Introduction:
Lam Research, a leading US-headquartered semiconductor component, engineering, and services firm, has taken a significant step towards bolstering India’s semiconductor engineering talent pool. In a landmark partnership with the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Lam Research has initiated a pilot program to train semiconductor fabrication engineers. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was officially unveiled at Semicon India 2023, marking a significant milestone for the industry. This blog post will delve into the details of this strategic collaboration, its objectives, and the potential implications for India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Lam Research and IISc Join Forces to Train Engineers:
In an effort to support India’s burgeoning semiconductor industry, Lam Research has partnered with IISc Bengaluru to establish a pioneering pilot program. The first tranche of this program, set to commence next month, will enroll 30 engineers at IISc’s Center for Nano Science Engineering (CeNSE). The primary focus areas of this initiative include virtual metrology, physical design learning, and process flow development.
Aligning with Industry Demands:
Lam Research’s pilot program aligns with the growing demand for skilled semiconductor engineers in India. The ambitious initiative aims to train 60,000 semiconductor fabrication engineers over a decade, creating a robust workforce to cater to the chipmaking ecosystem. By leveraging their cutting-edge Semiverse high-precision digital twin platform, Lam Research seeks to deliver comprehensive and high-quality training in collaboration with technical education institutes and universities.
Bridging the Skill Gap:
India has set an ambitious target of developing 85,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030. Lam Research’s collaboration with IISc could play a crucial role in meeting this target. With the semiconductor industry moving towards the development of 2nm chips, virtual platforms offer a cost-effective solution for academic institutions to train engineers. The partnership aims to equip engineers with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving chip designing and engineering industries.
AMD’s Investment in India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem:
As Lam Research forges ahead with its training initiative, US chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has also shown significant interest in India’s semiconductor talent pool. AMD recently announced a substantial $400 million investment to establish its largest global engineering, research, and development center in India. This move aims to hire 3,000 semiconductor designers by 2028, further bolstering India’s position as a key player in the semiconductor space.
Vedanta’s Semiconductor Project and New Technology Partner:
In addition to AMD’s investment, domestic industrial conglomerate Vedanta is actively pursuing its semiconductor and display fabrication project. After facing a setback with Taiwan’s Foxconn exiting the $19.5 billion joint venture, Vedanta has identified a new “world class” technology partner to propel its semiconductor project forward.
Conclusion:
Lam Research’s collaboration with IISc and other initiatives, such as AMD’s massive investment, signify a growing recognition of India’s potential as a significant player in the global semiconductor industry. The pilot program’s success is expected to pave the way for future collaborations with engineering curriculum organizers and technical education institutions. As India positions itself as a hub for semiconductor talent, such initiatives hold the key to driving innovation and contributing to the advancement of the semiconductor ecosystem worldwide.
