SCL Mohali Revamp Marks Strategic Push in Chip Manufacturing

India has awarded a ₹4,500 crore tender to Tata Semiconductor,

Semiconductor, and Applied Materials to modernize the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. This upgrade is a key milestone under the ₹76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission, aimed at revitalizing domestic chip manufacturing and R&D capabilities. - Strategic Tender Allocation - Tata Semiconductor will upgrade the 8-inch CMOS wafer fabrication line, including utilities, feasibility studies, and gap analysis. - Cyient Semiconductor will supply and qualify radio frequency CMOS intellectual property. - Applied Materials will implement manufacturing execution systems and equipment automation. - Reviving India’s Legacy Fab Facility SCL Mohali is India’s only integrated device manufacturing (IDM) facility. The modernization aims to restore its relevance in global semiconductor supply chains and support domestic R&D and prototyping. - Part of India Semiconductor Mission The ₹76,000 crore mission allocates ~10% of its budget to upgrading SCL’s infrastructure. This includes fabrication technology, cleanroom facilities, and process automation, aligning with India’s ambition to become a semiconductor hub. - End-to-End Modernisation Mandate The Ministry of Electronics and IT has mandated bidders to oversee full-stack upgrades—from equipment and software to R&D operationalization. This ensures SCL’s transformation into a globally competitive facility. - Implications for Domestic Chip Ecosystem The tender win strengthens Tata’s semiconductor ambitions, complements Cyient’s IP capabilities, and brings Applied Materials’ global automation expertise into India’s ecosystem. The upgrade could catalyze future collaborations, talent development, and supply chain localization.