KLA Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to set up a new research and development and innovation campus in Chennai, with a planned investment of up to $400 million over the next decade to expand its semiconductor and AI-focused engineering footprint in India.
The proposed campus is expected to generate up to 4,000 jobs over 10 years and strengthen KLA’s global ecosystem for AI-driven and software-led semiconductor innovation.
Large-scale R&D and innovation hub planned
According to the announcement, the planned campus will come up on a 12-acre site and is designed to become one of KLA’s largest innovation hubs globally. The facility could scale to as much as 1.5 million square feet over time and will focus on advanced research and engineering.
KLA said the investment underscores its long-term commitment to India as a strategic base for R&D, software development and AI-led semiconductor technology programs. The new centre will build on the company’s existing operations in Chennai, where it has maintained an engineering presence for over two decades.
The MoU was formalized in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and senior state industry and investment promotion officials, along with KLA global and India leadership.
Boost to Tamil Nadu’s semiconductor ambitions
State industry minister TRB Rajaa said the project reinforces Tamil Nadu’s position in the global semiconductor value chain and aligns with its push to attract high-technology manufacturing and R&D investments.
State officials said the project is expected to create high-skill engineering and research roles while deepening the region’s capabilities in advanced semiconductor process and control technologies.
Expanding India’s role in KLA’s global AI and semiconductor roadmap
KLA executives said the Chennai campus is intended to serve as a flagship innovation hub in India, extending the company’s global R&D network and supporting collaboration across international engineering teams.
The company indicated the site will contribute to next-generation semiconductor process control, inspection and metrology technologies, with growing emphasis on AI and software-driven innovation in chip manufacturing workflows.
The move comes as India steps up efforts to attract semiconductor and deep-tech investments, with state governments competing to host fabrication, design, and R&D facilities tied to the global chip and AI supply chain.
