Tata Electronics Private Limited and Merck Electronics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen semiconductor capabilities in India, marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem. The partnership will focus on developing expertise in semiconductor materials, fabrication infrastructure, and distribution of specialty chemicals and gases.
Under the agreement, Merck will provide Tata Electronics with its portfolio of high-purity materials, advanced gas and chemical delivery systems, fab infrastructure services, and Material Intelligence™ solutions powered by AI. Merck will also share global best practices in safety and manufacturing excellence, while enabling collaboration through its secure analytics platform Athinia®. Plans include localized warehousing, raw material supply chains, talent development, and the creation of industry-wide processes and standards within India.
Dr Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD of Tata Electronics, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s vision of building world-class semiconductor manufacturing solutions from India, with a focus on safety, quality, and innovation. Dr Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Electronics, noted that the agreement reflects Merck’s commitment to India’s semiconductor journey and its strategy of enabling growth markets through precision and innovation.
The MoU supports the objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission. Tata Electronics is investing ₹91,000 crore (about US$11 billion) in India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility at Dholera, Gujarat, which will manufacture chips for automotive, AI, and mobile device applications. With Merck’s expertise in semiconductor materials and sub-fab services, the partnership aims to accelerate the project’s execution and contribute to India’s integration into the global semiconductor value chain.
Tata Electronics Private Limited, established in 2020 as a greenfield venture of the Tata Group, has rapidly emerged as a key global player in the electronics manufacturing sector. The company’s expertise spans Electronics Manufacturing Services, Semiconductor Assembly & Test, Semiconductor Foundry, and Design Services, offering integrated solutions across the electronics and semiconductor value chain. With a workforce exceeding 70,000 employees, Tata Electronics has major operations in Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Strongly focused on socio-economic impact, the company is committed to generating inclusive employment—especially for women—and driving community initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, environment, sports, and livelihood development.
Merck, a global leader in science and technology, operates across life science, healthcare, and electronics with more than 62,000 employees working to advance innovative solutions that improve lives worldwide. In 2024, the company reported sales of €21.2 billion across 65 countries, highlighting its global reach and influence. Founded in 1668, Merck’s growth has been driven by scientific discovery and responsible entrepreneurship, with the founding family continuing as the majority owner of the publicly listed enterprise. While Merck holds exclusive global rights to its brand name, the United States and Canada operate under different names—MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics—ensuring its presence in diverse markets with a strong legacy of innovation.
