US semiconductor equipment maker Applied Materials has announced a $5 billion investment in India over the next decade under its India Vision 2035 initiative. The investment is aimed at expanding the company’s research and development operations, strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain and developing specialised talent.
The announcement was made by Prabhu Raja, President of the Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials, at SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi. The company’s plan is structured around three areas: expanding R&D in India, accelerating the local semiconductor ecosystem and developing future talent.
As part of the investment, Applied Materials plans to establish a 140-acre advanced semiconductor research park. The facility is expected to bring together cleanroom capabilities, engineering expertise and collaborative R&D involving customers and suppliers.
The company has already expanded its semiconductor engineering presence in India. In 2024, it commissioned a 300 millimetre wafer laboratory in Bengaluru for equipment validation, process engineering and product development. Applied Materials currently employs more than 7,000 people in India and plans to double its R&D workforce by 2035.
Applied Materials also plans to increase its India-based supply chain capacity tenfold by 2035. The company said the expansion will create opportunities for Indian suppliers while also encouraging global suppliers to establish or expand operations in India.
The investment comes as India expands its semiconductor ecosystem beyond chip fabrication into equipment, materials, packaging, R&D and talent development. At SEMICON India 2026, the government said its semiconductor initiatives had attracted investment proposals across several parts of the chip supply chain.
FAQs
- What did Applied Materials announce for India?
Applied Materials announced a $5 billion investment in India through 2035 to expand semiconductor R&D, supply chain capabilities and talent development.
- Why is Applied Materials investing in India?
The investment is focused on expanding the company’s semiconductor operations and supporting the development of India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
- What will the investment include?
The plan includes a 140 acre semiconductor research park, expanded R&D operations, supply chain growth and specialised talent development.
- What is Applied Materials planning by 2035?
Applied Materials plans to increase its India based supply chain capacity tenfold and double its R&D workforce by 2035.
