The SCL Mohali upgrade took a major step forward on Friday as the Centre announced ₹4,500 crore for modernisation over three years. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Ravneet Singh Bittu visited the laboratory. They assured that the SCL will remain government-run and will not be privatised. The SCL Mohali upgrade will strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and innovation capacity.
Vaishnaw explained that the investment will modernise production lines, introduce advanced tools, and increase wafer fabrication capacity nearly 100 times. Moreover, the upgrade will make SCL a national hub for students, researchers, and start-ups. He said the facility will support strategic sectors and defence technology.
The Centre has requested 25 acres of adjoining land from the Punjab Government for expansion. Vaishnaw added that faster land allocation will accelerate the SCL Mohali upgrade. He emphasised that the laboratory will continue to lead in semiconductor research and training.
During the visit, the ministers handed over 28 student-designed semiconductor chips fabricated under the Chips to Start-up programme. With this, the total number of student-designed chips produced at SCL reached 56. Vaishnaw noted that this demonstrates SCL’s role in nurturing India’s semiconductor talent.
Bittu said the Centre aims to develop Mohali into a national semiconductor zone. He added that students, researchers, and global partners will collaborate at the facility. Furthermore, the upgrade will reduce India’s dependence on imported chips. The ministers highlighted that the Prime Minister has set a clear roadmap under the India Semiconductor Mission to make India a global competitor in electronics.
The SCL Mohali upgrade combines innovation, research, and training. It strengthens India’s semiconductor production and positions the country for technological self-reliance.
