British semiconductor giant ARM has officially expanded its footprint in India by inaugurating a cutting-edge design facility in Bengaluru, dedicated to developing some of the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips at the 2-nanometer (nm) scale. This significant milestone was marked by the presence of Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who emphasized the facility’s critical role in propelling India’s semiconductor ambitions forward.

At the new Bengaluru center, ARM engineers will focus on creating 2nm chips, utilized in a broad spectrum of high-tech applications including artificial intelligence servers, drones, and mobile phones. The 2nm node represents a frontier in chip manufacturing, offering chips that are smaller, faster, denser, and more energy-efficient compared to previous generations. Minister Vaishnaw pointed out that ARM is one of a very selective group of companies achieving such high-level design in India, following Renesas Electronics, which recently set up 3nm design capabilities in the country.

The establishment of this facility aligns perfectly with India’s Semiconductor Mission, a government push to build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem—from chip design and manufacturing to equipment and materials production. Vaishnaw remarked on the steady progress India has made in electronics manufacturing, evidencing a six-fold growth over the past decade, now valued at ₹11.5 lakh crore, with exports increasing eight-fold. This momentum is fueling the emergence of electronics as a major export category and creating a fertile environment for innovation and talent development.

One of the major thrusts of the Semiconductor Mission has been nurturing a deep talent pool to meet the complex demands of global chip design and production. The government supports nearly 280 institutions and universities nationwide, equipping students with the latest design tools and integrating them into real-world chip design projects. Already, students from 25 institutions have successfully designed and taped out 28 semiconductor chips, underscoring India’s growing capabilities.

The Semiconductor Mission’s second phase will expand its focus from chip design alone to include the domestic production of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials. This creates an ecosystem that not only designs but also manufactures the essential components and tools for chip fabrication within India. The minister cited ongoing efforts with firms like Carborundum Universal Ltd, demonstrating advancements in materials crucial for chip manufacturing.

ARM’s choice of Bengaluru—a city with a rich pool of engineering expertise and a vibrant tech ecosystem—underscores India’s rising status as a global hub for semiconductor research and development. This initiative opens doors to employment opportunities for India’s talented engineers and aligns well with the vision of transforming India into a technology powerhouse by 2047.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from CNBC TV18.