by Arun Gandhi, Advisor, Tata Projects
IIT Gandhinagar, the latest chapter in the SEMI-IESA-ESSCI Semiconductor Manufacturing Skills Workshop series unfolded as a powerful testament to what happens when academia, industry, and mission-driven pedagogy come together to create meaningful change.
Over 400 students registered. About 200 were accommodated. But this wasn’t just about numbers—it was about impact. In line with the revised AICTE curriculum (April 9th update) and built upon National Occupation Standards approved by NCVET/MSDE, this workshop didn’t just inform—it transformed.
The cornerstone of this workshop was its “Tips, Tricks, and Traps” delivery model—a methodology that transforms theoretical exposure into real-world muscle memory. By zooming into hands-on nuances, learners developed a deep, operational understanding of semiconductor systems. Each module didn’t just teach “what” or “why”—it dived into the how, when, and what-to-watch-out-for.
The “Tips-Tricks-Traps” Approach: Learning that Lasts
Here’s a glimpse of what that looked like:
- Pneumatics & Vacuum Tech in Fabs: From system design and surface prep to leak detection and contamination control, participants learned how tiny errors can derail vacuum integrity—and how to avoid them.
- Cleanroom Protocols: Students picked up subtle yet critical skills, from gowning techniques to wafer handling—tips often omitted in textbooks, but vital in industry.
- Semiconductor Packaging (OSAT Insights): Dr. Raj Gopalan from NAMTECH delivered a masterclass that one rates among the finest in recent year.
- Industrial Safety: Real case studies and semiconductor specific process walk-throughs & hazard analysis made abstract risks tangible and trainable.
- Display Technologies & Market Trends: A broader view helped connect India’s local aspirations with global market directions.
A Curriculum That Breathes Industry
These weren’t one-off sessions. The workshop was architected to create “skill stacks”—layered capabilities that extend employability across fabs, packaging, pneumatics, vacuum systems, and beyond. By embedding industry use-cases and feedback directly into the training loop, the program served as a living bridge between academic preparation and real-world performance.
As Sudhir Naik (eInfo Chips, IESA) aptly shared during his inaugural (delivered heroically despite battling a fever): India’s semiconductor dream hinges not just on infrastructure, but on people who can perform at scale.
Real Recognition, Real Collaboration
Led by experts like Arun Gandhi (Tata Projects), Dr. Wasiuddin (Kaynes), and top talent from SMC (Ankit Yadav) and Pfeiffer Vacuum (Gaurav & Farhad) , the workshop brought in voices that are shaping the frontlines of semiconductor deployment in India. Their mentorship offered context-rich learning, beyond what lectures alone can offer.
Academic institutions from across India responded with enthusiasm: IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Guwahati, NAMTECH, GITS Udaipur, Dibrugarh University, Ganpat University, NIELIT—each sent learners and leaders committed to embracing the AICTE-driven change.
Out-of-the-Box Execution
What made this workshop truly innovative was its blended learning model:
- Eyes-on exposure: Lab visits, tool demonstrations, and tech videos put theory into action.
- Curated excellence: Each module was precision-designed to echo industry-relevant use cases—enabling learners to anticipate and overcome common traps in execution.
- Institutional synergy: The content is primed to plug directly into engineering curricula—amplifying the impact far beyond the few days of training.
Gratitude & Momentum
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative support of sponsors and ecosystem partners including Disco, Bergen, Kaynes, SMC, IITs, Team IESA, and the ever-supportive NAMTECH, whose labs set a new benchmark in immersive learning environments. Special thanks to SEMI, SID, and IEEE EPS for their ongoing support in India’s skilling journey.
Looking Ahead: From Workshop to Workforce
The IIT Gandhinagar edition isn’t the end—IIT Bhubaneshwar is ‘on’ July 31-Aug 1 ( after summer break). IIT Tirupati and other institutes are planned as per India needs. These workshops are not just filling knowledge gaps. They’re fuelling careers, seeding innovation, and forging India’s semiconductor-ready workforce.
