Karnataka Government Invites Dell to Invest in Bengaluru R&D Centre
Dell, the Texas-based technology giant, may be planning fresh investments in its state-of-the-art research and development center located in Bengaluru. The company already has a significant R&D center in the city. Globally, Dell has around 25 production facilities, 14 of which are dedicated to R&D.
On Friday, a high-level delegation from Dell led by Michael Dundas, head of global manufacturing operations and technology, Alan Richey, director of legal affairs, and Asia Pacific and Japan director (governance and public policy) Tabrez Ahmad. gathered in Austin, Texas to meet Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure MB Patil.
In the important meeting, Dell not only discussed its potential investments, but also relayed the requirements for operators and suppliers in the state’s electronic systems development and maintenance (ESDM) ecosystem.
Meanwhile, a business delegation from Karnataka began a mission to the US to attract investment to the state. MB Patil was accompanied by Dr S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary to the Government, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industry and Commerce.
The delegation held discussions with Global Foundries (GF), a leading semiconductor manufacturing company, which expressed interest in expanding its workforce in Bengaluru by recruiting 200 skilled workers. In addition, GF has also expressed interest in establishing and expanding its footprint in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector in Karnataka, indicating plans for a deep commitment to crafting an all-encompassing business strategy.
In addition to the route, the delegation, led by Patil, participated in the Business Roundtable event hosted by the US-India Chamber of Commerce and AKKA, jointly organized by TiE Austin and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. The event attracted around 60 entrepreneurs, including vice presidents and CEOs, promoting a constructive discussion on various aspects of trade and commerce.
Prior to these, Patil held strategic discussions with MKS Instruments, a leading provider of core technology solutions, and Aptiv Plc, an Irish-American automotive technology provider.
In negotiations with MKS Instruments, Patil explored promising opportunities for technological development in areas such as vacuum and photonics. In addition, he emphasized the expansion of software development know-how and the availability of a highly trained workforce.
The discussions also discussed the mapping of connections with MKS’s possible suppliers. Critical topics such as corporate tax rates, salary structures and intellectual property rights were also on the agenda.
Along with Aptiv Plc, the minister extended an invitation to explore the feasibility of setting up an R&D center in Mysuru and Hubballi-Dharward. The discussions also included the development of the local supplier base of semiconductors and the establishment of connections with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) companies. Assembly, testing, labeling and packaging (ATMP) of Aptiv products in Karnataka was also discussed.
The delegation’s commitments extended to meetings with the American financial services company State Street and the supplier of fluorinated solutions Orbia, where they discussed mapping the possible use of fluorine in energy materials and possible cooperation opportunities in the value chain of electric vehicles, ethylene production opportunities and the manufacture of pipes for drip irrigation projects. The company also discussed the state support needed for the plots of the current production plant in the state.
In discussions with State Street, Patil delved into the financial industry’s growth potential and its ability to strengthen financial services assets. The negotiations also dealt with state support for bank licenses and streamlining joint venture approval processes to facilitate business. There was also a discussion about assisting global talent centers in acquiring talent.
