Tata Electronics has signed a strategic partnership with Merck Electronics to source advanced semiconductor materials and services for its upcoming chip manufacturing plant in Dholera, Gujarat. This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and accelerate the development of high-tech fabrication infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tata Electronics and Merck was signed at Semicon India 2025 in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The pact marks one of the first major collaborations between a global materials solutions provider and a leading Indian semiconductor manufacturer.
According to Tata Electronics, the agreement focuses on:
Developing capabilities in semiconductor materials
Building semiconductor fabrication infrastructure
Enhancing specialty chemical and gas distribution in India
Merck will provide its full suite of products and services for Tata Electronics’ Dholera Fab, including:
High-purity electronic materials
Advanced gas and chemical delivery systems
Turnkey fab infrastructure services
Material Intelligence solutions powered by AI
The partnership also includes sharing best practices in safety and manufacturing excellence, as well as providing access to Athinia, Merck’s secure data analytics platform for collaboration across the semiconductor industry.
The collaboration goes beyond technology supply. It includes plans for:
Localised warehousing and raw material supply chain development
Talent cultivation and skill development
Establishing industry processes and standards in India
According to Randhir Thakur, CEO of Tata Electronics, leveraging Merck’s global experience in chemical safety, process optimization, and digital tools will help build a resilient ecosystem and ensure timely execution of the Dholera Fab.
Tata Electronics is investing Rs 91,000 crore (approximately USD 11 billion) to build India’s first semiconductor Fab in Dholera. The plant will manufacture chips for key sectors including:
Automotive
Mobile devices
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications
Other global markets
This Fab aims to position India as a key player in the semiconductor supply chain and meet the rising demand for chips in various technology segments.
Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Electronics, stated that the partnership aligns with Merck’s strategy to support growth markets through safety, precision, and innovation. The collaboration aims to build a future-ready materials ecosystem that strengthens India’s semiconductor ambitions.
In addition to Merck, Tata Electronics has signed an MoU with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This partnership focuses on:
Advancing indigenous electronics and semiconductor solutions
Developing a Design IP ecosystem in India
Facilitating Fab, OSAT, and design service solutions for the Indian semiconductor ecosystem
The collaboration seeks to leverage Tata Electronics’ Fab technology portfolio to strengthen India’s semiconductor design capabilities and intellectual property development.
Conclusion
The partnerships with Merck and C-DAC highlight Tata Electronics’ commitment to creating a resilient and future-ready semiconductor ecosystem in India. By combining advanced materials, fabrication expertise, and indigenous design capabilities, the Dholera Fab is poised to boost India’s presence in the global semiconductor industry while fostering innovation, talent, and sustainable infrastructure.