🎙️ Robotics, DeepTech & India's Journey Towards a Smarter Future 🇮🇳 | Guest : Dr. Miithun Manalikandy

 

What does it take to evolve from a technologist into a business leader? 🌱

How will robotics transform the way we live, work, heal, manufacture, and build the future? 🤔 And most importantly, can India become a global leader in robotics and deep technology? 🚀 In our latest episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Miithun Manalikandy an accomplished technology and business leader whose experience spans Robotics 🤖, Automotive 🚗, CleanTech 🌿, Medical & Rehabilitation Robotics 🏥, Consumer Electronics 📱, Power & Energy ⚡, and several other cutting-edge domains.

🎧 In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore: 🔹 The journey from engineer to business leader 🔹 Why being a "generalist at heart" can be a powerful advantage in today's technology-driven world 🌍 🔹 Leadership lessons from building teams, scaling businesses, and managing complex projects 🤝 🔹 The growing importance of robotics across industries 📈 🔹 How robotics can enhance safety, productivity, and quality of life ❤️ 🔹 The truth about automation, jobs, and the opportunities of tomorrow 💼 🔹 India's current standing in the global robotics ecosystem 🇮🇳🌏 🔹 Whether we are building world-class technologies locally or still relying on imports 🔧 🔹 The challenges India must overcome to become a robotics powerhouse 🚀 🔹 The exciting convergence of Robotics 🤖, AI 🧠, Machine Learning 📊, and Semiconductors 💡 🔹 Skills and career pathways for students and young professionals entering DeepTech 🎓 🔹 A fascinating look into what the next 10 years could hold for robotics and India 🔮✨ 💬 Whether you're a student, engineer, founder, policymaker, researcher, or simply passionate about technology, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most transformative fields shaping our future. 🌟 The future isn't just being imagined—it's being engineered. 🎙️ Tune in and join us for this inspiring conversation! In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Dr. Miithun Manalikandy Dr. Miithun Manalikandy is a transformational technology and business leader with over two decades of experience. Dr. Manalikandy has successfully scaled global engineering organizations, built high-impact teams, and driven innovation-led growth across deeptech, Industry 4.0, AI/ML, robotics, automotive safety, smart grids, and advanced engineering R&D. Currently serving as the former COO of Genrobotics and India Engineering Leader at Hubbell Incorporated, he has previously held leadership roles at Aptiv, Tata Elxsi, The MathWorks, and Mahindra Satyam. A Ph.D. in Power Systems Engineering & Computational Intelligence, he holds 5 patents, has authored 33+ technical publications, and is a recipient of the prestigious IEEE R10 APAC Award. Beyond industry, he has played influential roles in IEEE Robotics & Automation, Smart Grid initiatives, and national technology policy frameworks, making him one of India’s notable voices in scalable deeptech and innovation-led industrial transformation. Watch the episode here :

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🎙️Robotics, DeepTech & India's Journey Towards a Smarter Future 🇮🇳 | TSP| Dr. Miithun Manalikandy

 

What does it take to evolve from a technologist into a business leader? 🌱

How will robotics transform the way we live, work, heal, manufacture, and build the future? 🤔

And most importantly, can India become a global leader in robotics and deep technology? 🚀

In our latest episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Miithun Manalikandy an accomplished technology and business leader whose experience spans Robotics 🤖, Automotive 🚗, CleanTech 🌿, Medical & Rehabilitation Robotics 🏥, Consumer Electronics 📱, Power & Energy ⚡, and several other cutting-edge domains.

