US-based semiconductor equipment maker KLA Corp has opened a new research and innovation hub in Chennai, with an investment of Rs 300 crore. 

The 3,11,000-sq. ft. facility is designed to house up to 1,300 employees and will focus on expanding the company's artificial intelligence (AI) and software development capabilities. It will also support research, engineering, and product support functions. The inauguration was attended by senior officials from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Tamil Nadu government, highlighting closer industry-government collaboration as India aims to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem. The Chennai facility also meets LEED and WELL standards, focusing on energy efficiency and employee well-being. 

KLA has been operating in India since 2004 and has established an AI and engineering centre of excellence. Amitesh Kumar Sinha, from MeitY, emphasised that such investments are crucial for India's ambition to become a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.