Scotland’s Clas-SiC Explores SiC Manufacturing Opportunities in India

Clas-SiC, an open foundry established in June 2017, specializes in the production of silicon-carbide power semiconductors. The company's primary focus is on providing accelerated process R&D and ensuring fast time-to-market for their devices. With capabilities spanning process and device development, sampling, and medium volume production on 150mm-diameter wafers, Clas-SiC has positioned itself as a key player in the semiconductor industry.

In recent news, Clas-SiC has been associated with Zoho Corp. Pvt. Ltd., a software company based in Chennai, India. Reports suggest that Zoho, in collaboration with a technical partner, has proposed a substantial investment of approximately US$700 million to venture into the manufacturing of compound semiconductors. This strategic move underscores Zoho's commitment to expanding its technological footprint and diversifying its business interests.

Zoho's proposed investment includes a budget of around US$200 million, with plans to seek additional funding amounting to US$500 or US$600 from state and national authorities for the establishment of a 200mm wafer fab. Sridhar Vembu, the cofounder and CEO of Zoho Corp., expressed optimism about the project's prospects, stating, "We have applied for the license and are awaiting government clearance. We will make a formal announcement once we get the approvals." This development signals a significant step towards enhancing India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

When queried about Clas-SiC's potential role in providing manufacturing process technology to Zoho, Scott Forrest, the CFO at Clas-SiC, revealed, "We are currently engaged in discussions with several companies regarding the setup of silicon-carbide manufacturing in India." While Forrest refrained from disclosing specific names due to the confidential nature of the discussions, he emphasized Clas-SiC's willingness to act as a technology partner by offering intellectual property through licensing agreements.

Forrest acknowledged that the discussions have been ongoing for some time, with no definitive timeline set for their conclusion. However, with the recent conclusion of the Indian general election, he expressed hope that progress could soon be accelerated. Notably, other entities such as SiCSem and RIR Power Electronics have also applied to the Indian government for licenses to engage in silicon-carbide manufacturing, indicating a growing interest in advancing semiconductor technology within the country.