In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, IIT-Bombay has launched week-long intensive courses in semiconductor technology and manufacturing to help meet the growing demand for indigenous electronic devices
According to IIT-B officials, the intensive week-long courses, which will be held twice a year, aims to develop trained and high-tech workforce in the country. The institute has already tied up with industry leaders in manufacturing equipment, services and automation software for the courses.
Speaking at the launch of the course on Monday at the IIT-B campus, Dr Ajay Kumar, joint secretary, department of electronics and information technology, Government of India, said that the course was in line with the government’s initiative to promote electronics system design and manufacturing and specifically set up semiconductor wafer fabs in the country.
According to a study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, and Frost and Sullivan in 2011, on the electronics industry in India, the Indian electronics consumption will grow to $400 billion by 2020 and if the industry’s manufacturing rate does not improve, it would be able to produce only 20 per cent of the projected requirement. The study indicates that it is critical to develop a skilled workforce to meet the high demand for manufacturing electronic devices.
Dr Omkaram Nalamasu, chief technology officer, applied materials, said, “The Indian government is enabling the creation of an ecosystem that will promote research in nano-electronics to drive expertise and competence in these fields. The Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certification Course is the first-of-its-kind in India and is a significant milestone in the continued effort by IIT-B and Applied Materials.”