New Delhi: In another step to position India as a global leader in semiconductor research over the next decade, the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-Delhi) on April 15, 2025, announced that it has partnered with Micron Technology, Inc. to promote advanced research in electronic materials and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven modelling.
This collaboration, aims to strengthen the link between academic research and real-world industrial needs, especially in the fast-evolving semiconductor sector.
The joint effort will focus on developing new solutions using modern technology and scientific knowledge to tackle major challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. Researchers will work on electronic materials and use AI-powered neural models to predict and prevent fatigue and fracture in copper-based electronic components.
“At IIT Delhi, we are committed to fostering industry-academia collaborations that drive impactful research and innovation,” he said. “Our association with Micron Technology is a perfect confluence of academic rigor and industrial expertise, propelling advancements in electronic materials and AI-driven modeling and addressing critical challenges in the semiconductor industry,” Panda mentioned.
Gurtej S. Sandhu, Vice President at Micron Technology, said, “Micron’s partnership with IIT Delhi will drive our joint efforts in developing cutting-edge AI models and crystal plasticity frameworks, strengthening our commitment to innovation and the future of semiconductor technology.” Meanwhile, according to the government last month, about 20 per cent of the global workforce in semiconductor design is based in India, and the country’s chip demand — currently estimated at $45-50 billion — is expected to more than double, reaching $100-110 billion by 2030.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), on March 28 highlighted the importance of Nano Centres in nurturing innovation and developing skilled talent to support the goal of building a semiconductor-ready workforce of 85,000 professionals.
Along with IIT Delhi, India's academic institutions are actively contributing to semiconductor research. The Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI) in Rajasthan focuses on cyber-physical systems, microwave tubes, and smart sensors. Moreover, the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bangalore is recognized for its multidisciplinary research, including areas relevant to semiconductor technology.
The Indian government has committed ₹76,000 crore (approximately $10 billion) under the India Semiconductor Mission to establish a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
