Tamil Nadu, US firm to enter into deal for semiconductor centre in Chennai

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu govt and Applied Materials, USA, are to sign an MoU to set up an advanced AI-enabled technology development centre of excellence (CoE) focused on semiconductor manufacturing and equipment at Taramani that could result in more than 500 'high end' jobs over the next few years.

The MoU will be signed in San Francisco in the presence of chief minister M K Stalin and Prabu Raja, president of the semiconductor products group at Applied Materials, Inc. The centre could come up at DLF Downtown, Taramani.

"Investment in key sectors such as advanced electronics and semiconductors will help us achieve the $1 trillion economy goal by 2030. We want to make Tamil Nadu the most advanced knowledge and innovation hub in South Asia," said Stalin, ahead of the signing of the MoU.

The centre will work with local universities and industry partners to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in Tamil Nadu and help develop a future-ready talent pool to support chip industry growth. As part of this, Applied Materials plans to grow its workforce in the state to more than 500 technical jobs.

The development is in line with TN's target to garner investments and initiatives to generate high-end and high quality jobs through Stalin's visit to the US. As a next step, the state could lobby with Applied Materials to establish a semiconductor manufacturing facility in TN.

Industries minister T R B Rajaa said, "Tamil Nadu aims to grow the semiconductor ecosystem by fostering industry partnerships, cultivating a research-oriented culture and developing a skilled workforce. I believe this collaboration with Applied Materials will help us create the right talent and play a strong role in TN's journey to becoming a leading hub for semiconductor manufacturing."