🎧 In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore:

🔹 The journey from engineer to business leader
🔹 Why being a "generalist at heart" can be a powerful advantage in today's technology-driven world 🌍
🔹 Leadership lessons from building teams, scaling businesses, and managing complex projects 🤝
🔹 The growing importance of robotics across industries 📈
🔹 How robotics can enhance safety, productivity, and quality of life ❤️
🔹 The truth about automation, jobs, and the opportunities of tomorrow 💼
🔹 India's current standing in the global robotics ecosystem 🇮🇳🌏
🔹 Whether we are building world-class technologies locally or still relying on imports 🔧
🔹 The challenges India must overcome to become a robotics powerhouse 🚀
🔹 The exciting convergence of Robotics 🤖, AI 🧠, Machine Learning 📊, and Semiconductors 💡
🔹 Skills and career pathways for students and young professionals entering DeepTech 🎓
🔹 A fascinating look into what the next 10 years could hold for robotics and India 🔮✨

💬 Whether you're a student, engineer, founder, policymaker, researcher, or simply passionate about technology, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most transformative fields shaping our future.

🌟 The future isn't just being imagined—it's being engineered.

🎙️ Tune in and join us for this inspiring conversation!

In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area.

Guest : Dr. Miithun Manalikandy

Dr. Miithun Manalikandy is a transformational technology and business leader with over two decades of experience. Dr. Manalikandy has successfully scaled global engineering organizations, built high-impact teams, and driven innovation-led growth across deeptech, Industry 4.0, AI/ML, robotics, automotive safety, smart grids, and advanced engineering R&D. Currently serving as the former COO of Genrobotics and India Engineering Leader at Hubbell Incorporated, he has previously held leadership roles at Aptiv, Tata Elxsi, The MathWorks, and Mahindra Satyam. A Ph.D. in Power Systems Engineering & Computational Intelligence, he holds 5 patents, has authored 33+ technical publications, and is a recipient of the prestigious IEEE R10 APAC Award. Beyond industry, he has played influential roles in IEEE Robotics & Automation, Smart Grid initiatives, and national technology policy frameworks, making him one of India’s notable voices in scalable deeptech and innovation-led industrial transformation.

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🎙️GaN Explained: Alex Lidow on Future of Power Electronics & Semiconductors | TSP | Dr. Alex Lidow

We are thrilled to host Alex Lidow 🔥 — a true pioneer in power electronics and the visionary behind Efficient Power Conversion (EPC)!

From leading International Rectifier to driving the GaN revolution ⚡, this episode is packed with deep insights on the future of semiconductors 🚀 🎙️ What’s inside this power-packed episode? ⚡ The journey from silicon to GaN breakthrough 👩‍💻👨‍💻 What makes GaN fundamentally different for young engineers ✨ The gap between 📚 textbook learning vs 🏭 real-world challenges 🏆 Where GaN wins and where silicon still holds strong 💪 🤔 GaN vs Silicon: Replacement or long-term coexistence? 🚧 Early challenges in building EPC 🚗 Applications driving GaN today: EVs | 🖥️ Data Centers | 📱 Consumer Tech 🌍 The evolving global GaN ecosystem 👀 Beyond GaN: Future technologies to watch ⚠️ Are we underestimating the next big disruption? 💡 Career advice for the next generation of engineers 🎯 Who should watch this? 👉 Semiconductor professionals 🧠 👉 Students & young engineers 🎓 👉 Deep-tech founders & builders 🚀 🎧 Tune in now & stay ahead of the curve! In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Alex Lidow Alex Lidow is CEO and co-founder of Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC). Since 1977 Dr. Lidow has been dedicated to making power conversion more efficient upon the belief that this will reduce the harm to our environment from energy production and consumption. 1979_IRF_original33In order to pursue this mission, in 1977 he joined International Rectifier as an R&D engineer. In 1978 he co-invented the HEXFET power MOSFET, a power transistor that launched the modern power conversion market and displaced the aging bipolar transistor. Royalties from these patents brought in more than $900M over the years, and International Rectifier, prior to being acquired was the largest producer of power MOSFETs in the world. Over the 30 years Dr. Lidow was at IRF, his responsibilities grew. He progressed to the head of R&D, head of manufacturing, head of sales and marketing, and finally CEO for 12 years. Dr. Lidow holds many patents in power semiconductor technology, including basic patents in power MOSFETs as well as in GaN FETs. He has authored numerous publications on related subjects, and recently co-authored the first textbook on GaN transistors, “GaN Transistors for Efficient Power Conversion”, now in its second edition published by John Wiley and Sons. In 2004 he was elected to the Engineering Hall of Fame, and in 2005 IRF, under Dr. Lidow’s leadership, International Rectifier was named one of the best managed companies in America by Forbes magazine. Dr. Lidow was one of the lead representatives of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) for the trade negotiations that resulted in the U.S.-Japan Trade Accord of 1986 and testified to Congress many times on behalf of the industry. Dr. Lidow earned his Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics in three years from Caltech in 1975, and his PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford in 1977 as a Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellow. Since 1998 Dr. Lidow has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of Technology, and has been the Chairman of the Compensation and Nominating Committees, and Vice Chair of the Investment Committee. Watch the episode here:

