconductor unit in Assam, along with two other units, received approval on February 29 this year.

The Assam unit will focus on developing advanced semiconductor packaging technologies, including flip chip and I-SIP (integrated system in package) technologies. These technologies are critical for automotive, communications, and network infrastructure applications.

Nearly 85,000 industry-ready professionals in semiconductor chip design are being trained at 113 academic institutions across India, including nine in the northeast region.

Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, will build the facility in Assam, marking a significant step forward for India's semiconductor industry.

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