Applied Materials India and IIT Ropar Partner to Establish Advanced Coating Research Center for Semiconductors

Applied Materials India Private Limited, a subsidiary of global materials engineering leader Applied Materials, Inc., is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) in Thermal Spray Coatings. With support from the Department of Science and Technology's (DST) Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) program, Applied Materials India has signed a three-year agreement with IIT Ropar to conduct research and development on degradation-resistant coatings for the semiconductor industry.

The partnership between Applied Materials India and IIT Ropar will provide a platform for faculty and students at IIT Ropar to work on cutting-edge applications and address real-world challenges related to materials in the semiconductor industry. Furthermore, IIT Ropar students will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with materials engineering experts from Applied Materials in India and the United States. This industry-academia collaboration aims to foster innovation and prepare students for careers in disruptive technology sectors by exposing them to materials engineering solutions.

"We are excited to collaborate with IIT Ropar on the research and development program for special coatings. By combining Applied's expertise with the academic excellence of IIT Ropar, we can pave the way for breakthroughs in coating technology. The Center of Excellence will help us push the boundaries of materials science and equip students with the necessary skills for the semiconductor industry," said Srinivas Satya, Country President, Applied Materials India.

Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, expressed his confidence in the collaboration, stating, "This engagement with the industry is a crucial step for IIT Ropar to contribute to the future roadmap of critical technology segments such as semiconductors. The establishment of a Center of Excellence at IIT Ropar under DST's AMT program will drive advancements in coating applications."

Suraj Rengarajan, CTO of Applied Materials India, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, saying, "Our collaboration with IIT Ropar will facilitate advancements in protective coatings technology, enabling enhanced durability and reliability for industries worldwide. This partnership reflects our commitment to cutting-edge research and nurturing the next generation of talent as we work towards a future where materials can thrive against degradation, fostering progress and innovation."

Professor Harpreet Singh, Principal Investigator of the Center of Excellence, commented, "This collaboration with Applied Materials marks a breakthrough in the development of commercially viable technologies, with active participation from academia and industry. The engagement will facilitate the utilization of DST funding to co-develop commercial technologies and promote thermal spray awareness and training among young professionals and students in India."