IIT Roorkee, Micron to work on developing high-skilled workforce in semiconductor sector

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has signed an agreement with US-based Micron to support the country’s goal of self-reliance in the semiconductor sector and the strengthening of the overall electronics ecosystem. The partnership will aim at fostering innovation and developing a highly skilled local workforce.

The agreement was signed by IIT Roorkee director KK Pant and Micron India managing director Anand Ramamoorthy. A Micron Semiconductor Lab was also inaugurated at IIT Roorkee’s electronics and communication engineering department. As part of the agreement, the institute will work with Micron to further research in technology fields, providing experiential learning opportunities for students, cultivating student recruiting activities, and facilitating industry-relevant training. The Micron Semiconductor Lab will support the IIT Roorkee with technical skills, processes and resources needed to adapt and thrive through student internships and fellowships.

To achieve the objective, the IIT Roorkee and Micron will design specialized master’s and doctoral degree programmes. A physical lab and a panel of professors will also be set up to work closely with the students on their technical development.

Chair in honour of 1996 alumnus set up

In line with their ongoing efforts, 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 will facilitate the research and academic initiatives of the Micron Semiconductor Lab in chip design, technology, modelling, characterization, and product development.

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Anand Ramamoorthy said, “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. As an alumnus of this esteemed institution, this initiative holds a special place in my heart.”

K K Pant 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 the prime minister."