Softbank-Backed Chipmaker Graphcore to Invest $1.3 Billion in India Over Next Decade

In a bold move to deepen its global footprint, UK-based chipmaker Graphcore, backed by SoftBank Group, has announced a massive $1.3 billion investment in India over the next decade, as per the news reports. 

The company, known for its intelligence processing units (IPUs) that rival Nvidia’s GPUs, will open its first Indian office in Bengaluru, marking a major step in India’s growing role in the global semiconductor landscape.

Building India’s AI and Chip Engineering Hub

Graphcore’s entry into India reflects its confidence in the country’s fast-growing pool of semiconductor and AI talent. The company plans to hire around 100 engineers in the first phase and expand to 500 roles within two years. This hiring spree will focus on silicon design and AI chip development, leveraging Bengaluru’s reputation as a global technology hub.

SoftBank’s Backing and Global Expansion Vision

Graphcore’s India push is part of a broader growth strategy following its acquisition by SoftBank in 2024. The Japanese tech giant is funnelling £1 billion annually into Graphcore to accelerate its expansion and product innovation. Its chips are manufactured by TSMC in Taiwan, and the company plans to double its UK workforce to 750 employees, while extending its global presence in India, the US, and Poland.

The investment aligns with SoftBank’s massive $500 billion Stargate project, a collaboration with OpenAI and Oracle to create cutting-edge AI infrastructure. Graphcore’s advanced IPUs are expected to power parts of this ecosystem, supporting the next wave of global AI computing capacity.

Read More: SEBI Developing Action Plan for Quantum-Safe Computing for Market Ecosystem!

Conclusion

Graphcore’s $1.3 billion India investment marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming a semiconductor powerhouse. With strong government support, a skilled talent base, and SoftBank’s global backing, India is set to emerge as a vital hub for next-generation AI and chip innovation.

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