HCLTech, a leading IT services company, has inaugurated an advanced semiconductor lab in Bengaluru with a substantial investment of ₹185 crore. This strategic move aims to significantly bolster India's role in the global semiconductor supply chain by expanding capabilities in chip testing, validation, and failure analysis.
State-of-the-Art Facility for Chip Innovation
The newly established facility spans 40,000 square feet and includes 25,000 square feet of highly specialized Class 10K and Class 1K cleanrooms. These controlled environments are crucial for delicate semiconductor operations, ensuring the integrity of the components during testing and analysis. The lab is designed to provide comprehensive post-silicon engineering services, advanced testing methodologies, and detailed failure analysis capabilities.
Equipped with cutting-edge testing and measurement tools from industry leaders like Teradyne, Advantest, Keysight, Tektronix, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, the Bengaluru lab is positioned to support semiconductor companies across various stages, including research and development, pre-production, and production qualification.
Addressing Ecosystem Gaps and Global Demand
HCLTech emphasized that bringing these integrated capabilities under one roof is expected to dramatically reduce turnaround times and simplify the complex testing process for both domestic and international customers. With nearly two decades of expertise in the semiconductor sector, the company believes this new facility will effectively address existing gaps within India's semiconductor ecosystem by offering robust, integrated testing services.
Hari Sadarahalli, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, Engineering and R&D Services at HCLTech, commented, "The inauguration of our Advanced Semiconductor Lab in Bengaluru is a proud milestone for HCLTech and reinforces India’s growing leadership in semiconductor innovation. This facility reflects our deep commitment to investing in high-end engineering capabilities. We are excited to contribute to the country’s vision of becoming a global hub for advanced technology."
Integrated Semiconductor Services Model
The lab operates under HCLTech's innovative 'Spec2Parts' business model, which integrates electrical validation, automated testing, qualification, and failure analysis onto a single, streamlined platform. This model is engineered to manage semiconductor products from their initial design specifications through validation and testing to the final finished parts, thereby potentially reducing the need for customers to coordinate with multiple service providers for different stages.
Furthermore, the facility is actively pursuing global certifications such as ISO 17025, ISO 9001, AS 9100 (Mil-Aero), and ISO 13485 (Medical), underscoring its commitment to international standards and quality. Its advanced infrastructure includes automated test equipment, probes, qualification chambers, and sophisticated failure-analysis systems, including optical and electron microscopy, and focused ion beam (FIB) systems.
The Bengaluru facility is set to serve a broad clientele, both within India and overseas, strengthening HCLTech's semiconductor engineering offerings as global demand for chip design, testing, and qualification capabilities continues to expand.