Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday, 18 August held a series of high-level meetings with senior executives of leading global technology companies and institutions in San Francisco, positioning the state as a destination for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced materials, deep-tech, skills development and cyber security. The outreach forms part of Gujarat's preparations for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2027.

Key Meetings and Discussions

The state government delegation held one-to-one discussions with representatives of Analog Devices, TDK Ventures, the Wadhwani Foundation, Modutek Corporation, Applied Materials and Zscaler on the second day of Patel's US visit. The conversations centred on potential investments, technology partnerships, research and development, talent development and strengthening Gujarat's semiconductor ecosystem.

In his meeting with the Executive Vice President of Analog Devices, Patel discussed the requirements of wafer fabrication facilities — including uninterrupted power supply, highly stable infrastructure and world-class manufacturing conditions. The company, which already employs more than 300 professionals in Gujarat and is working with Tata Electronics on advanced semiconductor engineering, expressed commitment to investing further in technology and innovation in India.

Patel also met Nicholas Savage, President of TDK Ventures, to explore collaboration with Gujarat's startups, universities, corporates and research institutions. Discussions covered semiconductor technology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence-based solutions and the commercialisation of deep-tech innovations.

Skills, Deep-Tech and Wadhwani Foundation Roadmap

At a meeting with Romesh Wadhwani, Chairman and Founder of the Wadhwani Foundation, the delegation discussed skill development, industry-oriented training, entrepreneurship and research commercialisation. Both sides agreed to prepare a roadmap over the coming months to strengthen links between ITI and diploma students and employers, expand Entrepreneurship Development Centres, and establish a Wadhwani Innovation Centre in Gujarat.

With Vineet Shrivastava, CEO of Modutek Corporation, Patel discussed the establishment of semiconductor value-chain facilities, advanced manufacturing units, wafer-fab support equipment and R&D facilities in Gujarat. Discussions included requirements for land and ready industrial sheds at Sanand, as well as potential R&D collaboration with GIFT City. The state government indicated it would provide the necessary facilities and support for the proposed projects.

Applied Materials and the Semiconductor Supply Chain

In his meeting with Om Nalamasu, Chief Technology Officer of Applied Materials, Patel discussed Gujarat's innovation ecosystem and opportunities in semiconductor process R&D, talent development and innovation. Applied Materials — which has operated for six decades and employs more than 10,000 people in India across Bengaluru, Chennai and Coimbatore — expressed interest in bringing its value-chain partners to Gujarat and investing in semiconductor-grade chemicals and materials. Discussions highlighted Gujarat's established chemical manufacturing base as a potential supplier of speciality chemicals to semiconductor fabrication facilities.

Cyber Security Focus: Zscaler Meeting

Patel's meeting with Jay Chaudhry, Founder and CEO of Zscaler, focused on cyber security research, cyber risk assessment, awareness, capacity building and training of government officials, as well as the secure use of artificial intelligence. Zscaler expressed interest in developing a roadmap for cybersecurity best practices for state employees, students and government officials.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

The meetings signal Gujarat's intent to build a wider ecosystem around its emerging semiconductor investments rather than focusing solely on chip manufacturing. The state has been positioning Sanand and other locations as part of an expanding semiconductor and advanced technology base. Patel invited all the companies and institutions he met to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2027, which will seek to advance investment and partnerships across semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, startups, skills, innovation and digital security.

Chief Minister Patel is on a multi-city visit to the US and Canada from 17 to 24 August, with engagements planned in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York and Toronto with investors, industry associations, technology leaders and the Gujarati diaspora. All engagements are being undertaken as part of preparations for the January 2027 edition of the Vibrant Gujarat summit.