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🎙️From EDA to Agentic AI : CEO Kriyam.ai on India’s AI Readiness |(TSP) | Guest - Suvajit Sengupta

What does it really take to go from EDA to building cutting-edge AI products? 🤔

In this episode, we sit down with the Suvajit Sengupta, CEO of Kriyam.ai and Founder of GEOGO Techsolutions to explore a powerful journey across semiconductors, SaaS, and now Agentic AI 🚀 💡 What makes this even more exciting? He is on a mission to automate complex business and official documents, helping organizations save human time ⏳, reduce errors, and significantly boost productivity ⚡ 💡 We dive into: ✨ “Automating the un-automatable” — what it really means in the real world 🌍 India’s actual position in the global AI race 🎤 Key insights from AI Summit & discussions 🧠 How engineers can practically enter AI today ⚡ Building strong product teams that scale and adapt This episode blends deep tech with real-world application—perfect for anyone building in AI, semiconductors, or product engineering 🙌 In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Suvajit Sengupta Suvajit Sengupta , a seasoned technology leader and entrepreneur, he is currently the CEO of Kriyam.ai, where he is tackling one of the most complex challenges in enterprise automation—making business documents machine-readable and context-aware using Agentic AI. With over two decades of experience spanning VLSI/EDA, geospatial systems, and enterprise SaaS, he has consistently driven digital transformation by building high-performing product and engineering teams that adapt and scale with changing needs. As the Founder of GEOGO Techsolutions, he has led the development of innovative software solutions across industries including BFSI, manufacturing, and smart cities. Known for his strong belief in people and continuous learning, he is passionate about mentoring teams, shaping product strategy, and solving real-world customer problems through technology.

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🎙️India’s Semiconductor Moment: IP Strategy, Leadership & Execution Insights | Guest - Shivraj Thakare | TSP

 

We’re excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Shivraj Thakare, a seasoned semiconductor leader with a remarkable journey across world-class IP engineering at Intel and most recently leading semiconductor business execution at HCLTech.

This episode goes beyond titles—it dives into how great semiconductor systems, teams, and leaders are actually built. 🔍 What you’ll hear in this episode: 🚀 Shivraj’s career journey and key takeaways 🧠 What excites him most in today’s semiconductor ecosystem ⚙️ What separates a world-class IP from a functional one 📐 Early IP planning to balance PPA, schedule, and risk 🤝 Make-vs-Buy decisions at scale 👥 Leading large analog & layout teams across geographies 🏭 Product vs services mindset—execution and accountability 🌱 India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and deep capability creation 🛠️ Equipment & materials—where India should be strategic 🎓 Skill stacks for IP + manufacturing excellence 🌏 India’s differentiated strengths in the global value chain 📍 The renewed Look East focus and emerging tech hubs 💾 Budget 2026, data centers, and impact on semiconductors ✨ Advice for aspiring engineers and future leaders In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Shivraj Thakare Shivraj Thakare is a seasoned semiconductor leader with over two decades of experience across circuit design, IP engineering, and large-scale organizational leadership. Most recently, he served as AVP and General Manager – Semiconductor at HCLTech, where he led semiconductor business growth, IP and product services execution, and contributed to the broader ecosystem. Prior to that, he spent nearly 20 years at Intel, culminating as Senior Director of IP Engineering, where he steered large analog design organizations and owned end-to-end delivery of high-performance IPs including DDR, HBM, display, and high-speed serial/parallel interfaces, from specification through product launch. His expertise spans IP portfolio and roadmap management, make-vs-buy decisions, SoC alignment, and PPA optimization, combined with deep experience in team building, execution, and external foundry engagement. Watch the episode here :

