Merck and Tata Electronics sign MoU to advance semiconductor materials, infrastructure, and supply chain for India’s first Fab.

India: Merck, a leading science and technology company, and Tata Electronics Private Limited, a pioneer in India’s electronics and semiconductor manufacturing sector, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance semiconductor capabilities in the country. The collaboration focuses on semiconductor materials, fabrication infrastructure, specialty chemical and gas distribution, and safety and manufacturing excellence.

Under the agreement, Merck will provide its complete portfolio of products and services, including high-purity electronic materials, advanced gas and chemical delivery systems, turnkey fab infrastructure solutions, and Material Intelligence powered by AI, for Tata Electronics’ upcoming Fab in Dholera, Gujarat. Merck will also extend best practices in safety and manufacturing excellence, while enabling access to platforms such as Athinia, a secure data analytics platform for industry-wide collaboration.

The partnership also includes localized warehousing, raw material supply chain development, talent cultivation, and the creation of industry standards to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Dr. Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Electronics, said, "India's semiconductor journey is gathering global momentum, and Merck is proud to be among the first to power it since its inception. The collaboration with Tata Electronics reflects our long-standing strategy: to be a trusted partner in key growth markets, enabling scale through safety, precision, and innovation. Together, the aim is to build a resilient and future-ready materials ecosystem that supports India's semiconductor aspirations."

Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD of Tata Electronics, added, "We have a bold vision of becoming a leader in semiconductor manufacturing by offering integrated solutions across the value chain to our global customers. This strategic partnership with Merck brings not only world-class expertise in advanced materials but also a shared commitment to the highest standards of safety and manufacturing excellence. By leveraging Merck's decades of global experience in chemical safety, process optimization, and digital tools, we will build a resilient ecosystem and accelerate the timely execution of our Fab in Dholera, Gujarat. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks in quality, safety, and innovation for the global semiconductor industry."

The collaboration aligns with the India Semiconductor Mission and underscores the role of Tata Electronics and Merck as early movers in building indigenous semiconductor capabilities. Tata Electronics is investing Rs. 91,000 crore (~USD 11 billion) in India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, which will manufacture chips for automotive, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, and other critical applications for global markets.

According to TechSci Research, the strategic MoU between Merck and Tata Electronics is set to positively impact the chemical industry, particularly in the specialty gases and advanced materials segment. By supplying high-purity electronic materials, specialty chemicals, and advanced gas delivery systems for India’s first semiconductor Fab in Dholera, Merck will drive demand for precision-grade chemicals and gases, fostering growth in the domestic and regional specialty gases market. This partnership also emphasizes safety, manufacturing excellence, and digital platforms like Athinia, which can enhance process efficiency, quality control, and regulatory compliance in chemical handling. Globally, the specialty gases market is witnessing rising demand from semiconductor, electronics, and AI applications. By localizing supply chains, developing raw material infrastructure, and enabling technology transfer, the collaboration not only strengthens India’s semiconductor ecosystem but also contributes to expanding the global market for high-value specialty chemicals and gases used in semiconductor fabrication and advanced electronics manufacturing.