IIT Bhubaneswar Hosts Integrated Power Electronics Workshop
On November 14, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar organized a one-day national workshop titled “Setting Up a Pilot Line for Integrated Power Electronics.” This event gathered prominent representatives from industry, academia, and government sectors, all aimed at advancing India’s semiconductor ambitions under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
Workshop Objectives
The primary goal of the workshop was to collect critical inputs for shaping the proposal for the Integrated Power Electronics Hub, which is set to be established at IIT Bhubaneswar. This initiative aligns with the national momentum towards building a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India.
Keynote Address
Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, the Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, delivered an insightful address emphasizing the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, and government. He stated, “A nationwide effort is underway to build a robust Industry–Academia–Government partnership for a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.”
He highlighted several initiatives at IIT Bhubaneswar, including:
- A ₹64-crore SiC Research and Innovation Centre
- The upcoming 220-acre Semiconductor and ESDM Park
- A year-long PG Diploma in Semiconductor Technology
- A newly sanctioned ₹4.95-crore NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory
Additionally, he mentioned the M.Tech, MS, and PhD programs in semiconductor technology and chip design that further strengthen India’s talent pipeline.
Workshop Goals and Presentations
Prof. Rao Tummala, an advisor to ISM, outlined the two main objectives of the workshop:
- Establishing IIT Bhubaneswar as an Integrated Power Electronics Hub with a pilot line for industry prototypes.
- Setting up an industry consortium to enhance existing package manufacturing lines across six states.
Mr. Ashok Chandak, President of the Energy Storage Association in India (IESA) and Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) India, presented statistics showcasing the growth of the semiconductor industry in India. He elaborated on how the proposed hub would be established and managed.
Sessions and Discussions
The workshop featured a series of detailed presentations focusing on IIT Bhubaneswar’s role within the national hub network. Topics included:
- Organization and management of the multi-institutional structure
- Responsibilities of each technology center
- Short presentations by industry leaders on tools, technologies, and materials essential for the Integrated Power Electronics Hub
These presentations covered various domains, such as:
- Design automation tools
- Board assembly reliability
- Thermal technologies
- Materials and components
- Substrates
- Power module design
- Electrical testing
Thematic R&D Areas
In the afternoon, faculty leaders from the Indian Design, Semiconductors, Packaging, and Systems Program (IDSPS) presented thematic research and development areas aligned with the mission. This was followed by discussions on extending existing manufacturing lines in India through industry partnerships.
Prof. Satyam Parlapalli from IIT Bhubaneswar introduced the initial proposal for the Integrated Power Electronics Pilot Facility, explaining the technological requirements and integration pathways across the participating national centers.
Government Support and Networking
A session on the support from the Government of Odisha was presented by Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary of the Electronics & IT Department, Odisha. This session emphasized the collaborative outlook for the proposed hub.
The workshop concluded with one-on-one networking discussions and an action-planning session to outline the next steps for preparing the funding proposal. Participants also toured IIT Bhubaneswar’s research facilities, gaining insights into the institute’s infrastructure, including initiatives in wide-bandgap materials, power device characterization, and advanced semiconductor research capabilities.
Conclusion
The Integrated Power Electronics Workshop at IIT Bhubaneswar marked a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem in India. The collaborative efforts showcased during the event are expected to drive innovation and growth in the semiconductor industry, positioning India as a global player in this critical field.
Note: This article is based on the events that took place during the workshop and aims to provide an overview of the discussions and initiatives presented.
