IIT Bombay and Applied Materials Launch India’s First Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certification Course

• Focus on semiconductor technologies, processes and micro-electronics manufacturing
• Hands-on training on equipment used in advanced high-volume manufacturing

Mumbai, September 24, 2012 - The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT), a global leader in providing manufacturing equipment, services and automation software to the semiconductor industry, today announced the launch of India’s first certification course in semiconductor technology and manufacturing. The course addresses a critical need for developing a trained, high-tech workforce in India to help meet the country’s growing demand for electronic devices.

"The new program synergizes with the efforts of Department of Electronics and IT, Government of India, to promote electronics system design and manufacturing, and specifically to set up semiconductor wafer fabs in the country. The program addresses a felt need as it will be the first step to develop human resources for the fab industry in the country. I congratulate IIT Bombay for having taken the lead in setting up the certificate training program and thank Applied Materials for the support provided in this direction. I wish the program all success." said Dr. Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.

“IIT Bombay has strong research, development and education initiatives in the area of semiconductor technology to support semiconductor manufacturing in India. Training a specialized workforce for such an industry is an important priority. The Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certification Course is a result of IITB and Applied Materials’ long-standing relationship in the area of research collaboration and is a fine example of industry and academia working together to help build a strong talent pool for the high-tech industry,” said Professor Devang Khakhar, Director, IIT Bombay.

Dr. Omkaram Nalamasu, Chief Technology Officer, Applied Materials, said, “Concerted efforts by the Government of India, research and educational institutions and industry are needed to make semiconductor manufacturing a sustainable reality in India. The Indian government is enabling the creation of an ecosystem that will promote research in nano-electronics to drive expertise and competence in these fields. The Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certification Course is the first of its kind in India and is a significant milestone in the continued effort by IIT Bombay and Applied Materials to develop an Indian semiconductor ecosystem.”

A 2011 study by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and Frost & Sullivan on the electronics industry in India sheds light on the country’s dire need for trained professionals in the industry.  The study estimated that Indian electronics consumption will grow to USD 400 billion by 2020 and if the industry’s manufacturing rate does not improve, it would be able to produce only 20% of the projected requirement. The study indicated that it is critical to develop a skilled workforce to meet the high demand for manufacturing electronic devices.

The Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Certification Course will provide an understanding of semiconductor technologies, processes and the basic concepts of microelectronics manufacturing, combined with hands-on training on some of the semiconductor industry’s most widely-used process equipment from Applied Materials. This initiative is a continuation of the strong, academia-industry collaboration between IITB and Applied Materials.

The seven-day course starts in mid-November and will be offered twice a year. Course modules will include semiconductor technology, including very large-scale integration (VLSI), a semiconductor equipment overview and lab equipment user training.  Renowned faculty members from IITB and experts from Applied Materials will participate in training students. Upon successful completion of the course, a Continued Education Programme (CEP) certificate will be awarded by IITB.

The last date to apply for this course is October 19th, 2012. For more details, visit www.iitb.ac.in/~cep/

About IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay, the second in the chain of IITs, was set up in 1958.  It was the first IIT to be set up with foreign assistance.  The funds came from UNESCO in roubles from the Soviet Union.  In 1961, the Parliament decreed IITs as 'Institutes of National Importance'.  Since then, IIT Bombay has grown from strength to strength to emerge as one of the top technical universities in the world.

About Applied Materials
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the global leader in providing innovative equipment, services and software to enable the manufacture of advanced semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic products. Our technologies help make innovations like smartphones, flat screen TVs and solar panels more affordable and accessible to consumers and businesses around the world. At Applied Materials, we turn today’s innovations into the industries of tomorrow. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.       
                   

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