Photo Caption:- Dr Rob Roy, EVP and GM of Innovation hub, TEOCO; Mr Satyam Roy Chowdhury, Chancellor, SNU; Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister, Information Technology and Electronics, Government of West Bengal; Prof. Kaushik Roy, Edward G. Tiedemann, Jr., distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Head, Nanoelectronics Research Lab, Purdue University; Prof. Amlan Chakrabarti, Professor & Director, A K Choudhury School of Information and Technology, University of Calcutta.
Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 11th January 2025: Taking a groundbreaking step toward advancing India’s role in the global semiconductor industry, Sister Nivedita University (SNU) has unveiled its first-of-its-kind undergraduate program in VLSI and Semiconductor Engineering. The announcement was made at the “Chip to Career” seminar, a landmark event that brought together industry leaders, academic luminaries and aspiring engineers to discuss the transformative potential of VLSI and semiconductor technologies. The event was graced by Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister, Information Technology and Electronics, Government of West Bengal; Prof. Kaushik Roy, Edward G. Tiedemann, Jr., distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Head, Nanoelectronics Research Lab, Purdue University; Prof. Amlan Chakrabarti, Prof. Amlan Chakrabarti, Professor & Director, A K Choudhury School of Information and Technology, University of Calcutta; Dr Rob Roy, EVP and GM of Innovation hub, TEOCO; Mr Satyam Roy Chowdhury, Chancellor, SNU; Dr. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice-Chancellor, SNU and Dr. Sanku Bose, Group CEO and Dean of Engineering, SNU.
SNU’s B.Tech program in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) and Semiconductor Engineering is designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry. The curriculum, developed in consultation with industry experts, integrates theoretical foundations with hands-on training in cutting-edge semiconductor design, fabrication and testing technologies. The *”Chip to Career”* seminar served as a platform that brought together industry leaders, academic experts and aspiring engineers to delve into the transformative potential of VLSI and semiconductor technologies. Representatives from leading semiconductor companies shared their perspectives on industry trends, technological advancements and emerging career opportunities, emphasising the critical need for collaboration between academia and industry to foster innovation and bridge the skill gap in this high-tech domain. Sister Nivedita University’s newly launched program in VLSI and Semiconductor Engineering offers a curriculum meticulously designed in consultation with industry experts to ensure relevance and rigor. Students will gain hands-on experience through access to state-of-the-art labs and tools, along with opportunities for internships and placements with top semiconductor companies. The program also focuses on emerging areas such as AI-driven chip design, IoT applications and sustainable semiconductor practices. This initiative is expected to attract bright minds from across India, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to contribute significantly to technological innovation and economic growth, while nurturing engineers capable of driving the nation’s ambitions in the global semiconductor industry. An insightful panel discussion featuring Prof. Kaushik Roy, Dr. Rob Roy, and Dr. Sanku Bose, Group CEO and Dean of Engineering at SNU, opened new perspectives on the subject. The session was expertly moderated by Mr. Biplab Ganguli, EVP of Corporate Affairs at Techno India Group.
Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister, Information Technology and Electronics, Government of West Bengal, said, “We are at the cusp of a transformative era where artificial intelligence is not just a tool but a collaborator. While systems like ChatGPT and quantum computing have demonstrated unprecedented capabilities, it is human ingenuity that drives their real-world impact. Human potential remains vast but underutilised—Einstein himself is thought to have used only about 36% of his cognitive abilities. The challenge is to ensure advancements in AI are guided responsibly and ethically. Recent strides in AI, semiconductors and quantum computing are redefining global tech landscapes. Companies like Nvidia exemplify the limitless possibilities of AI-driven innovation. Similarly, initiatives like the one we are celebrating at Sister Nivedita University are bridging academic rigor with industry relevance. Specialised programs in VLSI design and semiconductor engineering are vital to preparing the next generation for the demands of a tech-driven world. Kolkata, though often overshadowed by Bengaluru or Gurgaon in tech narratives, has the unique advantage of starting afresh in this rapidly evolving ecosystem. With the groundwork laid by institutions and companies, Bengal can leapfrog into industries like AI, quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing. The government is committed to supporting such initiatives through policies, infrastructure and fostering industry-academic collaborations. The future of technology is not just about smarter systems but smarter minds. Institutions like Sister Nivedita University are shaping the architects of tomorrow’s innovations, and it is an honor to be part of this transformative journey.”
Mr Satyam Roy Chowdhury, Chancellor, SNU delivering the keynote address, said, “Our BTech in VLSI and Semiconductor Engineering is designed to empower the next generation of engineers. We are committed to providing a robust education that meets the contemporary demands of the semiconductor industry and prepares our students for successful careers.”
Speaking at the seminar, Vice-Chancellor, SNU, Dr. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay emphasised the importance of the program and stated, “India is emerging as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain and this initiative aligns with the national vision of becoming a semiconductor hub. With the launch of this program, Sister Nivedita University is taking a vital step in building the talent pipeline essential for this industry.”
Photo Caption:- Dr Rob Roy, EVP and GM of Innovation hub, TEOCO; Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister, Information Technology and Electronics, Government of West Bengal; Mr Satyam Roy Chowdhury, Chancellor, SNU.
Dr Rob Roy, EVP and GM of Innovation hub, TEOCO, said, “The semiconductor technology and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) sectors are at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in various fields such as electronics, telecommunications, and computing. As the demand for smaller, faster, and more efficient devices continues to grow, professionals in these areas are increasingly sought after.”
Prof. Kaushik Roy, Edward G. Tiedemann, Jr., distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Head, Nanoelectronics Research Lab, Purdue University, said, “AI technologies are increasingly being integrated into hardware design and development processes. Machine learning algorithms can optimize circuit layouts, enhance energy efficiency, and predict hardware failures. AIdriven tools can also streamline manufacturing processes, improving quality control and reducing production costs. On the other hand, the demand for advanced hardware, tailored for AI applications has surged. Specialised hardware, such as GPUs, TPUs and FPGAs, is designed to accelerate machine learning tasks, enabling faster processing of large datasets. This hardware is crucial for training complex models and powering realtime AI applications, making it a fundamental component of the AI ecosystem.”
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