In a landmark step toward strengthening global cooperation in semiconductor technology, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME)—a core research entity under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)—have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The collaboration was formally announced during SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, a prominent event in the semiconductor industry.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaborative research and human capital development in emerging semiconductor technologies. It brings together expertise in areas such as post-Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) and advanced transistor technologies, heterogeneous integration, chip packaging, AI-driven hardware accelerators, quantum devices, photonic systems, thermal management, and reliability diagnostics.
Professor Anandaroop Bhattacharya from IIT Kharagpur’s Department of MechaKonical Engineering described the partnership as a transformative step. “This collaboration with A*STAR’s IME significantly enhances our global engagement in semiconductor research. As India positions itself to become a major player in this field, such international alliances are crucial to building a resilient and competitive tech ecosystem,” he said.
The partnership also includes plans for bilateral exchange programs, specialized training, and joint workshops. These initiatives aim to equip researchers, engineers, and students with the skills required to meet the evolving demands of the global semiconductor sector.
Professor Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy Chief Executive for Innovation and Enterprise at A*STAR, emphasised the importance of collective effort. “Singapore’s progress in the semiconductor domain is deeply rooted in collaborative ventures across research, industry, and government. Through platforms like Innovate Together, we aim to co-create solutions to shared challenges and foster meaningful innovation,” he noted.
Founded in 1951, IIT Kharagpur is one of India’s leading institutions for science and technology and is widely recognized for its work in microelectronics and materials research. A*STAR, Singapore’s leading public research agency, bridges cutting-edge science with real-world industrial applications.