Tata Electronics and Japan-based Sumitomo Chemical have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration on the supply and local manufacture of semiconductor materials in India. The partnership is aimed at strengthening the semiconductor supply chain and supporting Tata Electronics’ upcoming semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat.
Under the MoU, Sumitomo Chemical will explore supplying semiconductor materials to Tata Electronics’ upcoming fab, including photoresists, functional chemicals and high-purity chemicals. The latter category includes hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, ammonia water and sulfuric acid.
The companies will also explore the manufacture of Sumitomo Chemical’s semiconductor materials and high-purity chemicals in India, with Tata Electronics supporting the Japanese company in evaluating local manufacturing opportunities.
Tata Electronics is currently building India’s first commercial 12-inch (300mm) semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat, with a planned investment of US$11 billion. The facility is planned to manufacture chips for applications including automotive, mobile devices and artificial intelligence, with products intended to serve customers globally.
The company has also established strategic partnerships with global customers and ecosystem companies. Its partnership with Taiwan-based Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) is intended to provide access to semiconductor technologies spanning 28nm to 110nm process nodes.
The Tata Electronics-Sumitomo Chemical partnership is expected to cover the materials side of the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, alongside equipment, process and design technologies. Tata Electronics said the collaboration will support the development of a domestic semiconductor manufacturing base in India.
Sumitomo Chemical supplies semiconductor and display materials through its ICT & Mobility Solutions business and has been supplying materials used in semiconductor manufacturing processes to customers globally.