BITS Pilani: CREST - Newsletter

The Innovators' Hub – Showcasing Breakthroughs at CREST

CREST (Centre for Research Excellence in Science & Technology), BITS Pilani, is dedicated to highlighting groundbreaking research, innovations, and industry collaborations in the field of semiconductors, quantum technology, AI/ML, IoT, and cyber-physical systems.

What to Expect in Each Edition:
✅ Research Highlights – Latest advancements in semiconductor technologies, materials science, and AI-driven innovations.
✅ Project Spotlights – Updates on ongoing research projects, industry-aligned initiatives, and government-funded programs.
✅ Industry Collaborations – Insights into partnerships with global semiconductor giants, startups, and government agencies.
✅ Expert Insights – Exclusive interviews with leading scientists, industry experts, and faculty members driving innovation at CREST.
✅ Workshops & Conferences – Announcements and coverage of key seminars, colloquiums, and networking events.
✅ Student & Startup Showcase – Featuring innovative student projects, internship opportunities, and startup incubation stories.

This is the platform for knowledge exchange, fostering a strong connection between academia, industry, and government initiatives in India's semiconductor and tech ecosystem.

CREST @ BITS Pilani: Driving Semiconductor Innovation

At CREST, we are shaping India’s future in Semiconductors, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Quantum Technologies. Our vision is to establish BITS Pilani as a leader in semiconductor research and innovation.

What We Offer:

✅ Industry-ready professionals for the semiconductor sector
✅ Breakthrough innovations in materials, devices, and applications
✅ A thriving research ecosystem with cutting-edge facilities

Key Focus Areas:

🔬 Facilities – Nanofabrication, AI/ML-IoT, HPC
🧪 Materials – 2D materials, composites, photonics
📟 Devices – MEMS, FETs, microfluidics, photonic ICs
🌍 Applications – Smart sensors, energy harvesting, environmental tech

With 25+ sanctioned projects, CREST is driving innovation. Join us in shaping India’s semiconductor revolution!

State-of-the-Art Research Infrastructure at CREST

At CREST, BITS Pilani, we provide cutting-edge cleanroom facilities (Class 100 & Class 1000) at our Hyderabad campus, supporting advanced research in semiconductors and nanotechnology.

Key Facilities

Our world-class infrastructure includes:
✔ Diffusion Furnace – High-temperature processing for semiconductor fabrication.
✔ RF Sputter Deposition – Thin-film deposition for material engineering.
✔ Reactive Ion Etch System – Precision etching for nanoscale structures.
✔ Spin Coater – Uniform thin-film coating for microelectronics.
✔ Mask Aligner & UV Exposure System – Essential for photolithography.
✔ Wet Chemical Bench – For advanced microfabrication processes.

Driving Innovation & Collaboration

These facilities empower students, researchers, and industry partners to work on nanoelectronics, quantum devices, and optoelectronics.

Our state-of-the-art Central Facilities empower cutting-edge research in materials, nanotechnology, and semiconductor fabrication.

Key Equipment

🔬 NMR, UTM, XRF, XRD – Advanced material analysis.
🔬 FESEM, Confocal, Raman, UV Spectrometer – High-resolution imaging & spectroscopy.
🔬 TGA – Thermal analysis for material studies.

Upcoming Additions

⚡ E-Beam Lithography, Wire Bonder, Pulse Measurement Unit, Micro UTM – Enhancing fabrication & testing.

CREST Insight: Advancing Semiconductor Research & Industry Collaboration

Innovative Research Projects

🚀 Sponsored Projects – Advancing 2D materials, biosensors, photodisinfection, silicon prototypes, and fuel cells.
🔬 Facilitated Research – Smart-NICs, hydrogen sensors, cryptographic PQC standards, and bio-detection using nano materials.
🏥 Industry-Aligned Initiatives – Development of DosFET-based radiation dosimeters and CVD reactors for polysilicon production.

Key Conferences

🌍 SEMICON India 2024 – Strengthening India’s semiconductor supply chain.
🔧 ISPEC 2024 – Focus on IoT sensors & semiconductor fabrication.
🤝 3rd IDSP Industry-Academia Workshop – Bridging R&D with industry for global partnerships.

🔗 CREST is at the forefront of semiconductor innovation!

🤝 Global Collaborations – BITS Pilani signed MoUs with University at Buffalo, Iowa State University, and RPI to strengthen research ties.

🎓 Workshops & Conferences
📢 Academia-Industry Synergy in Semiconductors – Engaging discussions with Micron, EY, L&T Semiconductor, and Tech Mahindra.
📡 ICST 2023 – Hosted at BITS Hyderabad, featuring 200+ delegates, 12 invited talks, and 100+ research presentations.
🛠️ iCAN Workshops – Covering IoT-enabled cyber-physical systems, sensors, and nanoelectronic devices with hands-on training.

🌍 Driving innovation through industry and academic partnerships!

📚 Core Courses – Covering nanoscience, quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, nanocharacterization, and advanced nanofabrication.

🎓 Industry Support

Micron: Supporting 10 ME students
Ansys: One-time grant for 3 ME students

📢 Specialized Training
🔹 Device & Systems Packaging Course (Sept 21 – Nov 24, 2024) in collaboration with Georgia Tech
🔹 Minor Program in Semiconductor Devices & Technology – Hands-on learning in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and energy storage

🚀 Opportunities – Industry-aligned projects with fellowship & implementation grants!

Board Agenda & Collaborations

📌 Key Focus Areas

VLSI design, power systems, and communication.
Collaboration with leading institutes & T-Hub Telangana.
Support for India’s semiconductor initiatives.

💡 Strategic Goals

Commitment to Excellence – Ensuring top-tier research & administration.
Government Collaboration – Advancing semiconductor technology with national alignment.
Strategic Partnerships – Working with T-Hub Telangana & MeitY.
Unified Approach – Aligning with India’s semiconductor mission.

💰 Funding & Industry Ties

$1M donation from alumni for semiconductor research.
Collaboration with Micron, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, EY, UST Global, and Kaynes Technology.
Support for semiconductor startups via MeitY Startup Hub.

CREST Chronicles: Shaping Future Leaders in Semiconductor Innovation

Student Internship Programs

Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya: Hosted students to promote women in STEM with hands-on sessions and industry interactions.
Dibrugarh University: A 15-day internship for 20 students, focusing on semiconductor research and fabrication.

Industry & Conference Engagement

IEEE APSCON 2025: Showcased nanotechnology and AI-driven semiconductor research through workshops and lab tours.

CREST continues to bridge academia and industry, shaping the future of semiconductor innovation!

CREST Monthly Colloquium Series

The CREST Monthly Colloquiums at BITS Pilani bring together top global experts from academia and industry to discuss advancements in semiconductors, AI, sensors, and materials engineering.

Key Highlights:

✅ Industry Leaders & Researchers from Stanford, Purdue, IBM, AMD, Micron, Global Foundries, and more shared insights.
✅Topics covered AI-driven chip design, semiconductor packaging, FPGAs, and atomic-level material innovations.
✅ Bridging Academia & Industry to accelerate India’s semiconductor growth.
✅Focus on emerging technologies shaping the future of electronics and computing.

🚀 Empowering the next generation of semiconductor innovators!