The partnership between Synopsys and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to develop talent for the semiconductor industry through the establishment of the Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions is a significant step in addressing the talent shortage in the industry.
In a world increasingly dependent on technology, the demand for semiconductors is skyrocketing. However, the industry is facing a major talent shortage, particularly in the area of semiconductor process development and manufacturing. This shortage is already delaying the ability to operationalize new fabs around the world, hindering research on new semiconductor materials and architectures, and impeding the growth of the industry.
To address this issue, Synopsys and IIT Bombay have come together to establish the Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions. This lab will provide engineering students with software solutions and hands-on experience with the latest process technologies, materials, and device architectures. The lab will utilize technology computer-aided design (TCAD) tools donated by the Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA) initiative, enabling students, professors, and industry allies to explore design technology co-optimization (DTCO) techniques and perform cost-effective and accurate experiments.
The interdisciplinary focus of the lab aligns with SemiX, a platform established at IIT Bombay to promote industry-focused research and education, entrepreneurship, and policy studies in the semiconductor field. With over forty-five faculty members specializing in various engineering and science disciplines, IIT Bombay has played a central role in India’s growth in nanoelectronics research.
By providing students with access to industry-leading software-based tools, the Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions aims to nurture more process engineers and promote systematic thinking and industry innovation. This will not only help advance research on new semiconductor materials and architectures but also facilitate the establishment of new fabs to meet the growing global demand for semiconductors.
The collaboration between Synopsys and IIT Bombay is not new, as they have a long history of partnership in research and development as well as education and training in semiconductors. This collaborative momentum has led to the establishment of the Synopsys Semiconductor Lab for Virtual Fab Solutions, which will be available to students by the end of the year.
Overall, this partnership and the establishment of the lab signify a commitment to addressing the talent shortage in the semiconductor industry and promoting the development of future semiconductor technologies. By equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge, Synopsys and IIT Bombay are taking a proactive approach to ensure a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the industry and contribute to its growth.
