New VLSI chapter in Northeast to drive chip design, training opportunities: VLSI Society President

Guwahati: In a move for Northeast India’s semiconductor landscape, the Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Society of India has launched its Northeast Chapter to tap into the region's potential in VLSI technology and chip design. This initiative aims to unlock new growth avenues by linking local industries, research institutions, and startups with India’s semiconductor ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation to position Northeast India as a strategic hub in the global semiconductor sector.

In an exclusive interview with Pankhi Sarma for Business North East (BNE), Satya Gupta, President of the VLSI Society of India, outlined a vision to bridge the knowledge gap, build a robust ecosystem for VLSI technology, and drive innovation through collaboration with academia, industry, and the government. 

Satya Gupta stated that VLSI’s primary goal is to unite stakeholders across the chip design and semiconductor space, ensuring that the Northeast emerges as a competitive player in India’s tech landscape. 

Here are the excerpts from the interview:
    
Interview Q&A:

BNE: With the inauguration of this initiative, what are your plans for advancing VLSI technology development in our region? Satya Gupta: The primary objective of this chapter is to unite stakeholders across the chip design community, from research and academia to industry. Our aim is to create a robust ecosystem in the Northeast, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Right now, we don’t have a strong industry presence, but by building this network, we can lay the groundwork for a thriving research and development environment. This will involve bringing people together, reducing information gaps, and encouraging cooperation among various entities like academic institutions and industry bodies.

BNE: So, the first step is to bridge the information gap for the Northeastern community?

Satya Gupta: Yes, precisely. Once we bring everyone together, we’ll focus on outreach to both technical communities and the general public. For example, many parents are unaware of opportunities in electronics and semiconductor fields, leading students towards traditional career paths like IT without considering alternatives. We aim to work with colleges to enhance the quality of education and create awareness among high school students and their parents about the potential of electronics. Our goal is to help students make more informed decisions when choosing their career paths, especially in emerging fields like semiconductors.

BNE: How do you plan to raise awareness among students and the community?

Satya Gupta: We will create awareness on multiple levels - societal, institutional, and governmental. Many talented individuals are unaware of the opportunities in the semiconductor field. By involving the government, academia, and the broader community, we aim to change this. Additionally, we will work to improve the quality of education at technical institutions by understanding their challenges and facilitating better teaching methods. Often, central government schemes exist to support such initiatives, but the information doesn’t always reach the right people. Our role is to ensure that this information is accessible and utilized effectively.

BNE: What are your plans for promoting startups in this region, considering the nascent stage of the startup ecosystem here?

Satya Gupta: Our efforts will focus on guiding students with startup ideas, connecting them to industry mentors, venture capitalists, and government schemes. We want to help them refine their ideas and take them to the next level—whether that means launching a product or securing funding. The raw talent in the Northeast is as promising as anywhere else in India; what’s been missing is exposure to the right opportunities and ecosystems. We plan to bridge this gap and help students turn viable ideas into successful startups.

BNE: So, the focus is on deep engagement with the students and faculty, not just events, right?
Satya Gupta: Exactly. We’re interested in creating a dialogue, not a monologue. This means spending time with faculty and students, understanding their challenges, and providing support tailored to their needs. Instead of large-scale events, we’ll focus on smaller, interactive sessions with groups of 50 to 70 individuals, allowing for meaningful interactions. This approach helps us address specific issues and foster real growth, rather than just hosting one-time events.

BNE: Are you considering setting up a dedicated study center or academy here?
Satya Gupta: Our plan is to leverage existing academic infrastructure rather than building new facilities. For instance, if we need to conduct a workshop on chip design, we’ll use the resources available at institutions like IITs. This approach ensures that we don’t duplicate efforts but instead make the best use of what’s already there, like faculty development programs where we can train teachers on advanced topics in VLSI design.

BNE: How will startups connect with your society?
Satya Gupta: Most startups are likely to emerge from the academic community. We’ll work closely with students interested in entrepreneurship, offering technical mentoring and business support. Our society is volunteer-driven, with experienced professionals from the industry who can guide young innovators. While our ultimate goal might be to support 50 startups, we will focus on nurturing them one at a time, ensuring that each receives the attention needed to succeed.

BNE: Are there plans for internships through your society?
Satya Gupta: We aim to establish a mechanism for internships, connecting students with companies. We’re in the early planning stages of creating an internship exchange platform where both students and companies can find suitable matches. It’s not about building a new entity but rather enabling existing institutions and companies to collaborate effectively. For instance, in some states, the government partially funds internship stipends, and we hope to bring similar incentives here, making it beneficial for both students and companies.

BNE: What is your long-term vision for the chapter’s impact on the Northeast?
Satya Gupta: Our vision is to see the Northeast become a hub for semiconductor research, education, and startups. The industry’s interest in the region is growing, and with the right guidance and support, we can capitalize on this momentum. By working closely with the community, we believe we can build a sustainable ecosystem that benefits students, startups, and the industry, ultimately making a significant impact in the long term.