New TN policy on electronics, semiconductor taking shape

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is working on a new state policy for advanced electronics and semiconductors as it prepares for the next phase of growth in electronics manufacturing.

TN is looking to capitalise on its position as the top electronics exporter, and will soon come out with a policy that covers manufacturing of advanced electronic products such as sensors, chipsets etc, semiconductor design and manufacturing, and manufacture of equipment that are used in making semiconductors, senior state officials in the know said. For the April to October, 2023 period, Tamil Nadu's electronic exports surged to $4.8 billion, as per the latest data released.

With this, TN will join Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Assam as states that have a separate policy for semiconductors. The state already has a chip design and R&D strength in the form of IIT-Madras ecosystem and other engineering colleges that offer VLSI (very large system integration) courses. With an upcoming semiconductor policy, the state is also trying to capture a share of global semicon manufacturing investments coming India's way.

TN industries minister TRB Rajaa has noted in earlier interactions with TOI that EVs and semiconductors are among the state's next big focus areas and they are working with the industry to bring in big-ticket investments in these.