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🎙️Photonics, Quantum Security & Silicon Photonics | Dr. Prometheus Dasmahapatra | TSP

We had an amazing technical discussion on Photonics in our latest episode of The Semiconductor Podcast featuring Dr. Prometheus Dasmahapatra, CTO at amPICQ and a global expert in photonics and semiconductor technologies 🌐🔬

Dr. Dasmahapatra’s journey spans some of the world’s leading research and industry organizations including ASML, imec, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and Universitat Politècnica de València 🏭🏫. He is also the co-founder of iPronics Programmable Photonics, bringing deep insight into both cutting-edge research and deep-tech entrepreneurship 💡📡.

In this episode we have explored:

💡 What photonics is and why it is shaping the future of computing
⚡ The rise of silicon photonics and photonic integrated circuits
🔐🧠 Quantum-safe communication and technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
🚀📊 The journey from research labs to deep-tech startups
🇮🇳🌏 Global photonics ecosystems and opportunities for India

As AI infrastructure 🤖, quantum technologies ⚛️, and secure communication 🔐 continue to evolve, photonics is emerging as a critical pillar of next-generation semiconductor innovation.

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🎙️India Semiconductor Push: Semicon 2.0, ISM 2.0 & Union Budget 2026 Explained | V. K. Pandurengan

We have just dropped a special episode of The Semiconductor Podcast (TSP) featuring Venkatesh Kumar Pandurengan, General Manager of PTW Semiconductor India Private Limited , to discuss what Union Budget 2026 means for India’s semiconductor journey 🇮🇳

In this conversation, we explore the next phase of India’s semiconductor push — Semicon 2.0 and ISM 2.0 and what it could mean for manufacturing, ecosystem development, and talent. 💡 Key topics we covered: 📊 What Union Budget 2026 signals for semiconductor manufacturing in India 🔄 The transition toward Semicon 2.0 and ISM 2.0 🏭 The future of Fab, ATMP, and OSAT manufacturing in India 🔗 Building a strong semiconductor ecosystem and supply chain 👩‍🔬👨‍💻 The skills and talent pool needed to support this growth 🚀 Opportunities for MSMEs, startups, and ecosystem players 🌏 The potential for Eastern India to contribute to the semiconductor ecosystem This episode brings together insights on policy, manufacturing, skills, and ecosystem development — essential for anyone following India’s semiconductor ambitions. In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Venkatesh Kumar Pandurengan Venkatesh Kumar Pandurengan is a seasoned practice leader with over 20 years of experience in semiconductor equipment engineering, operations, and engineering R&D services, spanning fabs, ATMP, and OSAT manufacturing environments. His expertise covers a wide range of process modules including ATMP/OSAT operations, CVD, PVD, ALD, Etch, Metrology, CMP, wafer handling, and quality systems. Venkatesh has worked across leading ATMP and OSAT ecosystems with organizations such as HCL Technologies (Sankalp Semiconductors), Infineon Singapore, and ASE Singapore, as well as global fabs including IM Flash Singapore, Micron Singapore, Intel, GlobalFoundries, Tower Semiconductors, Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) Mohali, and META. He also brings deep engagement with major semiconductor equipment OEMs such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, Tokyo Electron (TEL), KLA, Agilent, and Teradyne (including J750 platforms), along with their sub-assembly units, making him a well-rounded leader with end-to-end insight into the semiconductor manufacturing value chain.

