"US Firms Applied Materials and Juniper Networks Consider Expansion in Karnataka"

American chip manufacturer Applied Materials is actively pursuing the establishment of a research and development (R&D) facility in Bengaluru, pending approvals from the Karnataka government. Concurrently, Juniper Networks Inc., headquartered in San Francisco, is considering the possibility of setting up a hardware manufacturing facility in the same region.

These developments unfolded as M.B. Patil, the Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, engaged in discussions with Applied Materials on Wednesday. The primary focus of these talks was the creation of a Centre of Excellence for innovation and an R&D laboratory in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Company representatives sought the government's support for this endeavor and urged expedited pre-construction approvals to facilitate the establishment of their lab. The discussion also touched upon the significance of chemicals and gases within the semiconductor ecosystem and improving the ease of doing business.

Applied Materials had previously announced an investment plan of $400 million, spanning the next four years, to establish an engineering center in Bengaluru. To gain insights into the company's advanced chip-making capabilities, M.B. Patil and his delegation visited the Maydan Technology Centre, a facility dedicated to cutting-edge chip manufacturing.

In a separate meeting with Juniper Networks Inc., the delegation explored avenues for enhancing the company's R&D capabilities within the state and the potential for hardware manufacturing. Discussions encompassed the supplier ecosystem, government policies, and incentives available in Karnataka. Currently, Juniper Networks boasts the largest data center in Karnataka, employing approximately 4,000 individuals.

Additionally, the two parties discussed plans for embracing renewable energy in their business operations and potential government collaborations in establishing a Centre of Excellence focused on design and wireless products by March 2024.

The talks also extended to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at skill development in rural areas. Both sides expressed interest in collaborating on skill development and training programs in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, highlighting their commitment to fostering talent and technological advancements in the region.

HBL