In a significant step towards strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Banashree Semiconductors to promote collaborative research, industry-oriented education and innovation in semiconductor and chip design technologies.
According to an official statement issued by the institute on Wednesday, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic research and the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry by combining IIT Bhubaneswar’s research expertise with Banashree Semiconductors’ commercial and technological capabilities.
Focus on Advanced Semiconductor Technologies
Banashree Semiconductors is known for its work in advanced silicon-node technologies, low-power chip design and optimisation of power, performance and chip area (PPA). The company also focuses on developing reduced transistor-count architectures for System-on-Chip (SoC) applications.
Through the collaboration, both organisations will work together to accelerate innovation in semiconductor design and develop industry-ready solutions for next-generation electronic systems.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The five-year agreement outlines several areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening industry-academia engagement.
Joint Research and Development
IIT Bhubaneswar and Banashree Semiconductors will jointly undertake research and development projects in semiconductor technologies, chip design optimisation and advanced design methodologies.
The collaboration will also include consultancy assignments and externally funded research projects to address real-world industry challenges.
Resource Sharing
Under the MoU, both institutions will have access to shared resources, including:
- Computing facilities
- Electronic design automation (EDA) tools
- Testing and validation infrastructure
- Laboratory facilities
- Research equipment
The shared ecosystem is expected to enhance research efficiency and accelerate innovation.
Student Internships and Faculty Exchange
The partnership will provide students with valuable industry exposure through:
- Internships
- Industry-based project assignments
- Technical training programmes
- Skill development initiatives
The agreement also facilitates faculty exchange programmes, while engineers and scientists from Banashree Semiconductors will be able to contribute to academic teaching and specialised courses at IIT Bhubaneswar.
Workshops and Research Publications
Both organisations will jointly organise:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Short-term training programmes
- National and international conferences
The collaboration will also encourage joint publication of research papers and knowledge-sharing activities in the field of semiconductor technology.
Strengthening Odisha’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
The latest partnership aligns with IIT Bhubaneswar’s broader efforts to establish Odisha as an emerging hub for semiconductor research and innovation.
In 2022, the institute received administrative approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to implement the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at building India’s semiconductor design capabilities and supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global semiconductor hub.
Existing Investments and Academic Expansion
IIT Bhubaneswar has already taken several initiatives to strengthen semiconductor education and research.
Semiconductor company SiCSem has established a Research and Innovation Centre on the institute’s campus with an investment of ₹64 crore, providing advanced infrastructure for semiconductor research and development.
To address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the chip manufacturing and design sector, the institute has also introduced an MTech programme in Semiconductor Technology and Chip Design.
In addition, IIT Bhubaneswar continues to collaborate with several industry partners on advanced semiconductor research, technology development and skill-building initiatives.
The new partnership with Banashree Semiconductors is expected to further enhance research capabilities, foster innovation and prepare students for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors, while contributing to India’s ambition of becoming self-reliant in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
