Professor Devang Khakhar, Director, IIT Bombay (left) and Dr. B. K. Murthy Director, CDAC & Head National Knowledge Network Division, Department of IT, Ministry of Communications and IT, Government of India, listen to remarks given by Applied Materials’ Chief Technology Officer, Omkaram Nalamasu during the inauguration event.

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and Applied Materials recently launched India’s first certification course in semiconductor technology and manufacturing. The course addresses a critical need for developing a trained, high-tech workforce in India to help meet the country’s growing demand for electronic devices.

A 2011 study by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and Frost & Sullivan on the electronics industry in India sheds light on the country’s dire need for trained professionals in the industry.  The study estimated that Indian electronics consumption will grow to USD 400 billion by 2020 and if the industry’s manufacturing rate does not improve, it would be able to produce only 20% of the projected requirement. The study indicated that it is critical to develop a skilled workforce to meet the high demand for manufacturing electronic devices.

The Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certification Course will provide an understanding of semiconductor technologies, processes and the basic concepts of microelectronics manufacturing, combined with hands-on training on some of the semiconductor industry’s most widely-used process equipment from Applied Materials. This initiative is a continuation of the strong, academia-industry collaboration between IITB and Applied Materials.

The seven-day course starts in mid-November and will be offered twice a year. Course modules will include semiconductor technology, including very large-scale integration (VLSI), a semiconductor equipment overview and lab equipment user training.  Renowned faculty members from IITB and experts from Applied Materials will participate in training students. Upon successful completion of the course, a Continued Education Programme (CEP) certificate will be awarded by IITB.

The last date to apply for this course is October 19th, 2012. For more details, visit www.iitb.ac.in/~cep/