BITS Pilani Hyderabad Nurtures Next-Gen Semiconductor Talent through Winter School Program
The Centre for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies (CREST) at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, recently concluded its two-week residential Winter School Program. This initiative, aimed at fostering the next generation of semiconductor talent, brought together students from various prestigious institutions across India.
Program Overview
The Winter School Program, which took place from January 15 to January 30, 2026, was designed to provide immersive learning experiences, hands-on training, and industry exposure in the rapidly evolving field of semiconductor technologies. The program is part of CREST’s commitment to building a robust talent pipeline for India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Participating Institutions
Students from several leading institutions participated in the program, including:
- VIT-AP University
- BITS Pilani campuses
- Sri Sairam College of Engineering
- Dibrugarh University
- Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (Class XI students)
Curriculum and Training
The curriculum of the Winter School Program was meticulously crafted to cover a wide range of topics essential for understanding semiconductor technologies. Key areas of focus included:
- Cleanroom protocols
- Micro- and nanofabrication techniques
- Device modelling
- Materials characterisation
Participants had access to advanced facilities, including:
- Nanofabrication Clean Room
- MEMS and Nanoelectronics Labs
- Printed Electronics Lab
Expert Lectures and Industry Exposure
A highlight of the program was a distinguished lecture series featuring renowned experts in the field. Notable speakers included:
- Dr. Naresh Emani from IIT Hyderabad
- Dr. Jagadeesh S. Moodera from MIT
- Prof. Pradeep Dixit from IIT Bombay
These experts provided students with global perspectives on frontier research and the latest advancements in semiconductor technologies.
Industry Visit
To enhance their understanding of real-world applications, students visited Micron Technology’s Hyderabad facility. This visit offered them invaluable insights into semiconductor manufacturing processes and the operational aspects of a leading industry player.
Program Leadership
The Winter School Program was led by:
- Prof. Sanket Goel, Head of CREST
- Dr. Praloy Mondal
Both leaders were supported by the dedicated CREST team, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for all participants.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the Winter School Program underscores BITS Pilani Hyderabad’s commitment to nurturing talent in the semiconductor sector. By equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s position in the global semiconductor landscape.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the events and details reported as of January 30, 2026.
