Mohali: The Centre has approved Rs 4,500 crore to upgrade the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. The move signals the government’s intent to strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities at a time when global supply chains remain uncertain and domestic demand continues to rise.
Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the investment will support a comprehensive technology overhaul at SCL, one of India’s long-standing fabrication units that primarily develops strategic chips for space, defence, and research institutions. The planned upgrade includes modern cleanroom facilities, improved lithography equipment, and enhanced fabrication processes to align SCL with contemporary semiconductor standards. Officials indicated that the upgrades aim to address current technological gaps rather than pursue aggressive expansion, positioning the facility to meet specific national requirements.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader semiconductor strategy under the India Semiconductor Mission, which focuses on expanding chip design capabilities, developing specialised talent, and reducing long-term import dependency. Vaishnaw noted that the modernised SCL will also function as a training centre for semiconductor engineers, helping create a skilled workforce for future manufacturing units.
Industry observers see this investment as an attempt to stabilise India’s foothold in strategic chip production and build a supportive ecosystem for upcoming private and public semiconductor projects. While the funding does not immediately place SCL among global commercial fabs, analysts say the upgrade could improve India’s readiness for next-generation chip manufacturing, particularly for sectors that require secure, domestically produced components.
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