The Japanese giant in imaging and optics, Canon, has announced its intention to support the development of the semiconductor ecosystem in India. The company held discussions with key participants in semiconductor manufacturing projects in the country and plans to implement its technologies and open service centers.
Toshiaki Nomura, President and CEO of Canon in India, stated that the company is considering supporting the development of the semiconductor industry in India amid government efforts to establish domestic chip manufacturing capabilities.
The Japanese technology giant sees 'a big opportunity' in the upcoming government-promoted semiconductor ecosystem. He noted that the company will provide its technologies, including lithography equipment, to assist chip manufacturers in India.
Nomura informed PTI that 'everyone knows now that semiconductor manufacturing is a hot topic in India. We have lithography equipment for producing these chips... We bring our technologies to help the chip manufacturer produce chips in India. So this is a big opportunity for us.'
He specified that Canon has already made contact with major semiconductor projects currently under development in the country. Responding to a question about meetings with Indian enterprises, Nomura confirmed: 'Yes, we discussed this with all these key manufacturers. Projects are ongoing, and as soon as any development is confirmed, we will share it.'
India is actively promoting semiconductor production through incentive programs and has approved numerous projects in fabrication, assembly, testing, marking, and packaging segments as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Nomura added that progress in semiconductor projects in India could pave the way for Canon to establish specialized support infrastructure for clients involved in chip manufacturing in the country. He explained: 'Once the project is confirmed, of course, we will need round-the-clock support for the chip manufacturer. In this sense, we will bring our technologies and service centers to India. That is our plan.'
Expressing confidence in the country's potential, Nomura stated that India's ambitious timelines for developing the semiconductor ecosystem are achievable. He emphasized that while the schedule depends on the chip manufacturer, it is expected to happen in the near future.
The leader also acknowledged the efforts of policymakers and industry stakeholders in creating the necessary environment for semiconductor production. Nomura concluded that the government and related parties are making significant efforts to build this ecosystem, which will be available soon, and Canon is interested in supporting chip manufacturers as India pursues its goals to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub.
Under India's Semiconductor Mission, about 12 projects have been approved to create a domestic ecosystem, covering chip fabrication, assembly, and testing. Key projects include the Tata Electronics semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat; the Micron semiconductor assembly and packaging facility in Sanand; and the CG Power-Renesas and Kaynes Semicon projects in Gujarat, as well as the Tata Electronics packaging plant in Assam.
Beyond traditional imaging and printing areas, Canon is expanding its operations into new technological segments, including medical systems, video surveillance and security solutions, and semiconductor equipment.
Nomura stressed that the company remains committed to bringing advanced technologies to India and creating additional value for customers as new growth opportunities emerge across various industries. He noted that India is one of Canon's priority markets, where the company consistently demonstrates double-digit growth.