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🎙️ From the DotCom Boom to the AI Boom — Modern Data Center Skills Explained| TSP| Guest - Verlaine J Muhungu

 

Once upon a time, networking meant configuring switches manually and managing small server racks. Today, AI runs on massive hyperscale data centers powered by automation, observability, and intelligent networking.

In this episode of The Semiconductor Podcast (TSP), we shift our mindset across generations of technology: 🔹 How server room networking evolved from DotCom era to AI-era data centers 🔹 Why data centers — not just AI models — are the real foundation of AI 🤖 🔹 How AI workloads changed networking architectures (Leaf–Spine, Disaggregation) 🔹 Why automation is no longer optional ⚙️ 🔹 How CCNA & MCSE skills are evolving beyond traditional roles 🔹 What modern engineers must learn to stay relevant in AI-first infrastructure 💡 Inspired by real industry insights into modern networking, automation, and AI-driven operations. 👨‍💻 If you are an engineer, student, or tech enthusiast asking: 👉 “How should my career evolve in the AI era?” This episode gives you the roadmap. 🎧 Watch now and rethink networking for the AI age. In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area.

Guest : Verlaine J Muhungu

Verlaine J Muhungu is a Network Engineer and Technical Writer with over a decade of experience spanning routing & switching, network automation, APIs, and secure multi-vendor architectures. Specializing in modern, AI-driven networking, he works at the intersection of software, automation, observability, and traditional infrastructure—leveraging Python, pyATS, Cisco APIs (Meraki, Webex, Duo), ThousandEyes, and agentic AI systems to design scalable, automation-first networks. Currently serving as Technology Advisor at NexLink and Founder of DoDo Botics, he also contributes globally as a technology writer with Informa TechTarget, and publishes educational content through platforms such as HackerNoon and the Cisco Learning Network. A future Cisco Press author and DevNet advocate, Verlaine champions continuous learning, believing that AI doesn’t replace network engineers—it amplifies those who keep building, automating, and shipping. Watch the episode here :

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🎙️From Concept to Silicon: 38 Years of VLSI, SoC & Leadership | TSP | Guest - Dr Veena Chakravarthi

Today on The Semiconductor Podcast, we’re honored to feature Dr. Veena Chakravarthi,Director of Research & Engineering , LeadSoc Technologies Pvt Ltd and a semiconductor industry veteran with 38+ years of experience across VLSI, SoC architecture, research, startups, and academia.

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Dr. Veena Chakravarthi shares: 🚀 Her journey into VLSI & SoC design when India’s semiconductor ecosystem was still nascent 🧭 How semiconductor leadership has evolved over the past two decades 🧠 Real-world challenges in SoC architecture, low-power design, and IP-led innovation 🏗️ Building and scaling high-performance Offshore Development Centers (ODCs) 🎓 Bridging industry and academia as a professor, mentor, and researcher 📘 The story behind her widely referenced book A Practical Approach to VLSI SoC Design 🌸 A special early Women’s Day conversation on navigating deep tech as a woman leader, retaining women talent, and inspiring the next generation 🌷 In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Dr. Veena Chakravarthi Dr. Veena Chakravarthi is a semiconductor industry veteran with over 38 years of experience spanning VLSI and SoC architecture, design methodology, low-power systems, and end-to-end silicon realization. She currently serves as Director (Research & Engineering) at LeadSoc Technologies, where she drives research-led innovation, leads offshore development center (ODC) setup and scaling for global clients, and focuses on customer engagement, IP development, and SoC architecture definition. Her distinguished career includes senior leadership roles at Synopsys, co-founding and serving as CTO of a medtech startup with multiple US and India patents, and heading research at a leading engineering institute, where she mentored PhD scholars and actively bridged academia–industry gaps. A respected educator and published author of A Practical Approach to VLSI SoC Design (2nd edition), Dr. Chakravarthi is widely admired for her deep technical expertise, strategic leadership, and passion for nurturing next-generation semiconductor talent

