Taking a significant step towards supporting India's aim for self-reliance in the semiconductor sector and bolstering the country's electronics ecosystem, the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Micron. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and cultivate a highly skilled local workforce. The MoU was signed by Professor KK Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, and Mr. Anand Ramamoorthy, Managing Director of Micron India. Subsequently, the Micron Semiconductor Lab was inaugurated at the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, IIT Roorkee.

The collaboration encompasses advancing research in technology domains, offering hands-on learning experiences for students, nurturing student recruitment initiatives, and facilitating industry-aligned training. The Micron Semiconductor Lab will focus on enhancing IIT Roorkee's technical capabilities, processes, and resources through student internships and fellowships, emphasizing the significance of local technical proficiency.

This objective will be realized through specialized master's and doctoral degree programs, supported by an enhanced curriculum, a dedicated physical laboratory, and a team of professors who will closely mentor students in their technical advancement. In alignment with their ongoing endeavors, the IIT Roorkee alumni from the class of 1996 have committed to endow the prestigious "Rahul Aggarwal- 96 Chair" at the institute, named after alumnus Rahul Aggarwal from the 1996 batch. This chair, with support from both industry and academia, will facilitate research and academic initiatives of the Micron Semiconductor Lab in areas such as chip design, technology, modeling, characterization, and product development.

Anand Ramamoorthy, managing director at Micron India, stated, "As a part of our University Research Alliance, Micron (URAM) outreach, this initiative aligns well with the thrust areas of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). We are grateful for the support and collaboration from the alumni class of 1996. As an alumnus of this esteemed institution, I find this initiative to hold a special place in my heart."

Sarvant Singh Rana, vice president of Data and Emerging Digital Technologies at US-based Penske Transportation Solutions and an alumnus of IIT Roorkee representing the class of 1996 expressed pride in supporting this important initiative to create a more sustainable future for India's high-tech ecosystem. Rana noted that, "Initiatives like these validate the opportunities to create more linkages between the wider alumni network and IIT Roorkee to facilitate a strong network of support and advancement for deeper industry-academic associations, research and development collaborations, as well as financial assistance".

Professor KK Pant, Director IIT Roorkee, said, "As we march into the future, IIT Roorkee remains steadfast in our dedication to pioneering technological advancements. With our esteemed alumni leading the charge, we are poised to shape India's semiconductor landscape and realize the vision of a developed Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi".

Apart from faculty and students, key attendees at the event included CR Parthasarathy, Director of Device Technology at Micron India, Professor Akshay Dwivedi - Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy, Professor NP Pathak - Head of the Department of Electronics Communication and Engineering, and Professor Sai Ramudu Meka - Associate Dean Corporate Interaction. Their presence highlighted their dedication to fostering a dynamic semiconductor ecosystem.