The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME), part of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on semiconductor research, innovation, and talent development. The agreement was formalised during SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025.
Focus on advanced chip technologies and international collaboration
The MoU outlines a broad research agenda that spans post-CMOS technologies, advanced transistor designs, heterogeneous integration, AI-driven hardware accelerators, and quantum and photonic systems. Additional areas of cooperation include chip packaging, thermal management, and reliability diagnostics—crucial aspects in the push for high-performance, energy-efficient electronics.
This collaboration comes at a time when India is looking to strengthen its global footprint in the semiconductor value chain through its India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The joint effort with IME is seen as a strategic step in aligning with international expertise to accelerate domestic innovation.
Supporting India’s semiconductor mission and global partnerships
In addition to joint R&D, the partnership includes bilateral exchange programmes, technical training modules, and co-hosted workshops aimed at upskilling researchers, engineers, and students in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
Professor Anandaroop Bhattacharya of IIT Kharagpur’s Department of Mechanical Engineering noted that the partnership “marks a significant step” in advancing the institution’s global ambitions in semiconductor research. It reflects the larger national goal of creating a robust innovation ecosystem anchored in cross-border partnerships.
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On the Singapore side, Yee-Chia Yeo, Deputy Chief Executive of A*STAR and a professor at the National University of Singapore, emphasised the role of trilateral cooperation across research, industry, and government in shaping a resilient semiconductor landscape.
Strengthening India–Singapore tech ties
This partnership is part of a broader trend of India–Singapore technological cooperation, particularly in areas that demand deep research and specialised talent. Both countries recognise the need for strategic alliances to address global supply chain challenges and drive the next generation of chip innovation.
By combining IIT Kharagpur’s academic strength with Singapore’s semiconductor R&D leadership, the MoU aims to establish a future-ready framework for innovation, skills development, and infrastructure advancement in the semiconductor domain.