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🎙️ India’s 🇮🇳 Semiconductor Manufacturing Moment | Guest - Parikshit Sengupta

In our latest episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, we sit down with Parikshit Sengupta, Segment Head – Materials & Semiconductor at HORIBA India, to explore India’s evolving semiconductor manufacturing journey.

🔍 From his personal journey into semiconductors to a deep, yet accessible discussion on:

🧪 Materials, characterization & process control 🏭 What a full-grown semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem really looks like 🌍 How India’s trajectory compares with the West and the East 📊 The role of long-term policy continuity in shaping semiconductors 🎓 Academia–industry collaboration & skill development 👩‍🔧 And most importantly — practical guidance for freshers aspiring to enter semiconductor manufacturing This episode is a must-watch for students, engineers, professionals, and ecosystem builders who want to understand where India stands today and what lies ahead in the next decade. In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Pariskshit Sengupta Parikshit Sengupta is a seasoned semiconductor and scientific business leader with close to two decades of experience managing end-to-end operations across sales, service, manufacturing, applications, new product development, and business strategy. Currently serving as Segment Head – Materials & Semiconductor at HORIBA India, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s semiconductor business across India and export markets, including successfully building the Export Division from the ground up. Known for his performance-driven mindset and collaborative leadership style, Parikshit consistently translates organizational goals into measurable outcomes. His expertise spans consultative and direct sales, new business development, distributor and account management, marketing, P&L ownership, and team leadership, making him a respected voice in India’s evolving semiconductor manufacturing and scientific instrumentation ecosystem.

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🎙️ Semiconductor Leadership Journey: From Engineer to Global Product Head | Guest: Naveen Muddu Krishna

 

We’re delighted to welcome Naveen Muddu Krishna , Director of Product Engineering, SanDisk to The Semiconductor Podcast for a deeply insightful and heartfelt conversation.

With over 22 years in the semiconductor industry, his journey is one that truly resonates—from hands-on engineering in digital, analog, and system design to leading large global teams across India, the US, South Korea, and Israel. In this episode, he speaks candidly about growth, responsibility, leadership, and the realities of building world-class products at scale.

🔍 What we explored in this episode:

• 🌱 His early career journey and lessons that shaped him as an engineer and leader
• 🔄 Transitioning from technical contributor to global engineering leadership
• 🌍 Leading diverse teams across geographies with trust and alignment
• 🧠 Thinking at the system level across networking, embedded, video, healthcare, storage & defense
• 🏭 Bridging the gap between design intent and manufacturing reality
• 🤖 How AI, automation, and Industry 4.0 are reshaping engineering work
• ⚖️ Where human judgment, accountability, and ownership still matter most
• 🇮🇳 India’s evolving role in ESDM, GCCs, and global product ownership
• 🎓 Closing the gap between industry and academia
• 💬 Honest advice for Gen Z engineers navigating their careers

🎧 This episode is reflective, practical, and inspiring—especially for engineers, leaders, and anyone building long-term impact in deep tech.

▶️ Watch the episode here : 

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🎙️Quantum Computing, EDA, AI & Semiconductors: The Future of Deep Tech | Guest - Prof. Amlan Chakrabarti

We’re excited to announce a brand-new episode featuring Prof. Amlan Chakrabarti—a pioneer in quantum computing and a leading voice in VLSI, EDA, AI, and advanced computing.

