To launch its first global center of excellence (COE) in Taramani, Chennai, Coherent Corp, a Pennsylvania-based electronics manufacturer and instrumentation equipment, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Guidance Tamil Nadu and the IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP).

The center will be placed on the campus of the IITMRP and concentrate on research and development (R&D) of goods and services used in lasers, optical networking parts and systems, electric vehicle batteries, and compound semiconductor devices for the markets supported by mobile, intelligent, and electrical applications.

According to Giovanni Barbarossa, Chief Strategy Officer and President, Materials Segment, Coherent, this will be the company's first such center and collaboration with an academic institution across different divisions.

“We are glad that Coherent Corp, a company that plays an important role in the semiconductor value chain, has chosen Tamil Nadu for its first CoE," state industries minister T R B Rajaa said.

"This is their first direct investment in India in laser applications. The combination of the state’s business ecosystem, unparalleled talent pool and presence of pioneering academic institutions makes Tamil Nadu a destination of choice for companies like Coherent”.

According to Giovanni, the COE represents their firm intention to collaborate with India and support Indian talent.

“India is a rapidly growing market for Coherent Corp with an almost $2 billion total addressable market (TAM) growing at a 40 percent CAGR over the next five years. It is a great base for our manufacturing operations and an ideal hub for our R&D activities."

The president of IITMRP, Ashok Jhunjhunwala, suggested that Coherent Corp. begin manufacturing in the region. "Joint collaboration with Coherent, with its focus on materials, networking, and lasers for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets, will immensely benefit the IITM and IITMRP community."

To build the CoE and focus on R&D for goods and services for lasers, optical networking components and systems, EV batteries, and compound semiconductor devices, Coherent entered into a tripartite memorandum of understanding with Guidance Tamil Nadu and IITMRP, according to reports.