Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Semiconductor Training Fab at CeNSE, IISc.

The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, virtually inaugurated the Semiconductor Training Fabrication (Fab) Facility at the CeNSE on 3^rd June, 2026. The commemorative plaque for the facility was unveiled by Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc.

Established with support from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), the facility aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor workforce while expanding opportunities for tribal students.

The 3,200 sq. ft. cleanroom facility will provide hands-on training in semiconductor fabrication, microfabrication processes, cleanroom operations, device manufacturing, and characterization techniques. Designed for workforce development, it is expected to train up to 700 students annually through specialized semiconductor programmes.

The facility builds on CeNSE’s successful semiconductor skilling initiative, which has trained over 1,400 participants from Scheduled Tribe communities, delivered more than 48,000 hours of training, and awarded over 1,000 NSQF certifications across India.

The Semiconductor Training Fab marks an important step toward developing a skilled, inclusive, and industry-ready workforce to support India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

CeNSE also has been receiving continued support from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Ministry of Education, Government of India for over a decade.

Prof. Akshay Naik Appointed as member of Karnataka Quantum Task Force

Prof. Akshay Naik, Professor, CeNSE has been appointed as a member of Karnataka Quantum Task Force.

Constituted by the Government of Karnataka, the Task Force brings together leading experts from academia, research institutions, industry, startups, and government to guide the state’s vision and strategy in quantum technologies. Prof. Naik’s inclusion reflects his significant contributions to quantum science and research.

The Task Force will play a key role in advancing Karnataka’s Quantum Mission by fostering innovation, strengthening collaborations, and accelerating the growth of the quantum ecosystem. Its efforts are expected to further position Karnataka as a leading destination for quantum research, technology development, and entrepreneurship.

CeNSE, IISc- Led Semiconductor Training Program for Tribal Students Records 518% Growth in Application

The Semiconductor Training Program for Tribal Students, led by CeNSE in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and supported by MY Bharat, has recorded a significant increase in participation during its 2026 Phase-II implementation.

Designed to provide tribal students and faculty with exposure to semiconductor technologies, the program combines online learning, expert lectures, and a 10-day residential training at IISc. Applications through MY Bharat increased from 992 in the previous phase to 5,654 this year, marking a 518% growth. Participation expanded to 34 States and 648 districts across India.

The initiative also witnessed a strong rise in women’s participation, with applications from female candidates increasing from 268 to 1,741, reflecting growing interest in STEM and emerging technologies among tribal women.

The achievement highlights the impact of coordinated outreach efforts by MY Bharat, educational institutions, and government stakeholders in creating inclusive pathways for tribal youth to engage with India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

V-PAR Microsystems Wins Quantum Hardware Category at Quantum Pitch Fest 2026

V-PAR Microsystems Pvt. Ltd. emerged as the winner in the Quantum Hardware category at Quantum Pitch Fest 2026, held on 22–23 May 2026 at IISc Bengaluru.

The winning team, comprising Dr. Roopa J, Purna Pal, and Amrutha AK, was recognized for their innovative solution, compelling pitch, and outstanding performance. Their achievement highlights the growing strength of India’s quantum innovation ecosystem and the potential of indigenous technologies in shaping the future of quantum computing and hardware development.