Semiconductor horizons workshop at IIT Guwahati to foster semiconductor synergy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 1, 2024

In a bid to foster innovation and translational research collaboration in semiconductor technology in Assam and beyond, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) conducted the semiconductor horizons workshop at the institute campus on Wednesday. 

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Assam government, 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 eco-system.

The workshop featured various sessions covering topics such as recent advancements in heterogenous integration in semiconductor packaging, test and assemble, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, very-large-scale integration (VLSI), compound semiconductors, and optoelectronic devices, with expert speakers from industries, academicians and policymakers sharing insights on the latest trends and advancements in the field of semiconductor science and technology.

Dr Charan Gurumurthy, chief executive of Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd, graced the workshop as the distinguished guest speaker. Other dignitaries included Saumya Gupta, joint secretary (TE), Ministry of Education; Prof Rajeev Ahuja, director, IIT Guwahati; Dr Lakshmanan S, secretary to Assam industries & commerce, mines & minerals department, and Varun Bhardwaj, director, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, along with vice-chancellors of various universities, representatives of various organizations from northeastern states, expert members from IIT Guwahati and over 1000 students from various colleges.

Prof Vimal Katiyar, dean of R&D, IIT Guwahati, welcomed esteemed guests from various sectors including government, academia, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as other participants. He urged everyone present to capitalize on this significant occasion, emphasizing the importance of collaborating, sharing ideas, and building meaningful relationships to advance innovation and propel growth within the semiconductor technology domain.

Addressing as the chief guest, Dr Charan Gurumurthy, chief executive of Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd, underscored the pervasive presence of semiconductors in our daily lives and stressed the imperative of prioritizing their localization.

Dr Gurumurthy remarked, “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.”

He further emphasized, “Semiconductors represent the pinnacle of human technological achievement. However, mere technological development is insufficient. 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 programs, foster industry-academic collaborations, and promote innovation in semiconductor technology,” he said.

With a dedicated focus on empowering researchers, innovators, students, and entrepreneurs, this 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 the Northeast and nationwide, the event contributed significantly towards the goal of indigenization.

The event also marked a significant milestone with the formalization of a memorandum of understanding 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 Northeast’s semiconductor mission, IITG director Prof Rajeev 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.