Bridging the Semiconductor Skills Gap in India

The semiconductor industry in India is booming, with projections suggesting a market value of $80.3 billion by 2028. This growth, however, presents a significant challenge: a looming skills gap. Industry experts predict a shortage of 250,000 to 300,000 professionals across various roles, including research and development (R&D), manufacturing, design, and advanced packaging, by 2027. To tackle this issue, semiconductor companies in India are actively partnering with academic institutions to bridge the gap and cultivate a future-ready workforce.

Applied Materials: Fostering Research and Talent Development

Applied Materials, a leading semiconductor equipment supplier, has partnered with top IITs to establish research labs and develop specialized curriculum. This collaboration focuses on:

• Advancing research in nanoelectronics and materials science.
• Developing tailored skills aligned with industry demands.
• Recruiting highly skilled and diverse talent.

Applied Materials' Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer, Suraj Rengarajan, emphasizes the importance of a blended approach, combining technical proficiency with analytical thinking and strong soft skills. The company recognizes the cost-prohibitive nature of providing access to advanced nanotechnologies for educational institutions.

Lam Research: Leveraging Virtual Nano Fabrication

To overcome the cost barrier and provide wider access to cutting-edge technologies, Lam Research has partnered with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The collaboration focuses on:

• Providing virtual nano fabrication environments through Lam Research's Semiverse Solutions, specifically SEMulator3D.
• Training up to 60,000 Indian engineers in nanotechnologies over a ten-year period.
• Developing a comprehensive program with curriculum customization, program management, and infrastructure support.

This initiative represents a significant investment, with Lam Research donating nearly $29 million in software licenses over two years to support 2,800 students. This investment reflects the company's commitment to supporting India's semiconductor education and workforce development goals.

Cadence Design Systems: Empowering Chip Design Education

Cadence Design Systems is actively engaged in building a robust pool of chip design engineers in India. Their partnerships include:

• Collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for the 'Chips to Startup' program, providing EDA tools to universities across India.
• Collaboration with eminent institutions like IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, and Punjab Engineering College to develop skills and provide exposure to global industry leaders.
• Working with the AICTE committee to craft a new curriculum for the undergraduate Electronics Engineering (VLSI) degree.

These partnerships aim to cultivate a talent pool of 85,000 trained chip design engineers by 2027, contributing to the ambitious goals of the Indian semiconductor industry.

AI: A Game-Changer in the Indian Semiconductor Industry

AI is playing a transformative role in various aspects of the semiconductor industry in India. Companies like Applied Materials and Cadence Design Systems are incorporating AI into their operations, from process development and optimization to manufacturing, logistics, and HR. Cadence, in particular, is pioneering AI-driven chip design development, extending its applications from chip design to system design and product stages.

Cadence's generative AI solution seamlessly integrates with existing design tools and platforms, empowering designers to leverage the power of AI without disrupting their workflows. The company is at the forefront of developing 3D-IC chip design solutions for multi-chiplet designs and advanced IC packaging, leveraging AI's potential to accelerate innovation in the semiconductor industry.

The Future of the Indian Semiconductor Industry

As the Indian semiconductor industry continues its rapid growth trajectory, addressing the skills gap and nurturing a talent pool equipped with advanced technologies and skills will be crucial. By leveraging the power of partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders like Applied Materials, Lam Research, and Cadence Design Systems are playing a vital role in shaping the future of the Indian semiconductor landscape.

The adoption of AI in the sector is poised to further accelerate innovation, leading to more efficient operations, advanced chip designs, and a broader range of applications. The future of the Indian semiconductor industry hinges on continued collaboration, investment, and innovation, with AI serving as a powerful catalyst for progress.