A new era of semiconductor electronics: Highlights from the ninth annual India-Purdue Collaborative Lecture Series
“If someone from the 1950s suddenly appeared, what would be the most difficult thing to explain to them about life today?” asked Mark Lundstrom, the Don and Carol Scifres Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, to more than 200 admitted Purdue students, parents and alumni in New Delhi and Mumbai, India, on April 5 and April 7. “That I possess a device in my pocket that is capable of accessing the entirety of information known to humankind ...” he continued, quoting author Ian Leslie.
In his keynote talk for the ninth annual India-Purdue Collaborative Lecture Series in Honor of Bharat Ratna Professor C.N.R. Rao, “A New Era of Semiconductor Electronics,” Lundstrom provided a brief history of the evolution of chip technology. Lundstrom highlighted challenges and opportunities scientists face today in advanced microelectronics manufacturing and packaging. He went on to address recent issues, including disruptions to the global supply chain, that have impeded industry and negatively impacted global consumers. Lundstrom, who is senior advisor to the president and was recently named Purdue University’s chief semiconductor officer, spoke of Purdue’s investments in semiconductor education and its commitment to leadership in semiconductor R&D and workforce development.
Lundstrom was accompanied by Vijay Raghunathan, professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of semiconductor education for Purdue; Heidi Arola, director of the Office of Global Partnerships and director of the Purdue-India Partnership; Trevor Foley, senior director, international engagement and alumni travel, Purdue for Life Foundation; Danek Torrey, senior associate director of admissions - international; and Crockett Sewell, global partnerships administrator.
In addition to Lundstrom’s two keynotes and one technical talk, the visit provided an opportunity for Purdue to deepen existing governmental, industry and institutional relationships and identify new collaborations in the area of semiconductors.
The delegation began their visit in New Delhi on April 5 at India’s Science and Engineering Research Board. There, they met with SERB’s new secretary, Akhilesh Gupta; chief scientist Praveen Somasundaram; and director of finance Madhu W. Sinha. Purdue is the only U.S. university that hosts doctoral students from Indian institutions for a year through the Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship Program. The program became possible through a 2017 memorandum of understanding between Purdue University and SERB. Purdue will welcome its fourth cohort in August 2023 after receiving a record 217 applications. A highlight of the stop in Delhi was a meeting with Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. Synergies between the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act and India’s Semiconductor Mission, as well as Purdue’s dedication to semiconductor workforce development, were among the topics discussed.
That evening, Torrey hosted an information session for admitted students and their parents at the Oberoi New Delhi to learn more about Purdue before making their final decision to be a Boilermaker. They were invited to stay for Lundstrom’s keynote and a panel discussion including professor Vijay Raghunathan that was moderated by Arola, giving students a unique chance to learn about the high-level research they will be exposed to at Purdue.
On April 6, most of Purdue’s delegation headed to Bengaluru, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India.” There, Lundstrom met with Govindan Rangarajan, Indian Institute of Science director, and gave an in-depth technical talk on semiconductors to a standing-room-only audience. Later that evening, Torrey hosted an admitted student event while Lundstrom, Raghunathan and Arola hosted a dinner with semiconductor industry leaders from across Bengaluru.
The flagship lecture and alumni event, as well as a meeting of the India Executive Council, took place April 7 in Mumbai. Alumni from around India and admitted students and their parents were invited to listen and engage. During the reception that followed, admitted students had the opportunity to connect with the Purdue delegation and alumni, while alumni appreciated the chance to reminisce about their time at Purdue, connect with future students and learn more from Lundstrom and Raghunathan about semiconductor education and R&D at Purdue.