Qualcomm’s Chennai Design Center
On March 14th, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, the American semiconductor powerhouse Qualcomm inaugurated a new design center. The inauguration ceremony was led by Union Minister for Information and Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside the company’s President and CEO, Cristiano R Amon. Qualcomm, renowned for its expertise in designing and producing semiconductors and wireless telecommunications devices, hails from the United States.
“The vision of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji is to foster a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem. Today marks another significant milestone with the inauguration of the Qualcomm semiconductor design center in Chennai. Thank you, Mr. @cristianoamon, and special appreciation for gracing the occasion in Indian traditional attire,” the minister shared on X.
Today, the minister also inaugurated the 6G University Research India Program at Ramanujan IT City in Taramani, Chennai.. These endeavors signify a significant stride in Qualcomm’s path of innovation, further solidifying its footprint in India. This expansion involves an investment of Rs 177.27 crore.
Prime Minister Modi’s Seminal Steps
Discussing semiconductor production in India, Vaishnaw highlighted that all three semiconductor chips on the Qualcomm board will now be entirely designed at the newly inaugurated Chennai Design Center. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of creating a complete semiconductor value chain in India, spanning design, fabrication, and ATMP (Assembling, Testing, Marking, and Packaging), as well as encompassing the talent pool, gases and chemicals, and semiconductor equipment.
The minister also emphasized that with the foundation stone laying for three semiconductor projects by the Prime Minister on Wednesday, the country will possess capabilities in all areas — design, fabrication, and ATMP (Modified Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging).
“We have collaborated with 104 universities across the nation to provide students with access to the latest design tools, enabling them to learn, experiment, and innovate,” the Minister remarked.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone by laying the foundation stones for three new semiconductor plants across the country. These initiatives form a crucial part of India’s endeavors to bolster its semiconductor ecosystem. The three new chip plants are set to be established in Gujarat and Assam, with two plants being led by the Tata Group. This development complements the ongoing construction of a chip plant in Sanand, Gujarat, reinforcing India’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor industry.
India’s Semiconductor Industry Poised for Growth
India’s semiconductor industry is still in its infancy, with various local and multinational companies aiming to leverage its immense potential. The upcoming Design Centre is anticipated to create employment opportunities for up to 1,600 skilled technology professionals, further bolstering India’s dynamic workforce.
This investment is poised to catalyze advancements in semiconductor design, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and fostering growth prospects for a robust indigenous design ecosystem, as stated in a press release.
Cristiano Amon remarked to journalists that the center will play a crucial role in advancing the company’s wireless products, particularly WiFi technologies. India boasts a well-established IT sector with numerous multinational corporations thriving in a supportive policy environment crafted by both central and state governments, fostering an atmosphere conducive to the growth of tech talent. Qualcomm eagerly anticipates tapping into the growth opportunities presented by the country.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, emphasized the importance of ongoing research and development efforts towards advancing wireless technology, even as 5G services are being rolled out in India. He highlighted the necessity for collaborative R&D endeavors involving the private sector and academic institutions to drive innovation in 6G technology and establish its standards.
Vaishnaw expressed confidence in India’s potential to lead global R&D initiatives and develop indigenous intellectual property in this field. He commended Qualcomm Technologies’ initiative in launching the 6G University Research Program, recognizing its role in inspiring and supporting engineering talent across the country to tackle present and future challenges.
The minister also mentioned discussions with Cristiano Amon regarding collaboration between the Government of India and Qualcomm across various sectors, including advancements in 6G technology, during interactions with the press.
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