Canon is looking to play a bigger role in India’s growing semiconductor industry, with the Japanese technology company in discussions with major chip manufacturing projects currently being developed in the country. Canon India President and CEO Toshiaki Nomura said the company sees a significant opportunity as India works to build a domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
Canon is a global supplier of semiconductor lithography equipment, a critical technology used during chip manufacturing. The company plans to bring its lithography technology to India to support semiconductor manufacturers once the relevant projects move forward and are confirmed.
Nomura said Canon has already held discussions with key semiconductor manufacturers and projects under development in India. However, the company has not announced a specific equipment order or semiconductor facility of its own. Canon is expected to share more details once individual projects reach confirmed stages.
Another important part of Canon’s India strategy is local technical support. According to Nomura, once semiconductor manufacturing projects are confirmed, Canon plans to establish service centres capable of providing around-the-clock support to chip manufacturing customers. This could become increasingly important as semiconductor fabs require specialised equipment maintenance and technical assistance.
Canon’s interest comes as India accelerates its semiconductor ambitions through government-backed initiatives. Multiple projects covering chip fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging have already been approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. Major projects include Tata Electronics’ semiconductor fab in Dholera, Micron’s assembly and packaging facility in Sanand, and projects involving CG Power-Renesas and Kaynes Semicon.
The development could open a new business opportunity for Canon beyond its traditional camera, printer and imaging businesses. As more semiconductor facilities become operational in India, demand for specialised manufacturing equipment and local technical support could grow significantly.
For India, Canon’s interest is another sign that the country’s semiconductor push is beginning to attract global equipment and technology suppliers, not just chip manufacturers.
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