Bengaluru: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is partnering with electronic design automation leader, Synopsys, in a project aimed at addressing the labour shortage in India’s semiconductor sector.
The India Semiconductor Workforce Development Programme (ISWDP) is designed to foster the next generation of Indian talent in the sector’s development and manufacturing domains.
IISc noted that India will need more than 5,000 trained engineers across sectors to support its semiconductor growth aspirations. An augmented workforce in semiconductor development will immensely benefit many industries and the country, it said in a statement.
Under the collaboration, IISc will invest its expertise and semiconductor experience, while Synopsys, as part of its Synopsys Academic and Research Alliances initiative, will provide the trainees access to software solutions, fundamental research resources, and classroom materials.
The partnership has been firmed up at a time marked by critical semiconductor applications in digital devices, AI, quantum computing and other areas. An MoU has been signed for the programme, led by Mayank Shrivastava, Associate Professor, Department of Electronic Systems Engineering, IISc.
ISWDP is expected to have a four-level curriculum for trainees ranging from students to industry professionals. IISc said it 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. The programme will also provide the trainees platforms to network with industry leaders.
Prof G Rangarajan, Director, IISc, said that it is imperative for academia and industry to collaborate in key areas like semiconductors.
Raja Subramaniam, country head and vice-president, Applications Engineering, Synopsys India, noted that India is on the cusp of evolving into a powerhouse in Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) and manufacturing technologies.
The programme will benefit India’s strategic initiatives as well as major integrated device manufacturers globally, he said.
Published 24 October 2023, 19:20 IST