IIT Roorkee, Micron ink pact to drive innovation in semicon space

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and US-based chipmaker Micron have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support India's aim for self-reliance in the semiconductor industry and to enhance the electronics ecosystem. This partnership is set to boost innovation in the semiconductor industry, build a skilled workforce, advance technology research, offer students hands-on learning experiences, improve student recruitment efforts, and provide training relevant to the industry.

The Micron Semiconductor Lab will focus on equipping IIT Roorkee with the necessary technical skills, processes, and resources through student internships and fellowships, emphasizing the value of local technical know-how. This initiative will be supported by specialized masters and doctoral programs, an enhanced curriculum, a dedicated physical laboratory, and a team of professors committed to closely mentoring students in their technical growth.

Anand Ramamoorthy, managing director at Micron India, stated, “As a part of our University Research Alliance, Micron (URAM) outreach, this initiative aligns well with the thrust areas of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). We are grateful for the support and collaboration from the alumni class of 1996. Besides, the IIT Roorkee class of 1996 has pledged to sponsor the prestigious Rahul Aggarwal- 96 Chair at the institute. Rahul Aggarwal is an alumnus of the 1996 batch. This chair, with backing from industry and academia, will facilitate the research and academic initiatives of the Micron Semiconductor Lab in chip design, technology, modelling, characterization, and product development.

K.K. Pant, Director IIT Roorkee, said, "As we march into the future, IIT Roorkee remains steadfast in our dedication to pioneering technological advancements. With our esteemed alumni leading the charge, we are poised to shape India's semiconductor landscape and realize the vision of a developed Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Modi."

The Union Cabinet last week approved the establishment of three semiconductor units, to be constructed within the next 100 days leading India's journey towards self-reliance in semiconductor production. The decision came as part of the Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India, which was initiated on December 21, 2021, with a total outlay of Rs. 76,000 crore. Notably, in June 2023, the Union Cabinet had approved a proposal by Micron to set up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with construction progressing rapidly.

The recently approved semiconductor facilities include a Semiconductor Fab in Dholera, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs. 91,000 crore by TEPL and PSMC. Another semiconductor unit will be established in Morigaon, Assam, with an investment of Rs. 27,000 crore by TSAT. Additionally, a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs. 7,600 crore will be set up by CG Power, Renesas Electronics Corporation, and Stars Microelectronics. 

The establishment of these semiconductor units is expected to generate around 20,000 direct jobs in advanced technology sectors and approximately 60,000 indirect jobs. Moreover, it will accelerate employment creation across various industries, including automotive, electronics manufacturing, and telecom, thereby fostering economic growth and technological advancement in the country.