AMD signed a broad agreement with SemIndia covering manufacturing, technology licensing, and business development to meet the growing demand for computers based on x86 microprocessors in India.
SemIndia is working with the Government of India, towards a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative designed to bring semiconductor manufacturing capabilities to India.
India represents a major market opportunity for desktop and laptop PCs and internet appliances. Industry observers expect the market to experience strong growth in the near future given the impetus provided by the Government of India to increase PC penetration and internet connectivity. The agreement allows SemIndia to license AMD’s proven process technology for SemIndia’s planned wafer fabrication and assembly-test-mark-pack (ATMP) operations. AMD and SemIndia will also jointly develop and market semiconductor solutions for India.
“We will remember this day as a historic milestone in India’s economic and manufacturing progress�, said Dr. Hector Ruiz, president and CEO of AMD. “AMD is committed to succeeding in global high-growth markets, and we are proud that AMD’s industry-leading microprocessors and manufacturing capabilities will enable SemIndia to develop its own innovative solutions and expand the global market for information technology.�
“With support from the Government of India and AMD’s proven process technology, SemIndia is creating a strong foundation to bring world-class wafer fabrication and ATMP capabilities to India�, said Dr. Vinod K. Agarwal, SemIndia. “Our vision is to make India a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, and this agreement should bring world-class wafer fabrication to India for the first time.�
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. Ajay Marathe, President, AMD India, said, “This is undoubtedly the next big wave in India’s progress and AMD is committed to bringing our process technology expertise to the SemIndia initiative. We are honoured that AMD will help advance the vision of the Honourable Minister of IT with SemIndia, and are working closely with the Indian Government to enable an exponential increase in PC and internet penetration.