It's a wrap: News this week (Nov 29-Dec 5)

There have been multiple developments this week on the tech front. From Nokia-Airtel partnership to SCL Mohali upgrade, here is a list of the most important updates for a quick catch-up:

Nokia to make Airtel's network assets available through Network as Code platform

Nokia will now be making Bharti Airtel’s network capabilities available to third-party developers through its Network as Code platform within the developer portal. In this partnership between Nokia and Airtel, developers and enterprises will get access to the latter’s pan-India network assets, creating new monetisation opportunities and use cases spanning multiple industry verticals using capabilities such as AI, 5G, edge computing and more.

Network APIs allow operators to virtualise parts of their networks and provide tailored data and features to developers. This technology is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of network capabilities while unlocking significant new revenue opportunities, the company said.

Tata Electronics' Dholera fab to start commercial ops by FY 2029-2030: MeitY

Tata Electronics is expected to start commercial operations of its Dholera semiconductor fab facility by the financial year 2029-2030. This was informed by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada in response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha.

“The production capacity of this fab will be 50,000 wafer starts per month, which inter-alia includes 28nm Technology node as well. This facility is expected to start the commercial operations by FY 2029-30,” Prasada said.

In September 2024, Tata Electronics announced that it is investing ₹91,000 crores ($11bn) to build a semiconductor fab in Dholera, touted then to be the first of its kind in India. The Centre, through the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), will provide 50% fiscal support on a pari-passu basis for eligible costs. In March, ISM, Tata Electronics, and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing signed a fiscal support agreement for this project.

Tata, Cyient, Applied Materials win mandate for SCL Mohali fab upgrade

Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing, Cyient Semiconductors and global chip equipment leader Applied Materials have emerged as the lowest bidders for three key packages under the ₹4,500-crore modernisation programme of the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, as the government pushes ahead with efforts to accelerate domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

The upgrade is a central component of India’s semiconductor mission and aims to enhance the capabilities of the state-run wafer fabrication unit — currently the country’s only public sector semiconductor facility. The electronics and IT minister reiterated that SCL will remain fully under government ownership, even as the initiative leverages private technology and service partnerships.

Cognizant aims at upskilling 2 mn by 2030

Technology major Cognizant has expanded the scope of its global skilling initiative Synapse, setting a new goal to upskill two million individuals by 2030—double its original target. The Nasdaq-listed IT services firm said it surpassed its previous aim of training one million people by 2026, prompting a renewed commitment to scale digital workforce readiness amid accelerating AI disruption.

Unveiled in October 2023, Synapse was designed as a multi-stakeholder skilling engine to prepare workers for a tech-driven future, offering training tracks across generative AI and other emerging digital proficiencies. According to a study conducted by Cognizant and Oxford Economics, 90% of jobs—from entry-level to C-suite—are expected to experience disruption from AI over the next decade, intensifying the need for global upskilling programs across both private and public sector ecosystems.

NTT launches new data centre in Bengaluru

NTT has announced its latest data center campus, Bengaluru 4, at Prestige Tech Cloud in Devanahalli. Built to address the rising demand for AI, cloud, and high-density computing infrastructure, the new campus is expected to support India’s rapidly expanding digital economy. 

Spread across 8.5 acres, the facility is planned for a 100 MW total load with 67.2 MW of critical IT capacity. It will comprise three data centers—Bengaluru 4A, 4B and 4C, each offering 22.4 MW of IT load. As of December 3, the first building, Bengaluru 4A, is ready for commissioning with its full 22.4 MW capacity, marking the initial phase of the large-scale development.