SiliconAuto, backed by Foxconn, establishes an R&D center in Bengaluru.

SiliconAuto, a joint venture between Foxconn and Stellantis established in 2023, has launched a semiconductor research and development (R&D) center in Bengaluru, India. The facility will focus on developing semiconductor solutions for electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected car technologies. Foxconn’s India representative, V Lee, emphasized that the center will be pivotal for advanced R&D, semiconductor product design, and system-on-a-chip (SoC) development. SiliconAuto CEO Jean Liu highlighted Bengaluru's strong talent pool and vibrant tech ecosystem as ideal for the new design center.

SiliconAuto was formed to address the semiconductor needs of both Foxconn and Stellantis, offering solutions such as edge computing units (ECU) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This is the company's second global R&D center, complementing an existing one in Taiwan.

India is actively working to build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced efforts to transform the country into a semiconductor powerhouse, including a INR 1 Lakh Cr fund for innovation in the sector. Additionally, a semiconductor fabrication plant is planned in Kolkata in collaboration with the U.S., focusing on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics.

Several international companies are increasingly investing in India's semiconductor sector due to favorable regulations and incentives. Dutch firm NXP recently committed over $1 billion to India, while Micron is establishing a semiconductor facility in Gujarat.