DW BUREAU / CHANDIGARH

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday invited technology giant NXP Semiconductors to explore the feasibility of establishing a research and development centre in Mohali. During a meeting with executive director and Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors Netherlands Maurice Geraets and Head of Public Policy, NXP Semiconductors Dr. Ankit Pal, the Chief Minister asked them to explore avenues of collaboration in advanced electronics, semiconductor design, and innovation-led ecosystems. "Mohali is considered a potential location, leveraging the state's strong talent pool and emerging electronics ecosystem," he said in a statement here.

Mann also apprised the company officials of the state government's plans to develop a 'Silicon Valley'- like ecosystem at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali, strategically located near the international airport and IT City.

The CM discussed potential collaboration on system design solutions and the NXP Startup Challenge programme in partnership with 'Startup Punjab', aimed at fostering innovation, supporting startups, and co-developing cutting-edge technology solutions.

He also advocated leveraging Punjab's growing automotive and auto-components ecosystem to develop solutions in areas such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and secure connectivity technologies, aligned with global industry trends.

He invited the NXP leadership to visit Punjab to explore the state's vast potential and collaborative opportunities adding he also batted for taking forward discussions in the areas of research, innovation, and startup ecosystem development, aimed at strengthening Punjab's position in the global semiconductor value chain.

"As part of the Punjab government's ongoing investment promotion outreach in the Netherlands, they are in process of business engagements with leading global companies to explore strategic partnerships and attract investments in priority sectors," he said.

(editor@dailyworld.in)