Rehan Mansuri launches Micronex for local
An 18-year-old entrepreneur from Ahmedabad has launched Micronex, a startup to manufacture semiconductor lead frames in Sanand with an ₹80 crore
Rehan Mansuri, an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Ahmedabad, has launched the semiconductor component startup Micronex in Sanand, Gujarat. The venture, backed by an initial investment of ₹80 crore, aims to manufacture lead frames, a critical part of chip packaging, to reduce India's reliance on imports.
Micronex targets import substitution in lead frame supply
The new company aims to supply lead frames locally to reduce reliance on imports. Initially, Micronex will focus on supplying the power electronics and automotive sectors. Future expansion plans include consumer electronics and telecommunications. Founder Rehan Mansuri comes from a business family with seven plastic waste recycling units across India. He noticed supply chain gaps in lead frames and aimed to strengthen local capabilities.
Rehan Mansuri stated the venture will enable direct collaboration with manufacturers on tooling and design. "We aim to supply products of global quality locally, thereby reducing companies' dependence on imports and boosting local manufacturing," he said. He also clarified the startup's immediate focus. "Right now, we are not looking at competing with global companies. At this time, we are focusing on establishing the necessary technical and quality standards."
Strategic location and partnerships drive early momentum
Construction work on the Micronex factory, located in the Sanand Industrial Estate, has already begun. The startup has secured an early partnership, signing a memorandum of understanding with Kaynes Semicon during the SEMICON India 2026 event held in New Delhi from September 17 to 19. This partnership allows Micronex to supply lead frames to semiconductor companies. The company also plans to submit a formal proposal under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0.
Capacity, employment and ecosystem alignment
The first phase of the factory is designed for an annual production capacity of 50 crore lead frame units. Once operational, the facility is expected to provide direct employment to around 250 young people. The launch aligns with Gujarat's broader semiconductor push. The state has attracted approximately ₹1.4 lakh crore in semiconductor investments and hosts six of the twelve semiconductor projects currently approved by the Government of India. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel leads the state's semiconductor ecosystem development.
Technical role of lead frames in chip assembly
A lead frame is an ultra-thin metal frame, typically ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm thick-about the thickness of an A4 sheet. Micronex will manufacture them using a copper alloy. This component serves as the critical structural backbone for a semiconductor chip. It provides robust support, aids in heat dissipation, and protects the chip during manufacturing. A chip cannot connect to a circuit board without being mounted on a lead frame. Gold and copper wires, thinner than a human hair, are used to connect the chip to the frame's leads, enabling circuit connectivity. Production at Micronex is targeted to commence by May 2027.
