"Tata Group and Texas Instruments Among Bidders for SCL Mohali Revamp: Report"

Nine companies, including the Tata Group, Texas Instruments from the United States, and Tower Semiconductor from Israel, have submitted their bids for the revamp of the government's Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, Punjab, according to sources cited by The Economic Times (ET).

Established in 1976, SCL Mohali commenced chip manufacturing in 1984 and is the sole chip manufacturing unit in India producing chips for defense and strategic purposes. The laboratory's chips were previously used in the Chandrayaan mission.

Currently manufacturing 180 nm node chips with limited applications, the IT ministry allocated $1 billion for the modernization of SCL, enabling it to manufacture modern chips starting with 40 and 65 nanometer chips. Expressions of interest were invited in September last year.

This development coincides with the Tata Group's announcement of plans to establish a semiconductor manufacturing unit at Dholera, with commissioning expected to begin this year. Tower Semiconductors has also expressed keen interest in entering commercial chip manufacturing in India, while Texas Instruments already has significant research and development (R&D) operations in the country, being among the pioneers in starting R&D activities here.

The Centre, in its bid document, specified that chips from SCL would continue to meet the requirements of government agencies such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The selected bidder is expected to oversee the end-to-end setup and operationalization of the laboratory.

Financial bids are anticipated to be invited soon in this crucial step toward revitalizing SCL Mohali and positioning it for advanced chip manufacturing capabilities.

BS