In a significant boost to India's semiconductor aspirations, US-based technology leader KLA Corporation has inaugurated a major new research and development and innovation center in Chennai. The expansion represents a substantial investment of Rs 300 crore and underscores the growing global confidence in India's tech talent and semiconductor policy framework.
A Strategic Hub for AI and Software Development
The newly launched facility spans an impressive 3.11 lakh square feet and is strategically designed to house up to 1,300 professionals. The core mission of this hub is to accelerate software development and enhance artificial intelligence capabilities. This focus is critical as KLA specializes in semiconductor process control—a vital field that involves inspecting wafers for defects and helping chip manufacturers maintain high production yields.
Dominic David, President of KLA India, highlighted the company's steady growth in the country, building a strong foundation in software engineering and AI. "The new facility enables our teams to scale with purpose, driving innovation, fostering employee wellbeing, and strengthening our global programs with efficiency and impact," David stated. He emphasized that this strategic investment reflects KLA's long-term commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting India's vision to become a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Two Decades of Growth Culminating in a Major Expansion
KLA's journey in India began in 2004, and over the past two decades, it has consistently expanded its footprint. The company currently employs about 1,000 people across its various facilities in Chennai. A key milestone was established in 2021 with the setup of its Artificial Intelligence-Advanced Computing Lab (AI-ACL) at the IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP). The new, larger hub is a natural progression of this deepening engagement, aimed at meeting growing global customer demand.
The inauguration event saw the presence of senior officials, including Shri Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary of MeitY and CEO of the India Semiconductor Mission, and Arun Roy, State Industries Department Secretary. Sinha noted that KLA's expansion reflects the positive momentum in India's emerging semiconductor sector. "Investments like these strengthen industry–government collaboration, accelerate advanced R&D, and support the vision of the India Semiconductor Mission to establish India as a trusted global partner in the semiconductor supply chain," he remarked.
Catalyst for India's Semiconductor Ecosystem
This move by a global semiconductor equipment leader is more than just a corporate expansion; it is a strong endorsement of India's semiconductor potential. The new center will increase collaboration across R&D, engineering, and product support functions, creating high-skilled jobs and fostering innovation. It directly aligns with the national objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission, aiming to position the country as a reliable and innovative force in the complex global chip supply chain. The opening of this hub marks a concrete step in translating policy vision into on-ground industrial and technological capability.
