The Tamil Nadu government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US-based semiconductor equipment company KLA Corporation to set up a large research and development (R&D) and innovation campus in Chennai.
Under the agreement, KLA will invest up to $400 million (around ₹3,600 crore) over the next decade. The proposed campus will come up on about 12 acres and is planned to expand in phases, with the built-up area expected to eventually reach nearly 1.5 million square feet.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and Industries Minister T. R. B. Rajaa, along with senior government officials and representatives from KLA.
The upcoming facility is expected to generate up to 4,000 high-skilled jobs over the next 10 years. These roles will largely focus on advanced semiconductor research, software development, artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and engineering solutions that support chip manufacturing and process control.
Officials said the investment strengthens Tamil Nadu’s position in the global semiconductor value chain and reflects growing international confidence in the state’s industrial policies, infrastructure, and skilled talent pool. The government has been actively working to attract high-technology investments as part of its broader strategy to develop a strong electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.
KLA already has operations in Chennai, and the new campus will significantly expand its footprint in India. Company representatives said the proposed R&D and innovation centre will serve as a major hub for global engineering and AI-led semiconductor solutions, helping India play a larger role in advanced chip technologies.
The project is seen as a major step in boosting research-driven growth, high-value employment, and long-term technology development in the state.
