Tower Semiconductor, an Israel-based semiconductor foundry, has written to the prime minister seeking intervention in fast-tracking a government proposal for chip manufacturing, nine months after issuing an expression of interest (EoI) for the same. Tower Semiconductor is the technology partner of a consortium floated by Abu Dhabi-based Next Orbit Ventures, and had pitched for $3 billion analogue 65 nanometre semiconductor fabrication unit in Dholera, Gujarat.
The company stated that any further delay on the government’s part would make it difficult for the company to stay active in the project in the near future. Through the letter, the company stated its disappointment regarding absence of clear timelines, commitment or transparency.
Moreover, the semiconductor industry is of the view that the government must be agile in finalising its plans given the global chip supply shortage and the fact that nations like the United States of America are offering huge subsidies to attract semiconductor manufacturers.
