NEW DELHI – In a landmark move for India’s high-tech manufacturing sector, Dutch connectivity leader GX Group has announced an investment of ₹500 crore to establish the country’s first manufacturing facility for indigenous photonics modules and chip systems. This initiative will position India in the global race for next-generation technologies like 5G, 6G, and quantum communications.
The company has formed a new entity GX Quantum Photonics Pvt. Ltd. which will lead this foray into advanced chip manufacturing in partnership with SMART Photonics BV of the Netherlands.
Building the Foundation for a Digital Future
Photonics technology, which uses light (photons) instead of electricity to transmit data, is the backbone of high-speed, energy-efficient communication networks. The new venture will focus on producing Indium Phosphide (InP)-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs), which are critical components for optical data transmission, LiDAR systems in electric vehicles, and quantum computing devices.
This move marks a strategic shift from India’s current reliance on importing this critical technology to developing a domestic design and manufacturing capability.
A Strategic Shift from Imports to “Exporting Innovation”
Paritosh Prajapati, CEO of GX Group, emphasized the transformative nature of this investment. “Through GX Quantum Photonics, we are creating India’s first photonics modules and chipsets designed, developed, and built domestically,” he said. “This marks a shift from importing optical technology to exporting innovation.”
The investment is expected to create 300 high-skilled jobs and establish a comprehensive R&D and manufacturing hub. The company plans to supply these advanced components to telecom networks, hyperscale data centers, and the EV LiDAR industry.
Aligning with National Missions and Global Markets
The venture is strategically aligned with the Indian government’s Semicon India mission, the Quantum Mission, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing.
The partnership with SMART Photonics combines India’s ambition for technological self-reliance with Dutch expertise. Johan Feenstra, CEO of SMART Photonics BV, stated that the collaboration will “set new benchmarks in optical innovation and energy-efficient data infrastructure.”
GX Group is targeting a significant share of the global photonics market, which is projected to grow from $920 billion in 2023 to $1.64 trillion by 2032.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
1. What is photonics technology?
Photonics is the science of generating, detecting, and manipulating light (photons). It is the foundation for high-speed internet, fiber-optic communications, laser systems, and emerging technologies like quantum computing.
2. What will GX Group manufacture in India?
The company will manufacture indigenous photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and modules. These are the sophisticated chips that power advanced optical networks, making them crucial for 5G/6G and data centers.
3. Why is this investment significant for India?
This establishes India’s first domestic manufacturing capability for photonics chips. It reduces dependency on imports, builds a high-tech supply chain, and positions the country as a player in the global advanced electronics market, aligned with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
4. How many jobs will this project create?
The project is expected to create 300 high-skilled jobs in research, development, and manufacturing.
5. Which sectors will use these photonics chips?
The primary customers will be telecom companies (for 5G/6G infrastructure), hyperscale data centers (for AI and cloud computing), and the electric vehicle industry (for LiDAR sensors).
6. What is the role of the Dutch partner, SMART Photonics?
SMART Photonics is a leading foundry for photonic chips. This partnership provides access to world-class fabrication expertise and technology, ensuring the Indian facility meets global standards from the start.
7. How does this align with government policies?
GX Quantum Photonics has applied under the PLI scheme and aims to support national missions like Semicon India and the National Quantum Mission, which aim to build a robust semiconductor and quantum technology ecosystem in India.
