ESSCI Partners with IIT Guwahati & IIT Ropar to Boost Semiconductor Skill Development and Innovation
New Delhi: The Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) proudly unveils a momentous leap forward in its relentless pursuit of skill development and innovation within the semiconductor domain. In a historic move, ESSCI has inked a game-changing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and Ropar. This visionary collaboration is poised to ignite a revolution, fostering a dynamic ecosystem primed for skill enhancement, innovation acceleration, and the flourishing of semiconductor startups.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intends to train prospective engineers from a variety of academic backgrounds in a range of employment responsibilities essential to the semiconductor sector, in addition to students from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It will be essential in supplying the sector with competent labor, especially for Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (“TSAT”), which is currently building a semiconductor plant in Morigaon, Assam. The construction of this cutting-edge factory, which will have a phenomenal capability to produce 48 million chips daily, would cost Rs 27,000 crore. The facility will serve a variety of markets, including telecom, mobile phones, consumer electronics, electric cars, and automobiles. The creation of state-of-the-art, industry-led skill centers aimed at developing skilled labor in the fields of semiconductor technology development and testing is the foundation of this innovative collaboration. The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) standards-based Training of Trainers (ToT) programs and industry-standard course and program development are part of this endeavor. Formally signed in Guwahati amid much fanfare, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed by two distinguished individuals: Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, the vibrant Chief Operating Officer of ESSCI, and the esteemed Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, who is the Director of both IIT Guwahati and IIT Ropar.
The momentum surged further as Dr. Abhilasha Gaur took the stage as a distinguished speaker at the prestigious Semiconductor Horizons Workshop hosted by IIT Guwahati. Her illuminating insights illuminated the path forward, offering a glimpse into the latest trends and breakthroughs shaping the semiconductor landscape. Mr. Amrit Manwani, Chairman, of ESSCI, highlighted the immense growth potential of the semiconductor industry and underscored the importance of skilled professionals to meet the industry’s workforce demands. Citing an ESSCI study, as the manufacturing component of the industry gains traction, the share of manufacturing job roles in the manpower pool is expected to reach around 35-40% by 2025-26 from the current 30%.
Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, COO, ESSCI further emphasized three key factors driving the growth of the semiconductor sector in India: government support, focus on ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging), and bullish industry plans. She reiterated ESSCI’s dedication to collaborating with industry partners to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting the industry’s growth.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, of IIT Guwahati, said, “We are dedicated to uplifting the surrounding community and fostering productive industry-academic collaborations. Understanding the pivotal role of the nation leading the semiconductor industry in shaping the future, IIT Guwahati is committed to advancing progressive initiatives in this sector and aspires to lead the way.”
Dr. Charan Gurumurthy, CEO of Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd, speaking as the chief guest, highlighted the pervasive role of semiconductors in our daily lives and emphasized the importance of prioritizing their localization. Dr. Gurumurthy’s remarks also detailed the strategic initiatives pursued by TSAT to uphold its position as a leader in technological innovation, thus establishing a benchmark for the industry. Additionally, Tata’s upcoming semiconductor plant in Assam, slated for 2026, is projected to create employment opportunities for hundreds of young individuals.
