Another US-based semicon co to set up project in Bengal

Kolkata: After GlobalFoundries (GF), another US-based semiconductor company — Santech Global Inc — has expressed its interest in setting up a project in Bengal, the state govt said after US Consul General Kathy Giles-Diaz met Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna on Wednesday.
Based in New Jersey, Santech Global specialises in semiconductors and nanoelectronics. "We are in consultation with the company to extend required support," an official said. He added that Santech Global setting up a project in Bengal would contribute in the creation of a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the state and open up more economic opportunities.
The state govt further said GF has sought additional space to expand operations.
The GF project was announced in Sept last year during a meeting between then-US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The CM had earlier stated that necessary land had already been provided to GF — around 13,000 sq ft in the Software Technology Park of India (STPI) at Sector V. GF has asked for another 19,000 sq ft and the CM has assured to look into the request.
On Wednesday, the CM and the US Consul discussed the GF Kolkata Power Center, set to come up in collaboration with the US.
The CM said the project would be a significant achievement for the state and expressed hope that once in place, it would generate substantial employment.
According to an official, the new semiconductor fabrication unit will focus on advanced sensing, communication and power electronics for national security as well as next-generation telecommunications and green energy applications.
The official further said GF is a major semiconductor manufacturing company that produces microchips used in electronic devices such as smartphones, computers and cars. He added that GF would also set up a fabless centre for design and testing.
Officials said semiconductor units in Bengal would aid research and development in chip manufacturing, and cause major leaps in the fields of Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and data centres.

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