IIT Bombay signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Synopsys (a globally acclaimed leader in electronic design automation and semiconductor IP) to establish the Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions. The primary aim of this collaboration is to foster a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India, and, thereby, contribute to the country’s global competitiveness in the field.

The MoU outlines the establishment of the Lab at the Institute’s Department of Electrical Engineering, operating under the umbrella of the Centre for Semiconductor Technologies (SemiX). Recognizing the significant talent shortage within the semiconductor industry, SemiX was founded at IIT Bombay to serve as a multifaceted platform. This initiative is dedicated to fostering industry-centric research, educational programs, entrepreneurial endeavours, and policy studies, and address the pressing need to meet the anticipated surge in semiconductor demand.

The Lab also aims to equip engineering students with software solutions and foster their understanding of creating innovative technologies that can further propel the progress of semiconductor process technology. Students, professors, and industry partners will have the opportunity to gain practical experience with cutting-edge process technologies, materials, and device architectures, utilizing the Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) tools generously provided by the Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA) program.

The Lab’s activities will facilitate the setting up of Masters and Ph.D. fellowships, specialized training programs, and an incentivized awards scheme to stimulate further research in the semiconductor domain.

Among the distinguished attendees at the MoU signing event were notable figures from Synopsys including the General Manager of the EDA Group and IITB’s esteemed alumnus himself, Mr. Shankar Krishnamoorthy (B.Tech., Computer Science, 1990), and Mr. Aveek Sarkar, Vice President, Synopsys.

In his keynote address, Mr. Krishnamoorthy said, “As the global leader in EDA and AI solutions, we believe that addressing the engineering talent shortage is essential to the future of semiconductor technology innovation. We are excited to collaborate with IIT Bombay on nurturing the next generation of engineers to unlock the semiconductor industry’s full potential. As a graduate of IIT Bombay, I have benefited greatly from the world-class faculty at this distinguished institution and expect the new Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions to make significant contributions to the industry.”

Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay said, “IIT Bombay has pioneered world-class research and education in semiconductor technology and design. The Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions builds on our past collaboration in semiconductor research and education to boost India Semiconductor Mission’s efforts to grow the semiconductor ecosystem by infusing innovation and talent at the global scale.”

This is just the latest in a longstanding partnership between Synopsys and IIT Bombay. They have previously actively collaborated on research and development (R&D), as well as education and training initiatives in the field of semiconductors. Notably, this collaboration included a pioneering week-long hands-on online training program, focusing on process, device, and circuit simulation tailored for the Indian academic community. Building on this shared momentum, the establishment of the Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions serves to enhance and further solidify this collaborative synergy.

IIT Bombay is unwavering in its commitment to achieving technological self-sufficiency in crucial sectors of the country, particularly in light of contemporary geopolitical dynamics. Since the semiconductor industry’s progression remains a pivotal component of this national mission, the Institute is determined to actively contribute to this cause by fostering robust partnerships between academia and industry. The collaboration with Synopsys to establish this state-of-the-art Lab is a significant step forward, reinforcing the government’s endeavours to bolster the semiconductor landscape in the country.