Applied Materials, Lam Research, Bharat Semi Systems to set up semiconductor projects in Karnataka: Priyank Kharge

Karnataka IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge

Karnataka is doubling down on its ambition to become a global semiconductor hub, with three companies—Applied Materials, Lam Research, and Bharat Semi Systems—set to establish semiconductor projects in the state, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said on May 28.

Kharge said that the cabinet sub-committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approved three pioneering semiconductor projects, “signalling a massive boost to our tech ecosystem.”

Applied Materials India will set up India’s first-of-its-kind R&D fab—Innovation Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing (ICSM)—in Bengaluru. Spread across 10 acres with an investment of Rs 4,851 crore, the facility will create around 1,500 jobs and serve as a collaborative platform for next-generation chip and display innovations, Kharge said.

Lam Research will set up two units in Karnataka: an advanced R&D lab with an investment of Rs 6,790 crore, and a semiconductor silicon component manufacturing facility with an investment of Rs 9,111 crore. The projects will create 1,400 jobs and deliver cutting-edge capabilities in 2nm technology and silicon ingot production, he added.

Bharat Semi Systems will establish an integrated design and manufacturing semiconductor unit—including both design and fabrication—in Mysuru with an investment of Rs 2,342 crore. The unit will focus on compound semiconductors such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, which are critical for defence, telecom, and climate-resilient technologies. The project is expected to create over 620 jobs.

“Together, these investments mark a decisive step toward making Karnataka a semiconductor powerhouse of the future,” Kharge said.