India to Equip 85,000 Students with Semiconductor Chip Design Skills in Five Years

The Indian government has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at training 85,000 students in semiconductor chip design over the next five years. This program, which offers direct access to India's national chip design infrastructure, is expected to establish a robust semiconductor design ecosystem, paving the way for India to emerge as a global leader in the field.

State-of-the-Art Chip Design Facility: The ChipIN Centre

At the heart of this initiative lies the ChipIN Centre, based at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This facility is one of the largest and most advanced semiconductor design hubs in the country, equipped with cutting-edge tools and workflows that cover the entire design cycle, including capabilities for the latest 5 nm technology.

The centre is a vital resource for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop expertise in advanced chip design and contribute to India's burgeoning tech ecosystem.

Initiative Gains Momentum

The program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has already made significant strides. To date, it has engaged over 20,000 students from more than 250 academic institutions and supported 45 startup projects.

The initiative is set to expand its reach by providing Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to students enrolled in B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D. programs, with a target of reaching 85,000 learners within the stipulated timeline.

Siemens’ Contribution: Boosting India’s Semiconductor Ambitions

Global tech giant Siemens is playing a pivotal role in this initiative. Under the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Program, Siemens has expanded access to its advanced EDA tools, extending their availability from 120 colleges to over 250 educational institutions across India.

In addition, Siemens has introduced its Veloce hardware-assisted verification solution, a state-of-the-art technology that is now accessible to companies operating under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme.

These contributions are expected to significantly bolster India's semiconductor capabilities, accelerating innovation and positioning the country as a key player in the global semiconductor market.

Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator for R&D in Electronics and IT at the IT Ministry, emphasized the overwhelming interest from stakeholders nationwide:

"We have received an overwhelming demand from students, researchers, faculty members, and entrepreneurs across the country for enhanced EDA and design solutions. The extended support from Siemens at the ChipIN Centre will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of turning India into a global semiconductor powerhouse."

Conclusion

India’s ambitious semiconductor training program reflects its commitment to building a self-reliant tech ecosystem and supporting the global semiconductor supply chain. By providing access to advanced infrastructure and fostering collaborations with industry leaders like Siemens, the initiative is poised to create a new generation of skilled professionals.

This endeavor aligns with the country's larger "Make in India" vision, emphasizing technological self-sufficiency while contributing to global innovation. With state-of-the-art facilities like the ChipIN Centre and the support of top-tier companies, India is positioning itself as a rising hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing.

What is Siemens?

Siemens is a global technology and engineering company headquartered in Munich, Germany. It is one of the largest industrial manufacturing companies in the world and operates in multiple sectors, including industrial automation, energy, healthcare, mobility, and digital industries. Founded in 1847, Siemens has been a leader in innovation and technological advancements for over 175 years.

Key Areas of Siemens' Operations

1. Industrial Automation and Digital Industries

   • Siemens provides advanced automation solutions for industries, integrating hardware and software to enhance efficiency and productivity.

   • It is a global leader in Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

2. Energy

   • Siemens specializes in power generation, renewable energy, and energy transmission solutions. It offers cutting-edge technologies in smart grids, energy storage, and hydrogen solutions.

3. Healthcare

   • Through its subsidiary Siemens Healthineers, the company offers medical imaging, diagnostic tools, and advanced healthcare solutions. Siemens is a pioneer in MRI, CT scans, and laboratory diagnostics.

4. Mobility

   • Siemens plays a significant role in transportation systems, offering solutions like high-speed trains, urban mobility solutions, and traffic management systems.

5. Semiconductors and Electronic Design

   • Siemens provides tools and software for semiconductor design and testing. Its EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools are widely used for chip design and verification.

6. Smart Infrastructure

   • Siemens develops technologies for smart cities, focusing on building management, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Global Presence

Siemens operates in over 190 countries, employing more than 300,000 people worldwide. Its strong global presence allows it to cater to a wide range of industries and markets.

Contributions to India

In India, Siemens has a significant presence in various sectors, including industrial automation, energy, and healthcare. The company is actively involved in India’s digital transformation initiatives, collaborating with the government and private entities to enhance infrastructure and technological capabilities. Siemens' involvement in the Chips to Start-up (C2S) program and semiconductor initiatives demonstrates its commitment to supporting India's ambitions in the tech and manufacturing space.

Siemens' Motto

The company operates under the slogan “Ingenuity for Life”, reflecting its dedication to providing innovative and sustainable solutions to meet global challenges.