National – June 23, 2025: The Centre for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies (CREST) at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus successfully concluded its prestigious two-week Residential Summer School Program today with an impactful Industry Interaction Day and Valedictory Session. The program, launched on June 10, brought together 40 students from premier institutions across India and UAE, providing them with a transformative learning experience in semiconductor technologies.
The two-week residential program featured hands-on training, research exposure, and interdisciplinary sessions designed to deepen students’ understanding of emerging semiconductor technologies. Participants engaged with leading researchers and explored cutting-edge facilities including the Nanofabrication Clean Room, MEMS & Nanoelectronics Labs, Printed Electronics Lab, and Central Analytical Lab, gaining valuable insights into both theoretical and applied aspects of semiconductor science.
The inaugural ceremony featured a distinguished panel of speakers:
Opening Address by Prof. Sanket Goel, Dean (Research & Innovation), BITS Pilani, who emphasized the importance of fostering indigenous semiconductor innovation through academia-driven initiatives.
Keynote Address by Dr. G. Ramaguru, Director, DIA CoE, IIT Hyderabad, who spoke about India’s strategic need to build a robust talent pipeline in semiconductor and electronics domains and urged students to seize the unique opportunities arising in this fast-evolving sector.
The program was curated by the CREST team, led by Prof. Sanket Goel, Dr. Praloy Mondal (Program Manager), and Dr. Juhi Kumari (Program Associate). Together, they crafted a vibrant schedule balancing lectures, lab work, industry exposure, and collaborative projects. Students were encouraged to innovate, question, and apply their learning to real-world challenges.
Notably, participants included students from leading institutions in India as well as international attendees from Dubai, reflecting the program’s growing global relevance and reach. Students expressed immense appreciation for the opportunity. One participant shared, “This experience was a turning point in my academic journey. I now see how I can contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge technology in India and beyond.” Beyond academics, the Summer School also provided a cultural immersion with visits to Hyderabad’s historic landmarks and local cuisine, fostering camaraderie and collaboration among participants.
The concluding Industry Interaction Day witnessed participation from eminent speakers across the semiconductor industry, sharing deep insights on industry trends, technological challenges, and opportunities for aspiring young researchers. The sessions featured Mr. Swaminathan Ramachandran, Software Architect at Cadence Design Systems; Mr. Ramit, Mr. Srikkanth Varadharajan, and Mr. Nitin from Lam Research; Mr. Jyotirmoy Ray, Research Scientist at Wipro Infrastructure Engineering; Mr. Joginder Tanikella, CEO of T-Works (Government of Telangana); Mr. Narendra Korlepara, Senior Director at Synopsys Hyderabad; Mrs. Padmini Gopalakrishnan, Senior Director at AMD Hyderabad; Mr. Himanshu Bhanot, Senior Manager at Micron Technology; and Mr. Venkatesh Narasimhan N, a specialist in Wireless Communications, Semiconductors, and IoT at Silicon Labs. These industry leaders engaged directly with students, offering them real-world perspectives and guidance on building successful careers in the semiconductor sector.
The day began with an engaging Fun Quiz conducted by Prof. Sanket Goel (Dean, Research & Innovation, BITS Pilani) and Dr. Praloy Mondal (Program Manager, CREST), creating a lively and participative environment. Following the speaker sessions, the program concluded with the Valedictory Session, where Prof. Sanket Goel delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the vital role of academia-industry collaboration in driving India’s semiconductor growth story. He encouraged students to leverage the skills and exposure gained through this program to contribute meaningfully to India’s technological ambitions. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Praloy Mondal, acknowledging the efforts of the organizing team, speakers, and participants.
As part of the Valedictory Session, prizes and participation certificates were distributed to all students, celebrating their enthusiasm, commitment, and active engagement throughout the program. This landmark initiative has further established BITS Pilani and CREST as frontrunners in fostering semiconductor talent and strengthening industry-academia linkages in India’s innovation ecosystem.