MediaTek Eyes Sourcing More Chips from India: A Boost for the Country's Semiconductor Ambitions
In a significant development for India's growing semiconductor ecosystem, Taiwanese chip giant MediaTek has expressed strong interest in sourcing more chips locally as the nation's manufacturing capabilities mature. This comes at a time when India is aggressively pushing its "Make in India" initiative in the semiconductor space, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and establish itself as a global hub.https://x.com/AniMattersX
Why MediaTek's Interest Matters for India's Chip IndustryMediaTek, one of the world's leading fabless semiconductor companies (meaning it designs chips but outsources manufacturing), currently holds a dominant 45-47% share of India's smartphone chipset market. The company powers devices from major brands and is expanding into automotive, IoT, and 5G technologies.Speaking to The Economic Times, Anku Jain, Managing Director of MediaTek India, highlighted the potential shift: “If local consumption and manufacturing of chips grow, and the ecosystem becomes robust enough to support cost-effective production, it would make strong business sense to shift more assembly or manufacturing to India.”Jain emphasized that the decision hinges on the maturity of local foundry partners. “It is exciting to see that multiple companies are making chips. If they are able to fulfil the requirements, we will be very excited to use it,” he added.India's semiconductor strategy has wisely begun with mature nodes like 28nm, which are less complex than advanced nodes (e.g., 4nm or 6nm used in flagship smartphones). This approach allows for quicker scaling and builds a foundation for future advancements in cutting-edge technology.MediaTek's Deep Roots in India: From R&D to InnovationMediaTek isn't new to India. The company employs over 1,000 engineers in Bengaluru and Noida, with around 90% of its Indian talent focused on global R&D. These teams contribute to hardware and software development for system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, integrating AI, computing, and connectivity features.“The proportion of products designed here, built here, and sold both in India and globally is only going to increase,” Jain noted. MediaTek is betting big on emerging sectors like automotive (powering infotainment in vehicles such as Tata Punch EV and Skoda Slavia), IoT (collaborations with JioThings), and 5G fixed wireless access (devices for Airtel and Jio).Looking ahead, MediaTek aims for ecosystem leadership in IoT and automotive by 2030, with expansions into data centers, ASICs, and on-device AI for privacy-focused generative applications.Opportunities and Challenges for India Semiconductor GrowthLocal chip manufacturing could significantly boost value addition in India's electronics sector, currently at 20-25%. It would also create jobs, foster innovation, and align with government incentives under the Semicon India Program.However, Jain stressed the need for more investment in advanced R&D and talent development to compete globally on cutting-edge nodes. Continued government support in infrastructure and skills will be crucial.With MediaTek's flagship platforms like Dimensity 9500 pushing boundaries in AI and performance, local sourcing could make high-end tech more accessible and affordable in India.The Road Ahead: A Win-Win for MediaTek and IndiaAs India's semiconductor fabs come online and the ecosystem strengthens, companies like MediaTek stand to benefit from shorter supply chains, cost efficiencies, and closer collaboration with local innovators. For India, attracting interest from global players validates its progress and could accelerate self-reliance in critical technology.This development signals exciting times for the India chip manufacturing landscape—watch this space as more global giants eye opportunities here.Source: Based on recent statements from MediaTek India MD Anku Jain, as reported on December 26, 2025.If you're interested in India semiconductor news, MediaTek 5G chips, or automotive tech trends, stay tuned for more updates! What are your thoughts on India's push towards becoming a semiconductor powerhouse? Share in the comments below.

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