Lam Research Teams Up with ISM, IISc for Semiconductor Workforce Upskilling in India

NASDAQ-listed Lam Research Corp has taken a significant step towards enhancing India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). This collaboration aims at the broad deployment of Semiverse Solutions to cultivate a skilled workforce in the country's burgeoning semiconductor sector. This initiative, first highlighted during a joint statement by the United States and India at the White House in June 2023, marks the transition from a successful pilot phase to a broader implementation across multiple Indian universities.

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Lam Research Corp is set to contribute nearly USD 29 million (INR 241 crore) in software licenses over the next two years. This investment will facilitate training for approximately 2,800 students, significantly bolstering India's capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing. The ISM will provide essential support by covering infrastructure and operational costs associated with this expansive educational initiative.

The IISc plays a pivotal role in this tripartite agreement by undertaking the Train-the-Trainers program for faculty at selected universities across India. Additionally, Lam Research will allocate a dedicated team to support this nationwide educational rollout. Rangesh Raghavan, Corporate Vice-President and General Manager at Lam Research India, emphasized the importance of Semiverse Solutions in creating a virtual-physical fabrication environment. This innovative approach is crucial for rapidly scaling up India's semiconductor workforce to meet growing industry demands.

Semiverse Solutions, leveraging Lam's comprehensive portfolio, including virtual technology, processing, and simulations, offers a unique virtual learning and collaboration platform. This platform not only fosters creativity and innovation but also significantly reduces costs and carbon footprint. The pilot course, which utilized SEMulator3D—a key component of Lam's platform—successfully trained 35 engineers over six months. This curriculum forms the foundation of an ambitious program aimed at educating up to 60,000 Indian engineers in semiconductor fabrication technologies over the next decade.

This strategic partnership between Lam Research Corp, ISM, and IISc signifies a major leap forward in India's quest to become a leader in semiconductor manufacturing. By equipping thousands of students with advanced skills in semiconductor fabrication, this initiative promises to significantly enhance India's technological capabilities and competitiveness on the global stage.