NXP Semiconductors Plans R&D Expansion in Mohali as Punjab Pushes Semiconductor Investments

In a major development for India’s semiconductor ecosystem, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has invited NXP Semiconductors to explore setting up a research and development (R&D) centre in Mohali, signalling growing momentum in semiconductor investments and electronics innovation in the state.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting with NXP’s Executive Director and Country Manager Maurice Geraets and Head of Public Policy Dr. Ankit Pal, where both sides explored opportunities in semiconductor design, advanced electronics, and innovation-led ecosystems. The move aligns with India’s broader push to strengthen its semiconductor value chain and reduce dependence on imports by building domestic capabilities in chip design and system engineering.

Mohali is being positioned as a strategic destination for semiconductor R&D, backed by a strong talent pool, proximity to academic institutions, and a rapidly evolving electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Highlighting this potential, the Punjab government is also developing a “Silicon Valley”-like innovation hub at Kalkat Bhawan, located near the international airport and IT City, aimed at attracting global technology companies and fostering high-end research and development activities.

A key focus area of the discussion was collaboration on system design solutions and startup-driven innovation. The proposed NXP Startup Challenge, in partnership with Startup Punjab, is expected to support deep-tech startups, accelerate product innovation, and create a pipeline of next-generation semiconductor and electronics solutions. This initiative is in line with India’s vision of promoting design-led manufacturing and strengthening the startup ecosystem in the electronics sector.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the opportunity to leverage Punjab’s growing automotive and auto-components industry to develop cutting-edge technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and secure connectivity solutions. These areas are witnessing strong global demand, particularly with the rise of connected and autonomous vehicles, making them critical segments within the semiconductor and electronics landscape.

Mann extended an invitation to NXP’s leadership to visit Punjab and explore on-ground opportunities for collaboration, particularly in R&D, semiconductor innovation, and startup ecosystem development. The engagement is part of Punjab’s wider investment outreach in the Netherlands, where the state government is engaging with leading global semiconductor and technology companies to attract investments and build strategic partnerships.

With India accelerating its semiconductor mission and states competing to attract global players, the potential entry of NXP into Mohali could significantly boost the region’s positioning as a semiconductor and electronics hub. It also reflects increasing confidence among global firms in India’s policy direction, talent ecosystem, and long-term growth prospects in the semiconductor industry.

Source: Money Rediff