In this episode, we explore his remarkable journey from hands-on EDA engineering to starting quantum computing research nearly two decades ago, well before it became mainstream. From developing early computational tools for quantum research to now looking at collaborations on qubit fabrication, the conversation truly spans the full stack—from design to devices. 🔍 What we discussed in today’s episode: • 🧩 His early career in EDA (OrCAD, VHDL) and how it shaped his research mindset • ⚛️ Why he chose quantum computing when it was still a niche field • 🛠️ Key bottlenecks in quantum tech: hardware, CAD tools & algorithms • 🔋 The role of reversible logic & ultra-low-power computing in future chips • 📐 Gaps between academic EDA research and industry-ready tools • 🔁 Where FPGAs and reconfigurable platforms fit in the next decade • 🤖 How AI is becoming deeply embedded into chips and real-world systems • 🇮🇳 Urgent gaps in India’s engineering education & research ecosystem • 🎓 Skills young engineers & PhD aspirants need for semiconductors + AI + quantum • 🌍 What excites him most about the next decade of computing and India’s global role 🎧 A deep, insightful, and future-facing conversation you don’t want to miss! In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Amlan Chakrabarti Prof. Amlan Chakrabarti is a distinguished academic and researcher with over 20 years of experience in engineering education and research. He serves as the Chief Coordinator of the International Center of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Futuristic Technologies—an initiative of the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal—driving innovation, collaboration, and global impact through advanced research and education. A Professor and Director of the A.K. Choudhury School of IT, University of Calcutta, and Adjunct Professor at IIIT Delhi, his core expertise spans quantum computing, machine learning, computer vision, cyber-physical systems, and reconfigurable computing. He completed his Ph.D. in quantum computing at the University of Calcutta and post-doctoral research at Princeton University, and has been recognized with several prestigious honors including the Young Scientist Award, BOYSCAST Fellowship, and Senior Member of IEEE status. Prof. Chakrabarti has authored over 200 research publications and has successfully secured multiple national and international research grants.

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🎙️Building Semiconductors Beyond Tech Hubs: Bihar ’s Ground Reality | Dr. Bibhuti Bikramaditya

 

What does it really take to build a semiconductor ecosystem in a region often labeled as “non-tech”? 🤔

And what changes when global semiconductor experience meets grassroots action in Bihar 🌱?

In this special episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, we speak with Dr. Bibhuti Bikramaditya, Director of Smartway Electronics Pvt. Ltd. He is a global product & R&D leader in VLSI, embedded systems, nanotechnology, and hardware innovation—who chose to return home and build deep-tech capacity from Patna 🇮🇳. 🔍 Inside this conversation: 🚀 Building deep-tech initiatives from Eastern India 🎓 Student readiness, awareness gaps & untapped talent 🧠 Bridging academia–industry gaps in non-tech states 🏗️ Real bottlenecks: faculty, curriculum, exposure & infrastructure 🧩 What it takes to create a strong and supportive R&D 🧱 Structural deficiencies in the present academic framework 🤝 How Eastern India can collaborate as a shared ecosystem Episode will be available in Spotify soon! 🌏 This episode reflects TSP’s evolving mission—from fabs and headlines to foundations and human capital. In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Dr. Bibhuti Bikramaditya Dr. Bibhuti Bikramaditya is an accomplished Product and R&D leader with over 23 years of experience spanning nanotechnology, VLSI (FPGA/ASIC), embedded systems, and hardware product development. A graduated incubatee of IIT Patna, he is the Director of SmartWay Electronics Pvt. Ltd., having secured funding from IIT Patna, the Department of Industry, Government of Bihar, and the Startup India Seed Fund. His research contributions include nano-electronics and nanomaterials for advanced LED devices, with a provisional patent filed and hands-on expertise across advanced characterization and nanotechnology tools. Beyond industry, Dr. Vikramaditya is the Founder of BiharBrains Development Society, a non-profit focused on building a research and innovation culture in Bihar, and the driving force behind the annual Bihar Science Conference, an international forum hosted with leading universities. He also serves as the Managing Editor of Manthan, an international peer-reviewed journal, reflecting his commitment to advancing scientific research, capacity building, and deep-tech ecosystem development in Eastern India. Watch the podcast episode here :

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🎙️Building Semiconductor Manufacturing in India | Guest - Venkatesh Kumar Pandurengan | TSP

 

What an energising and insightful conversation we had today on The Semiconductor Podcast (TSP) with Venkatesh Kumar Pandurengan 🙌General Manager of PTW Semiconductor India Private Limited India Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd.

