SiCSem Breaks Ground: In a landmark development for India’s semiconductor ambitions, SiCSem Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Archean Chemical Industries Ltd.performed the ground-breaking (Bhoomi Pujan) ceremony for its state-of-the-art Integrated Device Manufacturing (IDM) facility at Info Valley, Bhubaneswar. The event marks a historic milestone in advancing India’s semiconductor mission and catapulting Odisha as a national hub for advanced electronics and chip manufacturing in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi,Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (through a video message); and Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Electronics & IT and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Odisha, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling.
Also in attendance were Shri Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, Shri Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary, E&IT Department, Odisha, Shri Manas Ranjan Panda, Special Secretary, E&IT Department, Odisha), along with Shri Ranjit Pendurthi, Managing Director, Archean Chemical Industries Ltd., Shri Guru Thalapaneni, Managing Director, SiCSem Pvt. Ltd., Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, Ms. Jennifer Walls, CEO, Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd., senior government officials, and global semiconductor industry leaders.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, shared a message via video for the gathering, congratulating them on the milestone event of SiCSem’s groundbreaking event and expressing gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving Odisha and Assam the opportunity to develop advanced technologies like semiconductors. He said, “Our dream of bringing advanced technology to Odisha is coming true today, and our special focus is on enabling a seamless integration of industry and academia. In this regard, we are partnering with IIT Bhubaneswar for a semiconductor research lab. I recently had the honour of approving INR 4.95 Cr from the MPLAD for establishing the NaMo Semiconductor Lab, which will contribute to Bharat’s deep talent pool by equipping the youth with industry-ready skills.”
SiCSem’s state-of-the-art project is backed by an investment of ₹2,067 crore, is the first compound semiconductor fab and ATMP unit approved by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and supported by the Government of Odisha. The integrated facility, expected to be operational by 2027-28, will have a capacity of processing 60,000 SiC wafers annually and packaging approximately 96 million units. These high-performance semiconductor components will play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s supply chain for critical sectors, including electric vehicles, railways, data centres, renewable energy, smart grid systems and industrial automotives. The project is expected to create over 1,000 direct employment opportunities and several thousand indirect jobs.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi said, “The establishment of SiCSem’s Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility marks a defining milestone in Odisha’s journey to become a national hub for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and through the India Semiconductor Mission, we are committed to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The groundbreaking event for SiCSem’s facility has been achieved in record time, following the recent approval of four semiconductor units by ISM in the month of August 2025. With the establishment of SiCSem’s facility at Info Valley, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant electronics ecosystem that will catalyse innovation-led growth and create a future-ready skilled workforce capable of driving India’s semiconductor ambitions forward.”
E&IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling added: “Odisha’s forward-looking policies, including the Electronics, Semiconductor, and AI Policies, offer comprehensive incentives for capital investment, skilling, relocation, and R&D, making the State a preferred destination for IT and emerging technologies. The launch of a dedicated Semiconductor and ESDM Park in collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar will further accelerate Odisha’s role in the national semiconductor landscape. The SiCSem facility will generate high-quality employment and contribute significantly to Viksit Odisha 2036 through sustainable industrial growth.”
With the foundation laid for SiCSem’s cutting-edge SiC facility, Shri Ranjit Pendurthi said, “We are honoured by the trust and encouragement of both the Government of India and the Government of Odisha, whose visionary leadership has created an enabling environment for high-technology industries to grow. The Bhoomi Pujan and groundbreaking of SiCSem’s facility mark the beginning of a new era of innovation for Odisha and for India. With the continued guidance of the India Semiconductor Mission and the State’s steadfast partnership, we are confident that Bhubaneswar’s Info Valley will emerge as a global hub for compound semiconductors and a cornerstone of India’s journey toward technological self-reliance and sustainable growth.”
SiCSem’s Investment is Building a Foundation for India’s Semiconductor Future
In a strategic collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar, SiCSem has established the Silicon Carbide Research & Innovation Centre (SiCRIC) with an investment of ₹64 Cr so far. The Centre will drive advanced SiC research, design innovation, and academia-industry collaboration, enhancing India’s capabilities in compound semiconductor materials and reducing import dependence, while fostering the next generation of skilled professionals that will power India’s semiconductor future.
