Mahindra University’s VLSI design program acting as catalyst for performance enhancement of semiconductor industry: Dr. Ram M. Vemuri, Professor & HOD, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mahindra University

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Dr . Ram M. Vemuri, Professor & HOD, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mahindra University

Question: What are the different aspects of VLSI or chip design? Is silicon manufacturing an area where we can expect to see startups in India and how can the government tap into the untapped potential of engineering graduates who are still looking for employment?

Answer: Regarding the different aspects of VLSI or chip design, it involves various stages such as designing, verification, and testing. The design phase involves creating a blueprint of the chip which includes the architecture, layout, and functionality. The verification phase ensures that the design is functioning as intended, and the testing phase involves evaluating the chip’s performance in different conditions.

As for silicon manufacturing, it is an area that requires a significant amount of capital investment, making it challenging for startups to enter the market. While we may not see many startups directly involved in semiconductor manufacturing or its peripheral areas, there is potential for smaller companies to emerge in peripheral areas, such as providing support services or developing complementary products.

In recent years, the Indian government has taken steps to promote domestic manufacturing in the semiconductor industry. This includes the launch of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the electronics industry, which aims to encourage local manufacturing of electronic components such as semiconductors. Additionally, the government has collaborated with private companies such as Vedanta and Tata to promote domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

Regarding untapped potential of engineering graduates who are still looking for employment, the Indian government can take several measures to address this issue. One approach is to establish programs that provide training and skills development in areas related to emerging technologies, such as VLSI and semiconductor manufacturing. The government can also encourage industry-academia collaborations to enhance the skillset of graduates and create opportunities for them to enter the workforce. Additionally, the government can incentivize startups and established companies to hire more engineering graduates by offering tax benefits or other financial incentives. By taking these measures, the government can tap into the untapped potential of engineering graduates and boost the growth of the semiconductor industry in India.

Question: How do you think the IT industry looking beyond silicon for performance enhancement will benefit the VLSI sector in India?

Answer: In the field of VLSI or chip design, there is a constant need for performance enhancement, and this can be achieved through various means beyond silicon. The IT industry’s exploration of alternative technologies and innovations to enhance performance will benefit the VLSI sector in India. As IT companies look beyond silicon, new ideas and methodologies can emerge that can be applied to VLSI design. For instance, the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence can lead to the development of new algorithms and design methodologies that can enhance performance.

Moreover, the emergence of new technologies and alternative materials for chip manufacturing can open up opportunities for the VLSI sector in India. As new materials and techniques are developed, there will be a need for chip designers to adapt and create new designs that work with these materials. This can create a demand for VLSI professionals and provide a boost to the sector in India.

The Indian government can play a crucial role in promoting the growth of the VLSI sector by encouraging more engineering graduates to start their own companies. By providing incentives, funding, and other forms of support, the government can tap into the untapped potential of these graduates to innovate in the VLSI sector. This can lead to the development of new ideas and technologies, which can benefit the industry as a whole and contribute to the growth of the sector in India.

Question: What is the reason for many higher education institutes starting VLSI design courses?

Answer: The reason for many higher education institutes starting VLSI design courses is that it doesn’t require a cleanroom or a large capital investment, unlike actual semiconductor manufacturing. VLSI design mainly requires computer software tools and educational background, allowing students to design chips on a smaller scale. The importance of VLSI design is increasing and more and more institutions are recognizing the significance of this field in the technology industry. As a result, many premier institutions like IITs have started offering VLSI design courses. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as VLSI design is becoming a key player in the technology sector.

Question: What are the unique aspects of the VLSI program in Mahindra University?

Answer: The VLSI program at Mahindra University has several unique aspects that set it apart from other institutions in India. Firstly, the university has a strong focus on hiring top-notch faculty members who have PhD degrees from premier institutions in India and well-recognized foreign universities. The faculty members not only bring in research experience but also have years of experience working in the industry, which makes the academic curriculum very relevant to the real-world challenges faced by the industry.

The program benefits from a strong synergy between the university and industry, with both sectors pushing the envelope further through collaborations and competition. For example, the university has collaborated with EDA development companies such as Synopsis and Siemens, providing access to their best-in-class tools for free to students, researchers, and classroom teaching. This unique collaboration gives Mahindra University students a competitive edge by providing them access to the latest tools used in the industry.

Another unique aspect of the VLSI program at Mahindra University is that it aims to take the students all the way to fabrication. This goal is not only ambitious but also prepares the students for a career in the industry, which requires knowledge of the entire chip design process from design to fabrication.

Overall, the VLSI program at Mahindra University stands out for its strong emphasis on industry collaboration, top-notch faculty members, access to the latest industry tools, and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares the students for the entire chip design process.

Question: Mahindra University is offering so many facilities to the students. How aware are the students of the opportunities in the field and what are some of the expectations that they come with when they come to the university?

Answer: Mahindra University offers a range of facilities to its students, and the VLSI program is a relatively new offering. As such, many students are not initially aware of the opportunities that exist in the field. However, once they begin their studies, the university takes efforts to educate them about what VLSI really means and how it can open opportunities for their future careers. Many of the students who complete the VLSI program go on to further studies abroad or secure employment with companies in India and abroad, including internship opportunities from places like Austria and the US. This success breeds motivation in the students to learn more and get involved in the field, creating a positive cycle of growth. While the program is still relatively new, the university is optimistic about its potential to attract and develop talent in the field of VLSI.

Question: The government and industries in India are focused on establishing a fabulous ecosystem in the country. How do you think India can capitalize on its design skills and work towards this goal?

Answer: India has a wealth of design talent, and it’s time to leverage that talent by building fabs and utilizing them for the maximum benefit of the Indian ecosystem. While India has made significant strides in design skills, the manufacturing part is still largely dependent on sending designs abroad, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Building fabs in India will enable companies to manufacture their own designs, reducing costs and streamlining the manufacturing process. With a fab of its own, India can compete with other countries in terms of design and manufacturing. The ecosystem must now move beyond the idea of establishing a fabulous society and focus on how to utilize the fabs to their fullest capacity. The mindset and thinking of the industry must change accordingly, so that India can stay competitive in the long run. It may take a few years to reach full capacity, but it is crucial to start thinking along these lines now to ensure that India does not fall behind.

Question: How has the VLSI industry in India evolved in recent years, and what are some of the emerging trends and technologies driving this evolution?

Answer: In recent years, the VLSI industry in India has evolved to become more collaborative and focused on technology transfer. Rather than simply relying on foreign companies to provide parts and designs, Indian companies are now working in partnership with these companies, and actively transferring knowledge and expertise. This has helped to make India more independent in the field, with many companies now doing a great job of developing innovative designs.

Emerging trends and technologies in the industry include an increased focus on cutting-edge research, as well as more investment in universities and other educational institutions to ensure that students are skilled enough for the new world order. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on collaboration and innovation, with companies seeking to stay on top of the latest developments and adapt quickly to changes in the market. This is being facilitated by closer connections between industry and academia, as well as efforts to bring more foreign investment into the country.

Overall, the future looks bright for the VLSI industry in India. With continued investment, collaboration, and innovation, there is great potential for growth and success in the years to come.