IIIT Hyderabad joins MeitY’s prestigious SMDP chip to startup program in semiconductor domain for the first time since the program started (2005).
Project proposal led by Prof. Abhishek Srivastava of CVEST is selected for the prestigious Special Manpower Development Program for Chips to Startup (SMDP C2S) program by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY). It is for the first time IIITH has become a part of SMDP in the semiconductor domain since the program started.
The proposed project ‘Development of Silicon Proven IP Cores, Transceiver IC, and System Prototype for mmWave Radar Sensing in Healthcare and Security Applications,’ is set to considerably boost the institute’s research and educational capabilities in semiconductor technologies. The project aims to develop a complete mmWave (24GHz) sensing technological platform in India, enhancing strategic capabilities in vital sectors. This initiative represents a significant step forward in localized high-frequency technology development, critical for enhancing India’s capabilities in strategic sectors such as healthcare and security.
With this selection, IIIT Hyderabad will gain access to cutting-edge Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and state-of-the-art fabrication facilities. These resources are essential for the development of advanced semiconductor devices and will prepare faculty and students to contribute significantly to India’s semiconductor knowledge pool. Moreover, IIIT Hyderabad’s participation opens new doors for collaboration with India’s leading academic institutions such as IITs, IISc, NITs, and other central and private universities. These collaborations are expected to foster a rich exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources, thereby enhancing the institute’s research outputs and educational practices. As IIIT Hyderabad embarks on this exciting journey, it is well-positioned to make significant contributions toward achieving India’s strategic goals in semiconductor self-sufficiency and technological independence.
About C2S
This initiative is part of the broader Chips to Startup (C2S) Program, which seeks to enhance specialized manpower and innovation in the areas of Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) and Embedded System Design )[C2S]. Under the visionary National Policy on Electronics 2019 (NPE-2019), the C2S program aims to train approximately 85,000 specialists over the next five years. The focus is on developing a culture of System-on-Chip (SoC) and System Level Design at various educational levels, which is crucial for advancing India’s Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
April 2024