Hyderabad Launches India's First CMP Pad Hub to Advance Semiconductor Manufacturing

Hyderabad has taken a significant step toward building semiconductor self-sufficiency with the launch of its first Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) Pad Hub. IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu opened the facility on Saturday at T-Works, calling it a crucial development in Telangana's push to establish itself as a major semiconductor manufacturing destination.

The hub represents a partnership between the Telangana government and Japan-based Toho Koki Seisakusho Co. Ltd., with a specific focus on CMP pad technology—a critical material in the semiconductor chip production process. Until now, India has depended entirely on imported CMP pads, making this facility a watershed moment for the country's semiconductor independence.

During the inauguration, Minister Sridhar Babu outlined how the centre aligns with the state's broader semiconductor strategy. He emphasized that the facility would introduce cutting-edge technology to India for the first time, strengthening Telangana's position within the national semiconductor landscape.

Supporting Innovation and Skill Development

The hub will function as a multifaceted resource, offering training, technical assistance, and mentoring to students, researchers, innovators, emerging startups, and industrial partners. The initiative includes plans for collaborative research with universities, scientific institutions, manufacturing companies, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

According to the Minister, the partnership targets the establishment of domestic CMP pad manufacturing capabilities within the next 18 to 24 months. This timeline reflects the urgency with which Telangana is pursuing technological advancement in the semiconductor sector.

Building a Complete Ecosystem

The state government is pursuing strategic collaborations with advanced economies, particularly Japan, to acquire sophisticated semiconductor technologies and bolster indigenous capabilities. Sridhar Babu noted that Telangana is simultaneously developing a comprehensive roadmap for a full-spectrum semiconductor ecosystem, spanning research, innovation, design, and chip fabrication across the entire value chain.

The CMP Pad Hub represents the first tangible outcome of these ambitious plans, signalling Telangana's commitment to transforming itself into a self-reliant semiconductor hub rather than remaining dependent on global supply chains.