According to Prabu Raja, president of Applied Materials’ Semiconductor Products Group (SPG), India is a desirable place for the semiconductor ecosystem because of its talent and the government’s efforts to create a favourable climate.
A collaborative engineering centre focusing on creating and commercialising innovations for machinery used in semiconductor production will be built in Bangalore, according to plans released last month by the US-based business that offers materials engineering solutions for chip fabrication.
The centre is anticipated to generate at least 500 employees in advanced engineering within its first five years of operation and another 2,500 jobs throughout the industrial ecosystem.

We’ve been around for 20 years. Over many years, we developed engineering, simulation, and product development skills. More accurately, our self-confidence is growing. On the sidelines of the SemiconIndia meeting in 2023, Raja told Business Standard that government incentives have expedited and increased the size.
As part of its intended engineering centre in Bengaluru, Applied Materials has revealed that it is collaborating with more than 40 suppliers and academic institutions. The facility will be built to give suppliers access to cutting-edge tools and procedures for testing and validating their products, as well as chances for co-innovating, developing, and testing equipment subsystems and components to quicken the adoption of new ideas.

“We are constructing India’s whole ecology. These vendors work with high technology. They provide several plasma and material technologies as well as vital gas flows. It’s unusual for you to bring those individuals, Raja replied.

The Bengaluru centre, which will concentrate on working with suppliers, is anticipated to be the first of its type.

Even though the firm had great teams in many different places, according to Raja, the talent pool in India set it apart.

Everyone is aware that engineering is lacking in skill. Yet, India has a large pool of talent. It is one of India’s most alluring characteristics, he continued, adding that “the government is consistent and ready to adjusting its laws to meet the demands of the business. The industry is being heard by the government.

In India, Applied Materials has six locations and a sizable organisation for product development, research and development (R&D), information technology (IT), and operational skills.

Raja responded, “If we acquire more clients here, we will grow,” when questioned about the ambitions for the nation. Also, we are discussing product development. Cost and speed are significant factors that will be very essential. It will determine how much we scale.

“Our goal is to modify how we connect with chipmakers, universities, and other partners to enhance speed to market, cut R&D costs, and boost the overall success rate of new innovations,” said Srinivas Satya, country president of Applied Materials India. At the same time, the centre will offer direction and technical know-how to semiconductor firms, helping them create high-quality, affordable semiconductor products that serve both local and international markets while creating job opportunities for people of all skill levels.