A delegation headed by MB Patil, the Minister for Large & Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development of the Karnataka government, recently engaged in discussions with San Francisco-based telecom equipment manufacturer Juniper Networks. Together, they explored opportunities related to hardware manufacturing and building a supplier ecosystem. The talks also encompassed strategies for enhancing the company's research and development capabilities, policies, and incentives within the state.

During the meeting, discussions between the delegation and Juniper Networks executives, including General Counsel Rob Mobassaly, Executive Vice President (Engineering) Sujai Hajela, Senior Vice President Shishir Singh, and Senior Corporate Counsel and Director of Government Affairs Sampak Garg, revolved around establishing a Centre of Excellence for design and wireless products by March 2024.

Juniper Networks currently operates the largest data centre in Karnataka, employing 4,000 individuals.

Simultaneously, American semiconductor manufacturer Applied Materials sought support from the Karnataka government to establish a Centre of Excellence for innovation and an R&D lab in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Representatives from Applied Materials, including Prabu G Raja, President of Semiconductor Products Group, and Srinivas Satya, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director of Applied Materials India, discussed the expeditious issuance of pre-construction approvals for their lab. The discussion also covered the significance of chemicals and gases necessary for the semiconductor ecosystem, as well as improving the ease of doing business.

Applied Materials recently unveiled a $400 million investment plan over the next four years to establish an engineering centre in Bengaluru.

Additionally, the government delegation led by Patil visited Applied Materials? Maydan Technology Centre, a facility dedicated to advanced chipmaking.

Western Digital, a major player in hard disk drive development with a substantial R&D presence in Bengaluru, engaged with the government officials to address customs-related concerns. The discussions also focused on ways to enhance the ease of doing business and expedite approval processes.

These ongoing meetings are part of Patil's 12-day tour to the USA, accompanied by senior officers from the Department of Industries, including S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary to the government, Department of Commerce, and Industries, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner of Industries.

Source: ET Telecom