The inaugural Gujarat Semiconnect Conference witnessed the signing of 8 significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel at Mahatma Mandir. This landmark event underscores Gujarat’s growing prominence in the global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector.

Key MoUs and Agreements Signed

1. JABIL INDIA’s Silicon Photonics Manufacturing Unit
   JABIL INDIA signed an MoU to establish a Silicon Photonics Manufacturing Unit in Gujarat with an investment of ₹1,000 crore. This unit will manufacture photonics transceivers used in AI, telecom, IoT, and smart infrastructure. The project is expected to generate approximately 1,500 new jobs.
2. Tata Electronics’ Semiconductor Fab in Dholera
   An Agreement (FSA) was signed between the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Tata Electronics (TEPL) for financial assistance from the Central Government for setting up a semiconductor fabrication unit in Dholera. This project, with a massive investment of ₹91,526 crore, aims to boost India’s semiconductor production capacity.
3. Skill Development Partnership Between Tata Electronics and IIT Gandhinagar
   Tata Electronics signed an MoU with IIT Gandhinagar to enhance skill development in the semiconductor sector. This partnership will focus on creating a pipeline of skilled talent to support the growing semiconductor industry.
4. Tripartite Agreement for Semiconductor Chip Production
   Tata Electronics entered into a tripartite agreement with Taiwan’s PSMC and Himax Technologies for semiconductor chip production at the Dholera fab unit. This strategic collaboration will significantly strengthen India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
5. Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology’s EMS Unit in Gujarat
   An MoU was signed with Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology (TSMT) to set up an Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) unit in Gujarat with an investment of over ₹500 crore. This project is set to create around 1,000 new jobs.
6. Micron Technology’s Commitment to Sustainability and Skill Development
   Micron Technology signed an MoU focused on improving environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards, promoting STEM education, and enhancing skilled workforce development in the Sanand region. This initiative is expected to benefit the rural communities around Sanand.
7. NextGen’s ₹10,000 Crore Compound Semiconductor Fab and Optoelectronics Facility
   NextGen announced an investment of ₹10,000 crore to establish a compound semiconductor fab and optoelectronics facility in Gujarat. The project will receive technical support from Hitachi and Solidlight, reinforcing Gujarat’s position in the high-tech manufacturing sector.
8. CANS and Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Partnership
   CANS signed a strategic partnership with Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Limited (AOS), a US-based semiconductor company, for multi-year, multi-million-dollar semiconductor chip products, including POWER MOSFETs, IGBTs, and IPMs.

Major Announcements and Developments

• Over 1,500 delegates from India and abroad and more than 250 exhibitors participated in the three-day conference.
• The “Semiconductor Manufacturing Supply Chain” report was released by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA).
• The “Vision to Reality – Make in India Product Initiative” was launched to encourage local semiconductor production.
• The foundation stone for a new semiconductor unit of Keynes Technology was laid in Sanand. The pilot manufacturing line is expected to start production in June 2025, with the main line becoming operational by January 2026.
• Strategic collaboration agreements were signed with eight institutions to promote skill development in the semiconductor sector.

Gujarat’s Growing Leadership in Semiconductors

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted Gujarat’s leadership in emerging technologies like semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and drone technology. He emphasized Gujarat’s dedicated Semiconductor Policy (2022) and the state’s efforts to create a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem through the Gujarat State Electronics Mission.

Dholera is being developed as the country’s first greenfield smart city with state-of-the-art infrastructure and plug-and-play facilities, making it an ideal destination for semiconductor industries. Patel also mentioned the Global Capability Center Policy, aimed at promoting AI, ML, and analytics industries in Gujarat and encouraging startup growth.

Netherlands and Japan Strengthen Ties with Gujarat

Netherlands Ambassador to India, Shri Marisa Gerhards, stated that the semiconductor sector will play a key role in India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted the growing partnership between India and the Netherlands, with both countries poised to lead the global semiconductor revolution through cooperation.

JETRO Chairman and CEO Mr. Ishiguro Norihiko acknowledged Gujarat’s rapid progress in building a semiconductor ecosystem under visionary leadership. He affirmed JETRO’s commitment to strengthening Gujarat’s position as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.

State Infrastructure and Industrial Development

Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi highlighted Gujarat’s rise as a manufacturing hub due to sound financial policies, world-class infrastructure, and investment-friendly policies.

• Dholera SIR is being developed with international-standard infrastructure, including:
  • Uninterrupted power, gas, and water supply
  • Expressway connectivity
  • Bhimnath railway station
  • Greenfield Airport (operational by July 2025)

Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Shri Mona Khandhare, welcomed the delegates and outlined the conference’s agenda, including panel discussions and strategic sessions focused on building a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Gujarat.

A New Era for Gujarat’s Semiconductor Industry

The Gujarat Semiconnect Conference has positioned Gujarat as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. The strategic MoUs, combined with government-backed policies and global partnerships, will drive Gujarat’s transformation into a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse, reinforcing India’s position on the global technology map.