Guwahati: With an aim to foster innovation and translational research collaboration in semiconductor technology in Assam and beyond, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) on Wednesday (May 1) conducted the ‘Semiconductor Horizons Workshop’ at the institute’s campus.
Organised in collaboration with the union and Assam ministry of education, Viksit Bharat Abhiyan, and Tata Electronics, the workshop aimed to foster education, skill development, innovation, capacity building in the semiconductor domain and technology transfer to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem.
The workshop featured various sessions covering topics including recent advancements in heterogeneous integration in semiconductor packaging, test and assemble, Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, Very-large-scale integration (VLSI), compound semiconductors, and optoelectronic devices.
Expert speakers from industries, academicians and policy makers shared insights on the latest trends and advancements in the field of semiconductor science and technology.
Chief Executive of Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Private Limited Charan Gurumurthy graced the workshop as the chief guest.
A host of dignitaries, Vice Chancellors of several universities, representatives of various organisations from the Northeast states, experts from IIT Guwahati and over 1,000 students from various colleges were present during the event.
During his captivating session with the students, Gurumurthy underscored the pervasive presence of semiconductors in people’s daily lives and stressed the imperative of prioritising their localisation.
“Through collaborative efforts involving the government, academic institutions like IIT Guwahati and the industry, Assam has the potential to evolve into a semiconductor hub, significantly altering the landscape of our country’s economy in the foreseeable future. Semiconductors represent the pinnacle of human technological achievement. However, mere technological development is insufficient,” Gurumurthy said.
“We must have foundational technical skills to translate these advancements into practical applications. We must also cultivate a skilled workforce to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness at scale, while maintaining affordability and sustainability. This necessitates collaborative efforts to invest in education and training programmes, foster industry-academic collaborations, and promote innovation in semiconductor technology,” he added.
With a dedicated focus on empowering researchers, innovators, students and entrepreneurs, the event presented a distinct opportunity to explore the realm of semiconductor technology.
By fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and growth, particularly in the semiconductor sector of Northeast India and nationwide, the event contributed significantly towards the goal of indigenisation.
The event also marked a significant milestone with the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIT Guwahati and IIT Ropar, in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), focusing on semiconductor skill development, innovation, and start-ups.
This collaboration aims to establish a robust ecosystem for skill development, drive innovation and foster a conducive environment for semiconductor startups to flourish.
Speaking about IIT Guwahati’s contribution to boosting the Northeast’s semiconductor mission, Prof Ahuja said, “IIT Guwahati is poised to collaborate with all stakeholders within the state to establish itself as a leading knowledge partner in the semiconductor technology development and testing domain. Our goal is to offer skill development support not only to our students but also to aspiring engineers from other institutions, contributing to the development of a skilled and self-reliant workforce collectively.”
“We are dedicated to uplifting the surrounding community and fostering productive industry-academic collaborations. Understanding the pivotal role of the nation leading the semiconductor industry in shaping the future, IIT Guwahati is committed to advancing progressive initiatives in this sector and aspires to lead the way,” he added.
During the workshop, the participants had the opportunity to glean insights from the industry leaders and experts, gaining valuable perspectives on the latest advancements and trends in the semiconductor landscape. The workshop provided a platform for the participants to develop essential skills required for research and development, as well as the commercialisation of semiconductor technologies.
Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, participants enhanced their proficiency in key areas of semiconductor innovation.
The attendees seized the chance to network with peers and potential collaborators, fostering meaningful connections and partnerships within the semiconductor ecosystem.
Beyond the one-day semiconductor workshop, participants will also be considered for the first group of candidates in IIT Guwahati’s semiconductor skill development programme slated to commence shortly.
This programme will present a unique opportunity for individuals to further their expertise and contribute to the advancement of semiconductor technology.
Notably, the IIT Guwahati is poised to significantly bolster the Indian semiconductor mission programme through its various efforts to foster collaboration between academia and industry.
The premier institute is also propelling the country towards self-reliance and technological leadership in the semiconductor domain.