The Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali is set to undergo a significant transformation with a substantial investment of Rs 20,000 crore aimed at establishing a new state-of-the-art fabrication facility. This initiative will increase its production capacity to 20,000 wafers per month. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is spearheading this upgrade to transition from the current 180 nm technology to more advanced 28 nm and eventually to 14 nm nodes.
Establishment of a Research and Development Center of Excellence
Furthermore, the plan includes the creation of a research and development center of excellence equipped with 300-mm wafer processing technology, reflecting a strategic move to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Expansion Plans and Ministerial Endorsement
SCL, which currently serves critical sectors such as space and telecommunications, plans to enhance its manufacturing capabilities to handle 24,000 wafers monthly with the new technology. To accommodate this expansion, SCL is exploring the acquisition of additional land adjacent to its existing premises for the construction of the new fabrication unit. The project has received strong backing from Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications and IT, who envisions elevating SCL to meet global standards. This upgrade is expected to provide substantial support to startups, boost the industrial sector, and enhance India’s capabilities in chip exports.
https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/scl-set-for-massive-rs-20000-cr-modernisation-drive
