Centurion University Establishes Advanced VLSI Semiconductor Design Lab in Visakhapatnam
In a significant development for semiconductor education in Andhra Pradesh, the Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) has inaugurated the Dreamchip Siddhi – VLSI Semiconductor Design Lab at its Visakhapatnam campus. This state-of-the-art facility aims to strengthen semiconductor education and foster robust industry-academia collaboration, positioning the region as a hub for advanced technology training and innovation.
National Initiative Driving Semiconductor Education
The establishment of this specialized lab is part of a broader national initiative spearheaded by the Super Computing Consortium of India (SCCI) in partnership with Dreamchip Electronics Private Limited. Under this collaborative framework, CUTM has been selected as one of the beneficiary institutions, receiving a comprehensive VLSI Semiconductor Design Lab equipped with four advanced VLSI design kits.
These cutting-edge kits, which support FPGA-based chip design and verification, were meticulously designed by Sankhya Technologies based in Visakhapatnam and manufactured at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone by Dreamchip Electronics Private Limited. This local involvement underscores the region's growing capabilities in high-tech manufacturing and design.
University Leadership and Strategic Implementation
The successful acquisition and implementation of this project were driven by CUTM's dedicated leadership team. Key figures including Vice President Prof DN Rao, Chancellor Prof GSN Raju, and Vice Chancellor Prof Prasanta Kumar Mohanty played instrumental roles in securing this initiative for the university.
According to an official university statement, the leadership expressed confidence that this new facility would significantly benefit both students and faculty engaged in VLSI and semiconductor studies. They emphasized their hope that the lab would serve as a catalyst for innovations and research in semiconductor technology within the region, potentially contributing to India's growing semiconductor ecosystem.
Industry-Academia Collaboration in Action
The initiative saw active participation from industry representatives, including Gopi and Murali from Sankhya Technologies, alongside Prof KCB Rao from SCCI. During the program, these experts interacted extensively with faculty and students, highlighting the critical importance of industry-academia partnerships in advancing technology education.
Industry representatives emphasized how such collaborations bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with current industry standards and technologies. This approach is particularly vital in fast-evolving fields like semiconductor design, where practical skills are as important as theoretical understanding.
Expected Impact and Future Prospects
The Dreamchip Siddhi VLSI Semiconductor Design Lab is expected to deliver multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Educational Opportunities: Providing students with access to professional-grade design tools and equipment
- Research Advancement: Creating new possibilities for faculty and student research projects in semiconductor technology
- Industry Readiness: Preparing graduates with practical skills that meet industry requirements
- Regional Development: Contributing to Visakhapatnam's emergence as a technology education and innovation center
This initiative represents a strategic investment in India's semiconductor education infrastructure at a time when the country is actively working to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry. By combining academic excellence with industry partnership, CUTM's new lab promises to create a dynamic learning environment that could produce the next generation of semiconductor professionals.
