Biden and Modi Unveil Indian Wafer Fab for US Defense Supply

The year 2025 is set to witness the establishment of a groundbreaking semiconductor fabrication facility named Shakti, a result of a strategic collaboration between Indian defense company Bharat Electronics, Indian image sensor startup 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. This ambitious project, as outlined in a briefing document released by the White House, aims to revolutionize the field of semiconductor technology.

The cutting-edge chips to be produced at the Shakti fab are poised to have far-reaching applications in advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics crucial for national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy initiatives. The document highlights the primary objective of the fab, which is to manufacture infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide semiconductors, with support from the India Semiconductor Mission and a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.

While specific details regarding the location, funding budget, and scale of the wafer fab in terms of wafer starts per month were not disclosed, the announcement has generated significant anticipation within the industry. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and fostering innovation in critical technology sectors.

During the same meeting, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi commended GlobalFoundries for its establishment of the Kolkata Power Center in India, aimed at facilitating research and development in low-power chip design and manufacturing. The briefing document also acknowledged GlobalFoundries' plans to explore manufacturing and technology partnerships with India, signaling a mutual effort to drive job creation and technological advancement.

3rdiTech, the innovative startup at the forefront of this partnership, was founded in 2018 in India by Vrinda Kapoor (CEO) and Vinayak Dalmia (Head of Strategy) before relocating its headquarters to Berkeley, California. Specializing in the design of CMOS image sensors, the company's portfolio includes cutting-edge technologies such as guidance control systems, night vision riflescopes, laser range finders, and automobile surround view cameras.