In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Charles highlighted how India is gaining visibility in the global semiconductor innovation arena, as startups address intricate engineering challenges in fields like advanced packaging, robotics, and semiconductor manufacturing.
“I’ve never encountered such a surge in deep-tech innovation globally, including in India,” she stated.
Her remarks come as governments and corporations globally enhance their investments in semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure, opening new avenues for startups focused on specialized hardware and manufacturing technologies.
Charles noted that Lam Capital, the venture arm of Lam Research, is observing greater geographical diversity in the startups it assesses. This year, India’s Neufron became a finalist in its global venture competition, marking the first occasion an Indian firm reached the final stage of the program.
“We’re witnessing heightened activity in India as well,” she remarked.
Recently, Lam Capital received 180 applications for its venture competition, with 10 finalists across six countries. Charles emphasized that the wide array of applicants signifies that semiconductor innovation is no longer limited to a few established tech hubs.
The company primarily aims to support startups addressing challenging industry issues that could influence semiconductor manufacturing in the next five to ten years. Key interest areas encompass semiconductor process and equipment technologies, robotics, photonics, autonomous manufacturing, and software that enhances chip production efficiency.
Charles remarked that AI is intensifying the demand for these technologies, as chipmakers face pressure to boost manufacturing capacity while enhancing productivity and yields.
A priority for Lam Capital is the creation of the “fab of the future”—highly automated semiconductor manufacturing facilities that increasingly depend on artificial intelligence and robotics.
She pointed to Lam Research’s collaborative robot, Dextro, as an illustration of how automation is beginning to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing. The robot is engineered to execute precision tasks on manufacturing equipment, enhancing consistency and potentially aiding fabs in tackling labor shortages over time.
Charles highlighted that collaborations with startups are crucial to Lam Capital’s investment approach, given that groundbreaking innovation is increasingly arising from a wider ecosystem rather than a single entity.
“No single company can have all the solutions,” she asserted. “Lam Capital serves as a conduit for us to engage with the external ecosystem, source disruptive technologies, invest in the future of Lam, and advance that forward.”
She also underscored the significance of fostering robust deep-tech ecosystems through collaboration among industry, academia, investors, and government-supported organizations. Lam Capital recently joined the India Deep Tech Alliance, which, according to her, grants startups access to industry expertise and global networks while aiding larger firms in identifying emerging technologies.
Lam Research has separately pledged over $1 billion in investments in India under a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka government. Charles stated that Lam Capital’s strategy in India reflects its global approach: identifying disruptive technologies that may become commercially relevant over the next decade and establishing long-lasting partnerships with entrepreneurs.
Looking forward, she anticipates that AI will continue to be the foremost catalyst for semiconductor innovation, generating opportunities for startups that develop technologies to enhance manufacturing intelligence, automation, and next-gen chip production.
“The demand for AI is driving an extraordinary pace of innovation,” Charles said. “We firmly believe that innovation will stem from a more robust ecosystem.”
Watch the full conversation here
