Mandi: For a self-reliant India, the federal government is manufacturing to substitute imports of low-technology goods with encouraging local produce at lower prices. Speaking here at an International Colloquium on Technology, Dr VK Saraswat, member Niti Aayog said, “I truly believe that High Volume Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing is not only inevitable for economic development but is also equally important to strategically strengthen India’s position as a leading stakeholder in the international arena.”
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, in conjunction with Centre for Design and Fabrication of Electronic Devices (C4DFED), is hosting a two day International Colloquium on Technology Readiness for High Volume Chip Manufacturing (FAB) 2021 (ICTFAB-2021) that here got underway today.
In an online address, Dr. Saraswat, as chief guest said, “The current pandemic has underscored the importance of internet connectivity and broadband services for performing daily activities and leading life in a near normal way. However, it is difficult to provide connectivity to each and every corner of the country, through terrestrial networks. Hence, satellite connectivity becomes essential for catering to citizens and businesses operating in remote regions, and for supplementing the gristing terrestrial networks.”
“There is an immediate need to develop local supply chain networks, and efforts in this direction can adequately support the indigenous electronics manufacturing, he said adding, the ‘Atma-nirbhar Bharat’ scheme of the Government of India is giving the much-needed fillip to the country’s disrupted business operations by promoting ‘Make in India’ manufacturing, encouraging substitution of imports of low-technology goods and encouraging local produce at lower prices. I am sure ICTFAB- 2021 hosted by IIT Mandi will make concerted efforts in skill development and enhancing the number of researchers to address this challenge.
Prof. Kenneth Gonsalves, formerly Distinguished Professor, IIT Mandi, and International expert in Semicon fab technology chaired ICTFAB-2021.
The International event is facilitating the setting up of Advanced Semiconductor FAB facilities in India, and to develop its ecosystem to enable the Indian semiconductor industry to meet in-country demands and to participate as a globally competitive entity for comprehensive Electronics System Design and Manufacturing.
Designed specially for Industry, Public Sector Units, Central/State, Government Policymakers, Academic Engineers, Scientists, Postdoctoral Research Fellows, Advanced level Science and Engineering students and Faculty members, this colloquium will provide a forum for presenting methodologies, approaches, and technology required for readiness of a blueprint in preparation for getting fab units in the country and achieving a world-class semiconductor manufacturing platform.
Speaking about ICTFAB-2021, Prof. Ajit K. Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Mandi said, “IIT Mandi is honored to host ICTFAB-2021 in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. V.K. Saraswat, and all the participants to this international event. I am confident ICTFAB-2021 will pave the path for developing an ecosystem to enable the Indian semiconductor industry to fulfill country demands and participate as a globally competitive entity for comprehensive Electronics System Design and Manufacturing.”
The Indian electronics industry is highly dependent on the import of economically significant 65/45/32/28 nm technology node chips and this import demand is expected to rise manifold by 2025. India has one of the best chip designers as well as excellent academic Institutions but the collective wisdom to convert this knowledge into a vibrant fab ecosystem is still lacking. To address this, keynote talks from internationally renowned subject experts are part of this event. It include –
One key aspect of this colloquium is to highlight semiconductor fabrication in India at the 28 nm and lower technology nodes, considering immediate and future needs of India. Higher technology nodes 65/45/32 will also be considered as being technology appropriate in the Indian scenario. Existing fabs in India have the expertise to evolve into these nodes and will be involved in the colloquium.
ICTFAB-2021 will promote interaction among well-known semiconductor professionals across the globe and develop a strategic relationship to establish semiconductor fab-line(s) in India to achieve manufacturing excellence and improve global competitiveness.
A senior journalist who has spent more than a decade in the profession, working for Amar Ujala and Aapka Faisla.
