Tamil Nadu Emerges as Global Telecom Innovation Hub With Nokia’s Mega R&D Lab

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the Tamil Nadu Government and Nokia in August 2024, is now bearing fruit. The latest facility, established at SIPCOT, Siruseri, Chennai, is said to be the biggest in the world, specializing in fixed network technology research and development.

Nokia has now decided to invest ₹270crore in the first phase of the plant, an increase from the previously announced ₹220crore. In the next phase of the plant, the company is likely to invest about ₹300crore. This is an indication that the company considers India and Tamil Nadu a hub for technology.

This R&D facility has been developed with future requirements for high-speed broadband connectivity in mind. This R&D facility will mainly be used to develop 10G, 25G, 50G, and 100G optical network technologies, fixed wireless access, and new fixed network broadband technologies. The center will serve as a global testbed where new technologies will be developed and tested.

This new research and development facility has created over 200 high-end tech jobs and is expected to promote advanced networking, deep-tech, and engineering skills. This will strengthen Chennai's reputation not only as an IT but also as a telecom innovation hub.

According to Industry Minister TRB Raja, this investment is a result of promises made during Chief Minister MK Stalin's visit to the United States. This move is considered crucial in establishing Tamil Nadu as a preferred destination for global deep-tech and engineering companies.

Telecom experts believe that this Nokia research and development lab could strengthen India's role in the global telecom value chain and also help in the development of future broadband and 5G/6G backbone networks.