A true semiconductor manufacturing expert with 20+ years of hands-on experience across 🏭 Fabs | 📦 ATMPs | 🧪 OSATs | 🛠️ OEMs | 🔧 Engineering R&D services.

This episode shines a bright light 💡 on the manufacturing side of semiconductors — the part that quietly makes everything work, yet doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves.

🔍💬 What we have discussed :

⚙️ Real on-ground challenges of setting up Fabs, ATMPs & OSATs in India

🏗️ Why infrastructure, utilities & facility readiness are deal-makers

🛠️ How equipment engineering & process discipline keep fabs stable and reliable

📜 India’s policy environment — what’s helping today & what can evolve tomorrow

🎓 Importance of manufacturing-focused skills & training for industry readiness

🚀 Where MSMEs & startups can plug into the manufacturing ecosystem

🌍 Why foreign–local partnerships are essential for long-term success

📚 A sneak peek into his upcoming book on semiconductor manufacturing

🌱 Practical advice for students, educators, industry leaders & policymakers

💡 Whether you’re a student dreaming of fabs, an educator shaping curriculum, a startup founder, or an industry professional, this episode offers grounded, real-world insights into India’s semiconductor manufacturing journey 🇮🇳✨

In this podcast series, discussion on VLSI and its related fields is presented, focusing on recent developments and advancements in the industry. Topics such as the latest trends and innovations in semiconductor technology are explored, offering insights into the evolving landscape. Career guidance is shared, providing practical advice for navigating the field, along with success stories that highlight the journeys of professionals who have made their mark in VLSI. Whether for students, professionals, or those interested in the subject, valuable knowledge is offered to help stay informed and succeed in this dynamic area. Guest : Venkatesh Kumar Pandurengan Venkatesh Kumar Pandurengan is a seasoned practice leader with over 20 years of experience in semiconductor equipment engineering, manufacturing operations, and engineering R&D services, spanning fab, ATMP, and OSAT environments. His expertise covers a broad range of semiconductor process and manufacturing domains, including ATMP/OSAT operations, CVD, PVD, ALD, Etch, Metrology, CMP, wafer handling, equipment integration, and quality systems. Venkatesh has worked across leading fab, ATMP/OSAT, and OEM ecosystems with organizations such as HCL Technologies (Sankalp Semiconductors), Tech Mahindra, Infineon Singapore, and ASE Singapore, as well as global fabs including IM Flash Singapore, Micron Singapore, GlobalFoundries, and Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali. He brings deep hands-on engagement with major semiconductor equipment OEMs such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, ASML, Tokyo Electron (TEL), KLA, Advantest, and Teradyne, including their sub-assembly and service ecosystems. This breadth of exposure gives him end-to-end insight into the semiconductor manufacturing value chain, from equipment engineering to high-volume manufacturing. With over two decades of industry experience, Venkatesh is recognized as a leader in setting up, sustaining, and scaling semiconductor manufacturing ecosystems in India. He is an active advisor to the Bharat Semiconductor Society, supporting the incubation of emerging startups enabling semiconductor manufacturing in the country. Currently, he serves as General Manager, PTW Semiconductor India Private Limited, part of the PTW Group of Companies, headquartered in Singapore. He is also the author of the upcoming book “Sivakasi to Silicon Valley via Singapore,” scheduled for publication in February 2026.

Watch the Episode here :

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