AMD to Forge New Frontiers in Bengaluru: $400 Million Investment to Create 3,000 Engineering Roles

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a prominent US chipmaker, is set to make a significant mark in the tech industry with its ambitious investment plans in India. At the SemiconIndia July 2023 summit in Gujarat, AMD’s Chief Technology Officer, Mark Papermaster, announced the Company’s commitment to invest approximately $400 million in India over the next five years.

This substantial investment aims to build AMD’s largest design center in the tech hub- Bengaluru. The new campus is expected to open its doors by the end of 2023 and will create 3,000 engineering roles within five years.

AMD’s Growing Presence in India

Since establishing its first site in New Delhi in 2001, AMD has steadily expanded its footprint in India. With more than 6,500 employees spread across various locations, the Company has witnessed the country’s potential as a talent-rich destination for the semiconductor industry.

The new 500,000-square-foot campus in Bengaluru will elevate AMD’s office count in India to ten, with additional locations in Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. This expansion further solidifies India’s position as a crucial location in AMD’s global operations.

As a Company known for powering a wide range of devices, from personal computers to data centers, AMD recognizes the potential of India’s skilled workforce. Papermaster at the event said, “Our India teams will continue to play a pivotal role in delivering the high-performance and adaptive solutions that support AMD customers worldwide.” 

AMD’s investment aims to enhance its research and development capabilities in India. Moreover, the chipmaker is also making strides in artificial intelligence, with plans to develop a cutting-edge AI chip that will rival market leader Nvidia Corp.

Indian Government’s Support

The country’s proactive policy initiatives support AMD’s decision to invest in India, focused on nurturing growth in the semiconductor industry. The partnership between AMD and the Indian government will further strengthen the nation’s position as a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development.

The Government of India’s $10 billion incentive program for the chip sector has encouraged companies to explore opportunities in the Indian market. This initiative has attracted investments from several global players, including Applied Materials, a US chip equipment maker committed to a multi-year $400 million plan in India.

Market Players and Future Ahead

Apart from Papermaster, Apple Supplier- Foxconn Chairman Young Liu and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra were the other speakers present at SemiconIndia 2023 summit.

Recently after the Foxconn-Vedanta fallout, Foxconn has again expressed its interest in making significant investments in India. The Company is reportedly willing to invest around $1.07 billion (approximately Rs 8,800 crore) in a manufacturing facility in Karnataka and an additional $180 million to $200 million (about Rs 1,475 crore to Rs 1,500 crore) in another facility in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, Micron has invested $825 million in setting up a semiconductor testing and packaging unit in Gujarat, aligning themselves with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

With the government’s support, players like Vedanta have also expressed support saying the future looks promising for India’s semiconductor market.

These investments signal growing confidence in India’s potential as a prominent player in the global semiconductor market.

This investment will boost the local economy and provide tremendous opportunities for India’s skilled semiconductor engineers and researchers to make their mark on the global stage. As we move closer to the opening of AMD’s state-of-the-art campus, the tech world awaits the innovations that will undoubtedly emerge from this strategic partnership between AMD and India.