Tata Electronics signs chip deal with Japan’s ROHM

Tata Electronics has entered into a strategic partnership with Japan-based ROHM for automotive semiconductor assembly and testing in India, aiming to cater to both domestic and global markets. This announcement follows a similar agreement Tata Group signed with Intel just a week earlier, signaling the conglomerate’s growing focus on the semiconductor sector. The collaboration with ROHM marks a major step in India’s ambitious semiconductor mission, which targets technological self-reliance and enhanced manufacturing capabilities in the country.

The Tata Group is currently investing heavily in the semiconductor sector, building two major facilities in India with a combined estimated cost of around $14 billion. One facility is a fabrication plant under construction in Gujarat, while the second is an assembly and testing plant being developed in Assam. Together, these facilities aim to serve a wide array of sectors, including automotive, mobile devices, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, defence, and aerospace. By strategically positioning the facilities in different regions of India, Tata intends to create a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem capable of meeting both local and global demand.

As part of the partnership with ROHM, Tata Electronics will handle the assembly and testing of ROHM’s India-designed automotive-grade Nch 100V, 300A Si MOSFETs in TOLL packages. These products are expected to enter mass production shipments by next year. In addition, both companies will explore the co-development of high-value packaging technologies in the future. Tata and ROHM also plan to jointly market the semiconductor products manufactured through this collaboration, leveraging both companies’ strengths in technology, manufacturing, and global distribution networks. ROHM, a major player in semiconductor design and manufacturing for the automotive sector, brings extensive expertise to the partnership, ensuring high-quality production standards and technical support.

This partnership aligns with India’s broader Rs 76,000 crore semiconductor mission, which aims to establish a robust domestic semiconductor manufacturing base. The government has approved ten semiconductor plants so far, including two fabrication facilities and eight packaging and testing plants. Earlier reports indicate that the next phase of development could involve an additional $15 billion investment, with incentives for capital goods and raw materials industries to support manufacturing and supply chain growth. Randhir Thakur, CEO and MD of Tata Electronics, emphasized that their assembly and testing facilities will provide chip packaging services to support ROHM in creating products tailored for both Indian and global markets.

In addition to the ROHM deal, Tata Electronics recently signed an agreement with Intel to manufacture and package Intel products for local markets at Tata Electronics’ upcoming fabrication and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facilities. This collaboration is expected to advance semiconductor packaging technologies in India and strengthen local capabilities. Both Intel and Tata will also explore opportunities to rapidly scale AI-based PC solutions for consumer and enterprise markets in India, which is projected to become one of the top five global markets by 2030.

Overall, Tata Electronics’ partnerships with ROHM and Intel mark significant milestones in India’s semiconductor journey. By establishing advanced fabrication, assembly, and testing facilities, Tata is not only enhancing the country’s manufacturing capabilities but also enabling domestic production of high-quality semiconductors for automotive, consumer electronics, AI, and defense applications. These initiatives support India’s goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub, reducing dependence on imports, and fostering innovation and economic growth across multiple high-tech sectors.

Through strategic investments, technology partnerships, and focus on advanced packaging and AI solutions, Tata Electronics is positioning itself as a key player in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, creating opportunities for local talent, research, and global competitiveness. The collaboration with ROHM, combined with the Intel partnership, demonstrates a clear commitment to technological advancement, commercial growth, and the development of India’s semiconductor industry.