IIT Bombay and Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL) have joined forces in a strategic partnership to advance research and training in advanced semiconductor technologies. This collaboration marks a significant step towards boosting India’s semiconductor ecosystem, as TEL has also become an Associate Member of ASPIRE, IIT Bombay’s Research Park. With TEL’s global expertise in semiconductor production equipment and IIT Bombay’s Centre of Excellence in semiconductor technologies known as SemiX, this partnership aims to drive advancements in the semiconductor sector in India.
IIT Bombay, a renowned Institution of Eminence recognized by the Government of India, has been actively involved in semiconductor research and industry collaboration. The institute’s focus on fostering partnerships between academia and industry is evident through initiatives like ASPIRE, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. By partnering with TEL, IIT Bombay aims to contribute to cutting-edge technology and support India’s growth in the semiconductor sector, aligning with the goals of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
TEL’s decision to collaborate with IIT Bombay comes at a crucial time as India continues to invest in semiconductor manufacturing through initiatives like ISM and the National Electronics Policy. With India accounting for 20% of the global semiconductor design workforce and government schemes like the $10 billion Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for semiconductor manufacturing, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the semiconductor industry. Through industry-aligned research and educational programs, IIT Bombay and TEL seek to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor sector.
Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, highlighted the opportunities presented by the partnership with TEL, stating, “This partnership presents a tremendous opportunity for IIT Bombay’s students and faculty to contribute to cutting-edge technology and support India’s growth in the semiconductor sector. It also aligns with the Japan-India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership envisioned by our two governments.” Takashi Hayakawa, GM of the Corporate Innovation Division at TEL, emphasized the importance of IIT Bombay’s industry-aligned research and educational programs in expanding TEL’s presence in India.
To address the shortage of semiconductor talent globally and domestically, IIT Bombay has launched initiatives aimed at skill development in the semiconductor sector. The Centre for Semiconductor Technologies (SemiX) at IIT Bombay, in collaboration with industry partners like Applied Materials India Private Limited and Global Foundries, introduced a short-term certificate course in semiconductor manufacturing. As India aims to establish a robust presence across the entire chip value chain and become a global semiconductor hub, initiatives like these play a crucial role in building an indigenous semiconductor ecosystem.
Overall, the partnership between IIT Bombay and Tokyo Electron Limited signifies a significant milestone in advancing India’s semiconductor ecosystem. By leveraging each other’s strengths in research, training, and industry collaboration, the two entities aim to drive innovation and growth in the semiconductor sector, aligning with the nation’s vision of becoming a global semiconductor hub.
