IIT Madras Partners with Applied Materials India to Advance Semiconductor Research

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has deepened its collaboration with Applied Materials India to enhance semiconductor research and development in the country. This strategic partnership focuses on deploying Applied Materials’ AppliedTwin™ digital twin platform, which simulates and optimizes semiconductor manufacturing processes. By leveraging this advanced technology, IIT Madras aims to accelerate research, improve efficiency, and prepare India’s future workforce for a global semiconductor industry.

IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti, fourth from left, and Applied Materials India Country President Avi Avula, third from left, with the MoU | Business Line

Deployment of AppliedTwin™ Digital Twin Platform

The AppliedTwin™ platform is a cutting-edge digital twin solution that models semiconductor fabrication equipment and processes. Through its integration at IIT Madras, students and researchers can virtually design, prototype, test, and optimize semiconductor processes, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional R&D. A recent hands-on workshop at IIT Madras engaged over 150 faculty members and students, marking a major step forward in strengthening the country’s semiconductor research infrastructure. This initiative also helps build an industry-ready talent pool capable of supporting India’s growing semiconductor ambitions.

Aligning with the National Semiconductor Mission

This collaboration aligns closely with India’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing. IIT Madras, in partnership with the Tamil Nadu government, is also planning the development of a semiconductor fabrication (FAB) facility with integrated reliability and packaging capabilities. The AppliedTwin™ framework will provide engineers and researchers with advanced tools to experiment and refine semiconductor technologies virtually, bridging the gap until India’s physical semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure is fully operational.

Access to Advanced Tools for Students and MSMEs

The AppliedTwin™ suite offered to IIT Madras includes multi-physics modeling tools and TOPO+, a topography simulator. These tools will be accessible to students across multiple institutions and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) via the IIT Madras platform and Swayam Plus. This access allows students and early-stage researchers to understand real-world fabrication workflows, offering a practical edge that complements India’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem.

Vision for a Future-Ready Workforce

Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized that the AppliedTwin™ framework will enable students and faculty to accelerate all stages of semiconductor development in a virtual environment. This integration not only aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub but also ensures that the next generation of engineers and scientists are prepared to lead technological advancements. The partnership reflects India’s commitment to innovation and its strategy to cultivate a skilled workforce that can support the country’s self-reliant growth in semiconductor technologies.

The MGMM Outlook

IIT Madras’ collaboration with Applied Materials India marks a significant stride in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in semiconductor research and manufacturing. By integrating the AppliedTwin™ digital twin platform, IIT Madras is equipping students and researchers with advanced tools to simulate, design, and optimize semiconductor fabrication processes virtually. This approach not only accelerates R&D and reduces costs but also ensures that India’s emerging talent pool gains practical, industry-relevant experience. The initiative, which engaged over 150 students and faculty in its initial workshop, demonstrates a commitment to creating a workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing semiconductor ambitions while fostering innovation within academia and industry alike.

Beyond academic training, the partnership reflects India’s broader vision under the National Semiconductor Mission to develop a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem. The AppliedTwin™ tools, including multi-physics modeling and topography simulators, will be accessible to students across institutions and MSMEs, bridging gaps until physical fabrication facilities are fully operational. This strategic collaboration positions India to strengthen its technological capabilities, encourage innovation, and prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists to lead in semiconductor development on a global scale.

(Sources: Firstpost, Business Line, PTI)