IIIT Hyderabad Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Microfabrication and Semiconductor Characterisation Lab Under DST PURSE Scheme
Hyderabad, July 31, 2025 (Maxim News): In a significant leap towards advancing India’s semiconductor and microfabrication ecosystem, the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT-H) today inaugurated its newly established Microfabrication and Semiconductor Characterisation Lab, commonly known as “FabLab”, on campus.
The lab has been developed with generous support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) scheme, and is geared to strengthen research in biosensors, bio-actuators, and semiconductor devices, with a strong emphasis on healthcare applications.
Cutting-Edge Tools for Future-Focused Research
The facility boasts a suite of advanced microfabrication equipment, including:
- UV Lithography
- Sputtering
- Spin Coater
- Vacuum Chamber
In addition, researchers will have access to high-end material characterisation tools such as:
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
- Optical Profilometer
On the semiconductor front, the lab houses an impressive lineup of characterisation tools to support advanced research in VLSI and millimetre wave (mmWave) technologies, including:
- Probe Station
- Vector Network Analyser (VNA)
- Vector Signal Generator (VSG)
- Signal Analyser
- Oscilloscope
Empowering Local Innovation and Skill Development
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. P J Narayanan, Director of IIIT Hyderabad, praised the lab’s potential to drive innovation in semiconductor R&D and material sciences, particularly within India’s growing focus on indigenous chip manufacturing.
Dr. Aftab Hussain, the coordinator for the PURSE grant at IIIT-H, expressed enthusiasm about the lab’s regional and national impact:
“This facility marks a major milestone for IIIT-H and will serve as a critical enabler for VLSI and materials science research. Moreover, it will also be open to external users, including academia and industry, fostering collaboration and accessibility.”
Dr. Hussain emphasized that one of the lab’s key goals is to support the Government of India’s mission to reduce dependence on imported semiconductor technologies.
“We are not just investing in infrastructure; we are building skilled manpower. The lab will host specialized courses, workshops, and hands-on training in microfabrication and semiconductor characterisation in the near future,” he added.
Boost to India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
The launch of this high-tech lab comes at a time when India is ramping up efforts to establish a self-reliant semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Facilities like FabLab at IIIT Hyderabad are expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, supporting research, and enabling practical training on par with global standards.
As India charts its path toward becoming a semiconductor powerhouse, this lab promises to be a beacon for academic excellence, industrial collaboration, and technological self-sufficiency.
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