In a strategic move to foster global cooperation in advanced semiconductor technologies, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME), a research institute under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The agreement, signed during SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, aims to strengthen collaborative research and talent development across critical domains in the semiconductor sector.
This bilateral partnership is aligned with the goals of India’s Semiconductor Mission, which envisions establishing the country as a global hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing through strategic international collaborations. The MoU outlines a broad framework for joint research in cutting-edge areas, including post-Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technologies, next-generation transistor architectures, heterogeneous integration, chip packaging, quantum devices, photonic systems, AI-driven hardware accelerators, thermal management, and reliability diagnostics.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Anandaroop Bhattacharya of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur said, “This collaboration with A*STAR’s IME marks a significant milestone in our global outreach in semiconductor research. It aligns perfectly with India’s focus on strengthening its semiconductor ecosystem under the India Semiconductor Mission.”
The collaboration is designed not only to advance technological research but also to nurture a skilled workforce. The MoU includes provisions for bilateral exchange programmes, specialised training modules, and co-hosted workshops aimed at equipping students, researchers, and engineers with future-ready skills.
Singapore’s commitment to semiconductor excellence was echoed by Professor Yeo Yee-Chia, Deputy Chief Executive for Innovation and Enterprise at A*STAR and professor at the National University of Singapore. He underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, stating, “Singapore’s leadership in semiconductor innovation is built on robust collaboration between research institutions, industry stakeholders, and the government. With this MoU, we look forward to co-developing sustainable and scalable technologies through a synergistic partnership with IIT Kharagpur.”
The IIT Kharagpur-IME alliance signals a growing emphasis on building a resilient, innovative, and globally integrated semiconductor value chain. Both institutions are expected to benefit from shared knowledge, infrastructure, and innovation strategies, thereby accelerating progress in emerging domains like quantum computing and photonic systems.
The formalisation of this partnership during a major industry event like SEMICON Southeast Asia also highlights the rising strategic importance of semiconductor cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. With a shared vision of fostering innovation through global collaboration, IIT Kharagpur and IME are poised to contribute significantly to the future of the semiconductor industry.
As the demand for advanced semiconductor solutions continues to rise, this initiative underscores the pivotal role of academic and research collaboration in addressing global challenges and shaping the next generation of technology.
