Punjab News Daily
Chandigarh, April 20

In a significant push to position Punjab at the forefront of the global semiconductor and advanced electronics ecosystem, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday rolled out the red carpet to NXP Semiconductors, a global leader in automotive and secure connectivity semiconductor solutions, inviting the multinational technology giant to explore the feasibility of establishing a research and development (R&D) centre in Mohali.

The move forms part of the Punjab government’s focused strategy to attract high-value investments, strengthen its innovation ecosystem, and integrate the state into the global semiconductor value chain, while leveraging Mohali’s emergence as a key hub for electronics system design, IT, and next-generation mobility solutions.

During a meeting with Executive Director and Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors Netherlands Maurice Geraets and Head of Public Policy, NXP Semiconductors Dr Ankit Pal, the Chief Minister, asked them to explore avenues of collaboration in advanced electronics, semiconductor design, and innovation-led ecosystems. “Mohali is considered as a potential location, leveraging the state’s strong talent pool and emerging electronics ecosystem,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also apprised NXP of the state government’s plans to develop a ‘Silicon Valley’- like ecosystem at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali, strategically located near the international airport and IT City.

The Chief Minister discussed potential collaboration on system design solutions and the NXP Startup Challenge Program in partnership with Startup Punjab, aimed at fostering innovation, supporting startups, and co-developing cutting-edge technology solutions. He also advocated leveraging Punjab’s growing automotive and auto-components ecosystem to develop solutions in areas such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and secure connectivity technologies, aligned with global industry trends.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted its strong talent ecosystem, with proximity to premier institutions such as IIT Ropar, ISB Mohali, Plaksha University, Punjab Engineering College, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology and others which can serve as a robust pipeline for high-quality research and engineering workforce.

The Chief Minister invited the NXP leadership to visit Punjab to explore the state’s vast potential and collaborative opportunities adding he also batted for taking forward discussions in the areas of research, innovation, and startup ecosystem development, aimed at strengthening Punjab’s position in the global semiconductor value chain.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “As part of the Punjab government’s ongoing investment promotion outreach in the Netherlands, they are in process of business engagements with leading global companies to explore strategic partnerships and attract investments in priority sectors.”

He also presented the Punjab’s vision to position itself as an emerging hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), IT, and next-generation mobility solutions.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the recently launched Industrial and Business Development Policy (IBDP) 2026, wherein electronics and semiconductors have been identified as thrust sectors, with incentives of up to 125% of fixed capital investment.