In a major push to position Tamil Nadu as India’s semiconductor powerhouse, the state government on Friday announced a partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies (CAST) — the first major initiative under the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030.

Unveiled in the State Budget 2025–26, the mission aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a global hub for semiconductor innovation, manufacturing, and skilled workforce development.

India’s First In Situ Fab Facility

The upcoming centre will be located at the Central Polytechnic Campus in Chennai and will feature India’s first in situ semiconductor fabrication (fab) processing facility, according to an official government release. The project will be supported by an initial seed grant of ₹100 crore from the state government.

The centre will focus on advanced semiconductor research, technology localisation, rapid prototyping, and startup incubation, driving innovation across the value chain.

Skill Development and Workforce Building

A cornerstone of the initiative is the ‘School of Semiconductors’ programme, which aims to train over 4,500 professionals through short-term skilling and certification courses. The programme seeks to create a strong talent pipeline spanning all levels of semiconductor design, production, and engineering.

The government also plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to align the project with national semiconductor initiatives.

Support for MSMEs and Cross-Sector Innovation

Beyond workforce development, the initiative will promote MSME capability building, interdisciplinary research, and innovation in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, space technology, data centres, and diamond-based power electronics.

Leaders’ Vision

State Industries Minister T. R. B. Rajaa, in a post on X, described the Schools of Semiconductors as a “bold workforce development programme under the ambitious #TNSemiconductorMission.”

He added that the project, powered by the first-of-its-kind in situ fab facility, was being conceptualised in partnership with IIT Madras and leading corporate players in the semiconductor ecosystem.

Rajaa said the initiative embodies Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s vision to channel the potential of Tamil Nadu’s highly educated workforce.

“From fabless design to equipment manufacturing, from R&D to startups, and from technician training to advanced engineering — we are creating opportunities for every layer of talent,” he stated.

He added that the ultimate goal was to make Tamil Nadu the “singular, indispensable source of skilled semiconductor talent” in India and globally.

The Department of Industries and the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, will jointly implement the initiative.