Fujifilm Corporation is fast-tracking its global semiconductor materials strategy by targeting India — now emerging as a key player in the global chip supply chain. The Japanese multinational is preparing to set up advanced production capabilities and local partnerships to serve India’s rapidly growing semiconductor fabrication ecosystem.
The move is part of Fujifilm’s long-term vision to expand its semiconductor materials business beyond Japan, the U.S., and South Korea — now with India joining the priority list of strategic markets.
Inside Fujifilm’s Semiconductor Materials Push in India
The major Japanese imaging company is actively pursuing collaborations with Indian semiconductor players through joint ventures, technology transfers, and possibly setting up a full-fledged manufacturing plant dedicated to advanced materials such as:
- Photoresists
- CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) slurries
- Post-CMP cleaners
- Thin-film chemicals
- Polyimides
- WAVE CONTROL MOSAIC™ color filter materials
These materials are essential for various wafer processing and back-end operations in chip production.
Fujifilm Showcases Full Portfolio at SEMICON India 2024
The company’s ambitions were on full display at SEMICON India 2024, held in Greater Noida in September 2024. The company presented its comprehensive suite of materials for both front-end and back-end semiconductor processes.
This was Fujifilm’s first major participation in India’s semiconductor industry event, signaling its long-term intent to support India’s semiconductor ecosystem from the ground up.
“India is a very strategic country for Fujifilm Electronic Materials. The pace of semiconductor development and the government’s proactive policy push have made India a market we cannot ignore,” said Tetsuya Iwasaki, Director and General Manager, Fujifilm Electronic Materials Division.
Leadership Comments
Koji Wada, Managing Director of Fujifilm India, emphasized the company’s commitment to localization and innovation:
“We see tremendous opportunity to co-create value with Indian partners. At Fujifilm India, we remain committed to supporting the nation’s technology ambitions by offering innovative, high-performance materials and world-class manufacturing solutions.”
Fujifilm executives have made it clear that the company intends to contribute to India’s semiconductor ambitions not just as a supplier — but as a long-term ecosystem enabler.
Global Strategy: Fujifilm’s $640 Million Investment in Semiconductor Materials
Globally, Fujifilm has announced a ¥100 billion (approx. $640 million) investment in the semiconductor segment by 2027. This expansion aims to:
- Increase production of high-purity materials
- Support new fabs in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea
- Build strategic capabilities in emerging markets like India
This global move aligns perfectly with the rapid growth of semiconductor investments across Asia, especially in countries offering cost-competitive and policy-driven manufacturing like India.
India’s Semiconductor Market Set to Surpass $100 Billion by 2030
India’s semiconductor industry is on an exponential growth path. According to government-backed projections:
- India’s chip market will grow from $38 billion in FY 2023–24 to $109 billion by 2030
- Government incentives and schemes under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) are attracting major players like Tata Electronics, Micron, and Powerchip
India is not just building chip fabs — it’s building the full value chain, from packaging and testing to materials and design. This makes it a highly attractive market for global suppliers like the Japanese imaging major company.
Local Advantage: Beyond Exports, Toward Local Production
By considering local production of semiconductor materials in India, it would gain several advantages:
- Shorter lead times for Indian fab customers
- Lower logistics and import duties
- Access to government incentives under India’s PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) schemes
- A resilient supply chain independent of regional bottlenecks
Local partnerships, either through acquisitions or joint ventures, are also being explored to speed up Fujifilm’s market entry and scalability in India.
The Big Picture: India as a Semiconductor Superpower by 2030
India is steadily moving from chip design to chip fabrication, aiming to be one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturing destinations. This vision includes:
- Multiple fabs across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu
- $10 billion in government funding for chip manufacturing
- Attracting top global players for materials, equipment, and R&D
Companies like Fujifilm are well-positioned to ride this wave by offering critical upstream technologies and co-developing IP tailored to India’s unique needs.
Fujifilm Aligns with India’s Chipmaking Aspirations
Fujifilm’s interest in India’s semiconductor industry is not short-term. It is a deliberate and forward-looking move that taps into India’s rising global status as a chip powerhouse.
