23 October 2023
In a landmark initiative, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Synopsys, Inc., a global leader in electronic design automation (EDA), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in an effort to foster the next generation global semiconductor workforce. Called the India Semiconductor Workforce Development Programme (ISWDP), the initiative aims to address the existing labor shortage in the rapidly advancing semiconductor sector. IISc intends to invest its expertise and semiconductor experience and, as part of its Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA) programme, Synopsys proposes to provide access to software solutions, including technology computer aided design (TCAD) and Quantum ATK (QATK), training, and classroom materials to advance their education and fundamental research with the intent to prepare highly skilled graduates.
The present decade is a critical time for semiconductors, which are at the heart of our digital devices, powering new and fast-evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and others. As such, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor space. This collaboration with Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA), therefore, comes at an opportune time. The programme will be led by Mayank Shrivastava, Associate Professor, Department of Electronic Systems Engineering, IISc.
A priority of the initiative is to nurture the next generation of talent in India specifically, such as in semiconductor technology development and manufacturing. To support the country’s semiconductor growth aspirations, India will need more than 5,000 engineers trained with basic and advanced skillsets across all sectors. The shortage is not just a workforce issue but a supply chain and production challenge as well. More professionals trained in semiconductor development will be of great benefit to many industries and the country.
The meticulously designed programme is expected to have a well-defined curriculum divided into four levels for trainees ranging from students to industry professionals. The programme will cover every level, from foundations to deep dives into the nuances of device/technology development skills, while offering a hands-on approach through a microelectronics lab experience. It will also provide an unparalleled practical experience, offering students and industry professionals access to state-of-the-art research tools and the ability to network with industry leaders. Other key aspects include advanced 2D/3D process and device simulations, semiconductor device fabrication, development and process integration, calibration, and training on the design of experiments and simulation domains across varying levels of complexities.
“IISc has a long history of helping in nation building and this partnership is yet another step in that direction. As an institution, we believe that it is imperative for academia and industry to join hands in such key areas. We are excited to contribute to this initiative of growing India’s semiconductor technology development and manufacturing leadership,” said Prof G Rangarajan, Director, IISc.
“India is on the cusp of evolving into a powerhouse in outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) and manufacturing technologies,” said Raja Subramaniam, country head and vice president, Applications Engineering, Synopsys India. “IISc is a premier institute and torchbearer in advancing engineering technology. It is our privilege to associate with IISc and Dr. Mayank’s labs to enable TCAD-based workforce development, which will benefit the country’s strategic initiatives as well as major integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) globally.
