September  2025

"SILICON NEXUS"

AT THE CORE OF INNOVATION

CREST August & September '25 

Highlights

𝐄𝐂𝐄 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲  

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Vanderbilt University was pleased to host a distinguished guest seminar by Prof. Sanket Goel, Birla Chair Professor, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad (EEE)  and Head CREST on, August 20, 2025.

Prof. Goel delivered an insightful and forward-looking talk  on “Reimagining Cardiac Diagnostics: Convergence of Cell Culture, Microfluidics, Wearables and Data Analytics.”

The seminar focused on how interdisciplinary approaches are changing the landscape of cardiac diagnostics, with a particular emphasis on the integration of cell culture techniques, microfluidic devices, wearable technology, and advanced data analytics. Attendees engaged in lively discussions around the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space, gaining valuable insights into how engineering solutions can drive real-world healthcare impact.

On August 21, 2025, Prof. Sanket Goel delivered a Distinguished Lecture at the University of Illinois Chicago under the IEEE Sensors Council DL Program. His talk, titled “Portable Optofluidic Devices for Autonomous and Diversified Sensing Applications: Cyber Physical System Approach,” explored cutting-edge innovations in optofluidic sensing integrated with cyber-physical systems. The event, hosted by the Chicago Section Joint Chapter (AP03/MTT17), sparked engaging discussions on the future of autonomous sensing technologies. 

Distinguished Alumni Visit: Mr. Sundi Natarajan at CREST 

We had the distinct privilege of hosting Mr. Sundi Natarajan, an esteemed BITS Pilani alumnus, recipient of the Distinguished Services Award, and a pioneering force in the technology and startup ecosystem. A Co-founder of Sparksoft Corporation, Board Member of TiE Global, and Past President of TiE DC (2021), Mr. Natarajan is a visionary technology entrepreneur and angel investor with a strong track record in innovation, leadership, and mentorship.

During his visit to CREST and the MEMS, Microfluidics, and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab, Mr. Natarajan shared invaluable insights on building scalable tech ventures, nurturing startup ecosystems, and the power of collaboration between academia and industry.

His interaction with students, faculty, and researchers was both inspiring and thought-provoking, offering real-world perspectives on entrepreneurship and impact-driven innovation. We express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Natarajan for his time and meaningful engagement. We look forward to continued collaboration and deeper alumni involvement in the times ahead.

Welcoming the First MSc Batch in Semiconductors and Nanoscience

CREST (BITS Pilani) is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural MSc program in Semiconductors and Nanoscience, welcoming its first batch of students this month. This landmark moment signifies a bold step forward in shaping the next generation of highly skilled professionals and researchers in the fields of semiconductors, nanotechnology, and advanced materials.

The program aims to equip students with deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience to contribute meaningfully to India’s growing semiconductor and nanoscience ecosystem. We are excited to accompany this pioneering batch on a transformative academic and research journey.

Welcome aboard, trailblazers! 

XX Monthly Colloquia

The Centre for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies (CREST) at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus continues to foster cutting-edge discussions through its monthly CREST Colloquium series. The September 2025 edition of this initiative featured a distinguished keynote address by Prof. Mayank Shrivastava, Chair of the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Prof. Shrivastava is renowned for his contributions to semiconductor device engineering and next-generation nanoelectronic systems.

In his talk titled “2D Materials Based Transistors: Overcoming Critical Challenges, and a Roadmap Toward Heterogeneous Integration,” Prof. Shrivastava shed light on the transformative potential of 2D materials in the semiconductor industry. He discussed the fundamental limitations of conventional transistor technologies and how 2D materials — such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides — offer promising alternatives due to their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The session highlighted key challenges in the practical deployment of 2D-material-based devices, including scalability, interface engineering, and integration with existing CMOS infrastructure.

Prof. Shrivastava also presented a forward-looking roadmap for achieving heterogeneous integration using these materials, envisioning a future where 2D materials play a central role in high-performance, energy-efficient computing systems. The talk was well-received by students, researchers, and faculty, sparking engaging discussions around emerging research directions in nanoelectronics and semiconductor innovation.

This colloquium reinforced CREST’s commitment to bringing thought leaders from academia and industry to inspire and engage with the growing semiconductor research ecosystem at BITS Pilani.

Inside the Labs: MSc Students Get First Look at Semiconductor Research Ecosystem

ICAN 8.0: Hands-On Semiconductor Exposure for Muffakham Jah College Students

As part of the ICAN 8.0 outreach program, we had the pleasure of hosting Students and Faculty members from Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad for an engaging One-Day Session. The visit included guided tours of the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab, the Nanofabrication and Semiconductor Device Laboratory (NSDL), and the Clean Room facilities at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus.

Participants received hands-on exposure to key semiconductor fabrication processes and tools, including RF-sputtering, e-beam deposition, and optical lithography. The session aimed to bridge academic learning with real-world applications, offering students a deeper appreciation for the technologies shaping the future of electronics and nanoscience.

Contact us: crest@bits-pilani.ac.in