In a major stride toward strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor industry, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chip Design at the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Noida. This initiative, launched in collaboration with SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd, a DPIIT-recognized startup, represents a crucial step in bolstering the country’s semiconductor design and development ecosystem.
With semiconductors playing an essential role in modern technology, from consumer electronics to advanced computing, the establishment of this Centre is a testament to India’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance in this critical sector. The CoE is expected to address the rising demand for skilled professionals in VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) and chip design by providing cutting-edge infrastructure for research, training, and development. By fostering industry-academia collaboration, the Centre aims to nurture a highly skilled talent pool that can contribute to India’s growth as a global electronics and IT hub.
During the inauguration, Shri Krishnan explored the facility’s state-of-the-art resources, including the Project Lab and Smart Classroom. The Project Lab is designed to serve as a hub for research and collaboration, bringing together students, professionals, and researchers to work on groundbreaking chip design projects. Meanwhile, the Smart Classroom is equipped with advanced learning tools to transform semiconductor education, making it more interactive and immersive.
A key highlight of the event was a live demonstration of VLSI-based Intellectual Property (IP), showcasing the Centre’s focus on pioneering new designs and technologies in the semiconductor space. The demonstration reinforced the importance of developing indigenous semiconductor capabilities to reduce dependency on imports and position India as a leader in the global chip design industry.
NIELIT, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has long been at the forefront of education, training, and research in electronics and IT. The launch of this Centre of Excellence aligns with its mission to drive technological innovation and enhance India’s semiconductor capabilities.
SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd, the startup partnering in this initiative, specializes in VLSI and SoC (System-on-Chip) design, with a strong focus on innovation and excellence. Their expertise is expected to complement NIELIT’s vision, ensuring that the Centre becomes a catalyst for semiconductor growth in India.
As the world experiences an increasing demand for semiconductor technology, India’s proactive approach in investing in research, training, and innovation is both timely and necessary. The establishment of this Centre of Excellence is not just a milestone in the country’s technological journey but also a beacon of hope for aspiring engineers and researchers who wish to contribute to a self-reliant and technologically advanced India.
