GlobalFoundries has highlighted its Kolkata Power Center as a key component in advancing emerging technologies, particularly in the field of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors. The global semiconductor company, which acquired Tagore Technology’s GaN power portfolio in July, emphasized the strategic role of its Kolkata center in driving innovation in this area. The acquisition included a substantial intellectual property portfolio and a team of specialized GaN engineers.
“The Kolkata Power Center consolidates design teams and laboratory facilities, allowing for end-to-end solutions under one roof,” a company spokesperson told Business Standard. Tagore Technology previously operated a design center in Kolkata, alongside its Illinois, U.S. facility.
The significance of the Kolkata Power Center was also highlighted during a recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden. The leaders underscored the center’s potential in advancing research and development collaborations in semiconductor manufacturing, with applications spanning zero-emission technologies, connected vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and data centers.
GlobalFoundries, a leading multinational semiconductor contract manufacturing and design firm headquartered in Malta, New York, has no immediate plans for expansion in India. However, the company continues to explore long-term global partnerships in semiconductor manufacturing and technology to cater to India’s growing chip demand.
“We are actively focusing on India, especially with our growing R&D team in Bengaluru, which supports various operational aspects, including virtual fabrication and customer enablement,” the spokesperson added. “Additionally, our Kolkata Power Center will be critical in bolstering our leadership in emerging technologies like GaN.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed strong support for GlobalFoundries. In a post on social media platform X, she acknowledged the recent announcement by the Indian Prime Minister and the U.S. President about GlobalFoundries’ plans for a semiconductor Global Capability Center in West Bengal. She emphasized the state government’s ongoing efforts to promote the semiconductor sector.
Banerjee also noted that numerous chip design and packaging start-ups have moved to various Webel IT Parks post-pandemic. Furthermore, she mentioned GlobalFoundries’ active participation in multiple technology symposiums in West Bengal, alongside other major industry players such as Synopsys and Micron.
