GlobalFoundries Expands 12,000 Sq. Ft. Semiconductor Design & Testing Center in Kolkata

In a significant development for India’s growing semiconductor ambitions, GlobalFoundries, the world’s third-largest independent semiconductor foundry, is expanding its semiconductor design and testing center in Kolkata. The expansion marks another milestone in the city’s emergence as a hub for advanced engineering and deep-technology innovation.

The facility currently operates from approximately 12,000 square feet within the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) incubation hub and will now grow further within the same building. The move reflects GlobalFoundries’ long-term commitment to leveraging India’s expanding technical talent pool while deepening its operational footprint in Eastern India.

Focus on Advanced Semiconductor Technologies

The expansion is anchored in GlobalFoundries’ strategic focus on specialized semiconductor technologies, including gallium nitride (GaN), radio frequency (RF) chip design, and non-volatile memory solutions.

GaN semiconductors are increasingly gaining prominence due to their superior efficiency, faster switching capabilities, and smaller form factors compared to traditional silicon-based chips. These characteristics make them essential for next-generation applications such as electric vehicles, 5G communications, connected devices, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and modern data centers.

By strengthening design and testing capabilities in Kolkata, GlobalFoundries is supporting India’s effort to move beyond traditional strengths in software and chip design toward higher-value segments within the semiconductor value chain.

GlobalFoundries’ Strategic Position in the Industry

While industry leaders like TSMC and Samsung dominate leading-edge fabrication technologies, GlobalFoundries has carved a specialized niche by focusing on mature process nodes and differentiated semiconductor solutions. This strategy enables the company to serve critical markets such as automotive electronics, IoT devices, and communications infrastructure without the massive capital requirements associated with cutting-edge fabrication plants.

The Kolkata center plays a vital role in this global strategy by enabling design validation, testing, and engineering support for specialized semiconductor applications.

Aligning with India’s Semiconductor Mission

The expansion aligns with India’s broader push to establish a comprehensive domestic semiconductor ecosystem. Through initiatives such as the India Semiconductor Mission, the government has committed ₹76,000 crore to promote semiconductor manufacturing, design, assembly, and testing capabilities across the country.

Policy frameworks including Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) schemes aim to attract global investments while encouraging domestic innovation. The initiative also reflects growing India-US collaboration in semiconductor research and development, highlighted in the September 2024 joint statement between the two nations.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Despite strong momentum, India’s semiconductor journey faces notable challenges. The country currently imports the majority of its semiconductor requirements and continues to depend on global supply chains for critical raw materials and advanced manufacturing infrastructure.

Key hurdles include the need for reliable power and water infrastructure, specialized fabrication expertise, and a deeper manufacturing ecosystem. However, investments such as GlobalFoundries’ expansion demonstrate increasing global confidence in India’s engineering talent and long-term market potential.

A Step Forward for Kolkata’s Tech Ecosystem

The growth of the Kolkata center could play an important role in talent development through advanced engineering roles, research opportunities, and industry collaboration. It also strengthens Eastern India’s position within the national technology landscape, complementing the city’s expanding IT and innovation ecosystem.

As India works toward semiconductor self-reliance, developments like this signal that Kolkata is steadily positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to the future of advanced electronics and chip innovation.