About SemiX

The history of semiconductors at IIT Bombay dates back to the early 1970s when the institute recognized the growing importance of electronics and semiconductors in shaping modern technology. The Department of Electrical Engineering established strong foundations in microelectronics and semiconductor technology, becoming one of the pioneering institutions in India to offer specialized courses and research opportunities in this field. In 1983, IIT Bombay furthered its impact by setting up a Microelectronics Clean Room and collaborating with ISRO to work on radiation-hardened MOS devices. This led to the creation of shared laboratories such as microfabrication and VLSI design labs, which continue to support cutting-edge research.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, IIT Bombay played a pivotal role in establishing a culture of semiconductor education and research in India, fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government. In the early 2000s, the institute cemented its leadership with the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Nanoelectronics (CEN), supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. CEN became a hub for advanced research in semiconductor devices, nanoelectronics, and integrated circuits, placing IIT Bombay at the forefront of India’s semiconductor advancements.

By 2020, India had become the third-largest producer of research papers on semiconductor technology, with IIT Bombay leading the country in experimental nanoelectronics research. The institute's strategic developments, including GaN OTP technology, positioned it as a key player in semiconductor innovation. The creation of the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) Advisory Board and contributions to the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) solidified its role in advancing the nation's semiconductor agenda.

In 2023, IIT Bombay further expanded its impact with the formation of SemiX, which underscored the institute's commitment to building semiconductor talent and fostering innovation. Today, IIT Bombay continues to lead in areas such as AI computing, power electronics, and communication systems, contributing to India's Semiconductor Mission and shaping the future of the global semiconductor landscape.

IIT Bombay Center for Semiconductor Technologies, SemiX was established in 2022. The word “Semi” stands for Semiconductors and “X” represents the integration of various semiconductor solutions – materials, equipment, devices, circuits, packaging, and software.

IIT Bombay has pioneered semiconductors research in India with the establishment of the Center for Excellence in Nanoelectronics (CENs) where world–class semiconductor research was developed. The Skilled Manpower Development Program (SMDP) was hosted to support large–scale chip design research and training.  These initiatives have led to strong industry engagement for research and training of top talent. IIT Bombay alumni power top semiconductor industries nationally & worldwide.

Today, India is a significant player in semiconductor design with aspirations to develop manufacturing, packaging, and indigenous chip designs. These aspirations are reflected in the India Semiconductor Mission to become a global hub of semiconductors, driving the development of a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem. IIT Bombay is a major part of these aspirations from policy development to implementation.

We have created the Center for Semiconductor Technologies or SemiX to integrate key resources and talent in all disciplines of the semiconductor domain and to build a platform that propels India’s semiconductor aspirations towards global leadership. IIT Bombay already has an incredible network of industry partners, academics (faculty and students), Alumni/advisors with world class experience, and policy makers. By integrating all these elements with focus on semiconductors, SemiX will deliver transformational changes in the way semiconductor research, training, incubation and policy development are done.