US-based semiconductor firm Synaptics has announced plans to expand its R&D presence in India significantly. Over the next three years, the company aims to double its India workforce from 400 to over 800 employees. India currently represents Synaptics’ largest site by headcount, contributing to its $1 billion revenue stream. Globally, 82% of the company’s workforce is based outside the US, with India leading in numbers.
“India is our most critical development hub today. We plan to double our workforce here in the next three years, encompassing hardware engineers, software engineers, and RF engineers,” said Michael Hurlston, President and CEO of Synaptics. He also highlighted India as an emerging market for the company’s innovations.
Recently, Synaptics partnered with embedUR systems, a software company with a strong presence in Chennai, to develop integrated hardware and software solutions for the Smart Metering market. This collaboration aims to deliver cost-effective, AI-powered edge solutions tailored to India’s smart device segment.
Synaptics is also exploring the possibility of packaging semiconductor chips in India and is in talks with Advanced System in Package Technologies (ASIP). ASIP plans to establish a factory in Korea as a precursor to setting up operations in Hyderabad within a year. “ASIP could be a great partner for us. We’d like to be an early customer and aim to announce strategic partnerships within the next four to five months,” Hurlston stated. The company is working with embedUR to finalize product details for market launch.
As a fabless semiconductor company, Synaptics outsources all manufacturing. Most of its wafers come from Taiwan, which also supplies the majority of its packaging technology, with additional packaging sourced from Korea and China.
“Our competitive edge lies in semiconductor IP derived from our designs, not manufacturing. We believe our partners, such as TSMC and UMC, excel in production. Our focus remains on investing in design and developing intellectual property,” Hurlston explained.
Synaptics Incorporated is a global leader in human interface solutions, delivering innovative technologies that enable seamless interaction between people and devices. Specializing in touch, display, and biometric solutions, the company plays a pivotal role in enhancing user experiences across consumer electronics, automotive, and IoT markets.
Synaptics’ portfolio includes cutting-edge products like touch controllers, fingerprint sensors, voice processors, and artificial intelligence-driven connectivity solutions. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Synaptics continues to pioneer advancements in intuitive and secure interfaces, supporting a connected and intelligent future. Its commitment to innovation and quality has established it as a trusted partner for top-tier brands worldwide.