In a significant boost to India’s semiconductor and photonics ecosystem Jabil Inc a global leader in engineering, supply chain and manufacturing solutions announced plans to set up a ₹1,000 crore Silicon Photonics manufacturing facility in Gujarat. The facility will focus on producing photonics transceivers critical components used in AI, telecom, IoT, and smart infrastructure.
A Landmark Investment in Gujarat
The announcement was made during the Gujarat Semiconnect Summit in Gandhinagar where Jabil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government. The investment is expected to create approximately 1,500 new jobs, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.
In the short term, Jabil and the Gujarat government will explore setting up a post-wafer fabrication silicon photonics unit, incorporating advanced co-packaged optics capabilities. This move aligns with India’s ambitions to develop a robust semiconductor and photonics ecosystem, reducing dependency on imports and fostering innovation.
Driving Innovation in Photonics
Silicon photonics is a cutting-edge technology that integrates optical components into silicon chips enabling faster and more efficient data communication. Photonics transceivers, which will be produced at the new facility, are essential for applications in AI, telecommunications, IoT, and smart infrastructure.
Matt Crowley, Executive Vice President of Jabil’s Global Business Unit, emphasized the company’s commitment to India’s growth, stating, “This MoU underscores our commitment to supporting India’s aspirations in developing silicon photonics capabilities. We are excited to contribute to the growth of the country’s photonics ecosystem and look forward to working closely with the Gujarat government and other stakeholders to unlock the full potential of semiconductors in photonics.”
Jabil’s Expertise in Photonics
Jabil has been a pioneer in the photonics sector for over a decade, specializing in designing photonic devices and systems, developing amplifiers, transceivers, and laser packages, and producing optical networking products such as ROADMs (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers) and optical switches. The company offers both prototyping and large-scale manufacturing services, accelerating the time-to-market for photonics solutions in telecommunications, data communications, and AI applications.
Boosting India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Jabil’s investment in Gujarat is a testament to India’s growing attractiveness as a destination for advanced manufacturing and technology development. The new facility will not only enhance India’s capabilities in silicon photonics but also contribute to the country’s vision of becoming a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
The project aligns with the Indian government’s Semiconductor Mission, which aims to establish a robust semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country. By localizing the production of critical components like photonics transceivers, Jabil is helping to reduce India’s reliance on imports and strengthen its position in the global supply chain.
A Vision for the Future
Jabil’s investment in Gujarat marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in the semiconductor and photonics sectors. The new facility will not only create jobs and drive economic growth but also foster innovation and technological advancement in the region.
As India continues to attract global investments in advanced manufacturing, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future as a hub for technology and innovation.
