Applied Materials to establish Center of Excellence in AI and Data Science in Tamil Nadu

US-based semiconductor manufacturing firm Applied Materials' India unit has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tamil Nadu Government.

As part of the partnership, the company will establish an advanced AI-enabled technology development Center of Excellence focused on semiconductor manufacturing and equipment at Chennai. 

The center will aim to work with local universities and industry partners to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in Tamil Nadu and help develop a future-ready talent pool to support chip industry growth.

It plans to grow its workforce in the state to more than 500 technical jobs over the next few years.

MoU signed in presence of CM MK Stalin

The MOU was signed in San Francisco in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin and Dr. Prabu Raja, President of the Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials, Inc..

“Investment in key sectors such as advanced electronics and semiconductors will help us achieve the $1 trillion economy goal by 2030. We want to make Tamil Nadu the most advanced knowledge and innovation hub in South Asia," said Hon’ble Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Strengthening collaborations with academic institutions

The planned Center will further strengthen Applied Materials’ existing collaborations with academic institutions in Tamil Nadu, which aim to advance research in AI, machine learning and data science for the semiconductor equipment sector.

Commenting on the MOU signing, Dr. Prabu Raja, President, Semiconductor Products Group, Applied Materials, Inc. said, “Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most industrialized states with a thriving manufacturing sector and an impressive scientific talent pool. Applied Materials looks forward to growing our presence in Chennai and working with the government to bring AI capabilities and advanced analytics to the local semiconductor manufacturing and equipment ecosystem.”