April-May 2025

"SILICON NEXUS"

AT THE CORE OF INNOVATION

Who we are?

The Center for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies (CREST) was established in June 2023 with a visionary commitment to advancing semiconductor research, education, and innovation. With an initial endowment of US$1 million from our esteemed alumnus, Mr. Ranvir Trehan (Class of 1961), CREST serves as a hub for semiconductor research and education, bringing together academia, industry leaders, and experts to drive technological advancements, foster knowledge exchange, and nurture future talent.

CREST at BITS Pilani is responsible for managing all semiconductor-related administrative, collaboration, outreach, and training activities across all campuses, with its central office located at the Hyderabad campus

OUR VISION

To establish BITS Pilani as the premier academic institution in India for Semiconductor Research and Innovation.

OUR MISSION

To lead and contribute significantly to India’s national initiatives in Semiconductors, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Quantum Technologies.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Equip students with skills for

successful semiconductor

careers.

Promote high-impact

research, publications, IP,

and tech solutions.

Provide strong support

through infrastructure,

expertise, and collaboration.

Our Strategy & Pathway

CREST Core Team

Milestones Achieved in FY 2024-2025

CREST has made significant strides in enhancing its research capabilities through the procurement of advanced equipment. Recently acquired tools include a state-of-the-art Wire Bonder and a Semiconductor Parametric Analyzer, which will greatly enhance precision in semiconductor device development and testing. In addition, the center is set to receive an Advanced Lithography System and a Micro-UTM, further strengthening its infrastructure for cutting-edge research.

In alignment with industry needs, CREST is currently undertaking two major projects. The first, in collaboration with ASM-HHV, focuses on the indigenous development of a laser-enhanced reactor for efficient polysilicon processing- an essential material in semiconductor manufacturing. The second project, supported by MeitY, involves the development and commercialization of a field-effect transistor (FET)-based dosimeter, aimed at advancing radiation detection technologies.

To support its expanding research activities, CREST has also initiated the expansion of its clean room facilities. This upgrade will provide a controlled environment necessary for high-precision fabrication and testing, enabling the centre to accommodate a wider range of advanced research and development efforts.

Outreach and Training Activities

CREST continues to strengthen its industry engagement by actively participating in semiconductor workshops and seminars, as well as sponsoring key industry conferences. In parallel, CREST has initiated comprehensive training programs targeting school students, as well as undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) students, and faculty members. These programs leverage the advanced capabilities of the Clean Room facilities and the Central Analytical Laboratory to provide hands-on experience and build a skilled workforce tailored to the needs of the semiconductor industry.

Additionally, CREST has introduced a series of short-term certificate courses to support professional development in the field. These include specialized programs in semiconductor packaging and minor courses focused on various aspects of semiconductor technology. Plans are underway to expand this educational offering with more short-term courses and certifications, further contributing to capacity building and industry readiness in this critical technological domain.

Board Recommendation

In the Board meeting held on 25th March, the Board recommended several key points to enhance CREST's prominence and better align with the government's vision for supporting innovation and research. First, they emphasized the importance of training programs focused on CMOS process design and modeling, integrated with experimental fabrication techniques, to further develop expertise in semiconductor technologies. Second, they suggested exploring emerging areas of research such as cybersecurity and neuromorphic applications, recognizing the need to stay ahead in cutting-edge fields. Additionally, the Board recommended a stronger emphasis on product development and startup incubation within India, leveraging the advanced research and facilities available at BITS Pilani to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to position CREST as a key player in driving the country’s technological advancements.

CREST April '25 Highlights

Talk by Invited Speaker

We had the privilege of hosting an enriching session with Dr. Aftab M. Hussain, Associate Professor at IIIT Hyderabad. Dr. Hussain delivered a keynote talk on Flexible Piezoresistive Thin Films for Sensing Applications, an exciting and promising area within the semiconductor field.

The session was engaging and provided students and scholars with a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research in this area. Dr. Hussain’s insights on the potential applications of piezoresistive thin films in sensors captivated the audience, offering a glimpse into the future of flexible and adaptable technologies.

XVI Colloquia

We hosted Dr. Manoj Kumar, Director of Innovation at STMicroelectronics, for our 16th monthly colloquium. Dr. Kumar plays a key role in STMicroelectronics' Global Innovation Office, where he leads the initiative to scout external innovations worldwide. His work involves collaborating with research centers, startups, universities, and R&D divisions of STMicroelectronics to foster innovation.

In his talk, Dr. Kumar shared insights into the Deeply Nested Open Innovation Model employed at STMicroelectronics. He discussed how ST engages with external research centers, universities, startups, and incubators, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving technological breakthroughs. The session provided valuable information on how open innovation models are transforming the semiconductor industry and creating new avenues for research and development.

CREST May '25 Highlights

One-Day Hands-On Session for CBIT Students

We conducted a one-day training session for CBIT students covering clean room protocols, semiconductor fabrication, and device characterization. Students gained practical exposure to advanced instruments like thermal evaporation, RF-sputtering, and e-beam systems used in creating semiconductor films and devices.

They also learned to use profilometers, semiconductor analyzers, and other tools for analyzing device properties. Additionally, the session introduced optical lithography and its operation in microfabrication processes.

Talk by Invited Speaker

We had the privilege of hosting an enriching session with Mr. Akkipeddi Ramam, Director, President’s Office, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Mr. Akkipeddi Ramam delivered a keynote talk on Six-Sigma in Smart manufacturing, A case Study: Semiconductor industry.

In his talk, Dr. Akkipeddi Ramam provided an insightful introduction to the fundamentals of Six Sigma, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing organizational performance. He highlighted how Six Sigma methodologies contribute to process efficiency and quality improvement. In addition to this, he also offered an overview of smart manufacturing, outlining its significance in driving innovation and operational excellence in modern industrial settings.

CREST Launches Two-Month Sponsored Residential Internship Program

CREST has launched a two-month sponsored residential internship program for undergraduate and postgraduate students, aimed at providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge topics in the field of semiconductors.

Ten students were selected to participate in this prestigious program. We are pleased to welcome all selected students to the BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus.

XVII Colloquia

We had the privilege of hosting Professor Ashwin A. Seshia, Professor of Microsystems Technology at the University of Cambridge and Institute Chair Professor in Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay, as the distinguished speaker for our 16th monthly colloquium.

In his talk, Professor Seshia delved into the design and application of silicon micromachined resonant transducers, highlighting their role in enabling high-precision measurements. He explored the underlying principles of these devices, recent advancements in their fabrication and integration, and their growing importance in areas demanding ultra-sensitive and reliable measurement technologies.

His presentation offered deep insights into the potential of microscale resonant devices and stimulated engaging discussions on future research directions in this evolving field.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse