IISc, Groww Foundation launch semiconductor skill development programme

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), through its Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), in collaboration with Groww Foundation, has launched a semiconductor skill development programme aimed at nurturing next-generation talent and strengthening India’s emerging chip ecosystem.

The initiative, titled Groww Foundation–CeNSE Semiconductor Skill Development Programme , focuses on enhancing participation of women and young students in advanced domains such as micro- and nano-technology, while providing structured exposure to cutting-edge research.

According to an official statement, the programme is designed as a multi-tier initiative comprising three complementary tracks, each addressing different stages of the academic and research journey. The programme is led by Dr Dhavala Suri , Assistant Professor at CeNSE.

The first component, ‘Akanksha’ , targets meritorious school students, particularly girls, and aims to introduce them to the world of micro- and nano-technology. Through immersive exposure to CeNSE laboratories and interactions with researchers, the programme seeks to inspire early interest in science and engineering and provide insights into nanoscale innovation.

The second component, the Research Experience Programme (REP) , is designed for women students at the college level. It offers hands-on research exposure in semiconductor and nano-science, enabling participants to engage with advanced tools and real-world research challenges, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

The third component is a Research Internship Programme , which extends opportunities to students trained under skill development initiatives supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. This track aims to promote inclusive participation , particularly among tribal and underrepresented communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Prof. Ambarish Ghosh , Chair, CeNSE, emphasised the need to build a diverse talent pipeline to support India’s semiconductor ambitions. Kalpana Swaminathan , spokesperson for Groww Foundation, said the programme is part of the Groww Scholar Programme—seeks to create pathways for women and tribal communities in deep science and advanced technology.

The Foundation will support 160 girls and women over three years , marking a significant step towards building a skilled and inclusive semiconductor workforce in the country.