An 18-year-old entrepreneur from Ahmedabad is entering India’s semiconductor supply chain with an ₹80 crore manufacturing project in Sanand, Gujarat.
Rehan Mansuri has launched Micronex, a startup that plans to manufacture lead frames, an important component used to mount semiconductor chips. The company expects to start production by May 2027, with an initial annual capacity of 50 crore lead-frame units.
Also Read: India’s Semiconductor Ambition Needs a Strong Domestic Supply Chain
Micronex Plans 50 Crore Lead Frames in a Year
The manufacturing facility is already under construction and is expected to create around 250 direct jobs once operational. Micronex plans to manufacture copper-alloy lead frames between 0.1mm and 0.25mm thick.
The startup signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with Kaynes Semicon during Semicon India 2026 in New Delhi earlier this month. The agreement opens the door for Micronex to supply lead frames to semiconductor manufacturers.
Micronex also plans to seek approval under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 programme. The company will initially focus on power electronics and automotive applications. It plans to expand into consumer electronics and telecommunications as production capacity increases.
Also Read: India’s Semiconductor Push: What Semicon 2.0 Means for the Chip Industry
What are Semiconductor Lead Frames and Why Do They Matter?
Lead frames are thin metal structures that support semiconductor chips and help connect them to external circuits. Very thin gold or copper wires connect the chip to the frame’s leads, which are then connected to a circuit board.
The frames also help remove heat from the chip and protect components during manufacturing.
For Micronex, local production is intended to allow closer work with manufacturers on tooling, sampling and design changes. The company also expects this approach to help meet inventory requirements faster, according to the statement.
The Sanand project places a relatively small but important component of chip manufacturing inside Gujarat’s growing semiconductor supply chain. Its next key milestone will be whether Micronex can move from the ongoing construction phase to commercial production by its stated May 2027 target.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
