Plans for a microcircuit factory on Russky Island, part of Vladivostok, were outlined by the head of the Russian Far East Development Ministry, as reported to RIA Novosti. The project envisions manufacturing automotive microchips with a 60 nanometer process, and already attracted interest from Russian investors seeking to establish a production facility in the Far East. The market potential in Russia for this class of chips is substantial, with demand running into hundreds of billions of rubles annually.
Officials noted that discussions included the possibility of partnering with a company that has not yet been named, but that serious players both within Russia and abroad have shown interest in the initiative. The plan would leverage preferential conditions available in special economic zones and other regimes designed to support industrial projects.
Officials emphasized that government support will be crucial for a project of this scale. In remarks about international practice, it was pointed out that in Europe, China, and the United States, subsidization levels for new microchip manufacturing facilities can reach around half of the investment. While Russia does not currently offer such a level of support, the path to a breakthrough in chip production would likely require state subsidies comparable to those observed abroad.
The dialogue signals a broader push to expand domestic semiconductor capabilities and strengthen the regional technology ecosystem. While the exact terms and partners are still developing, the focus remains on creating a competitive, high-tech manufacturing corridor in the Far East that could boost local employment, technology transfer, and supply chain resilience for the Russian economy.