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 🌱?....... by the creators of TechSimplifiedTV.
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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 🌱?
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 :
In this episode, we sit down with Kash Johal, a seasoned semiconductor leader and founder of Yorchip Inc , whose journey spans from graduating in the UK 🇬🇧 in 1979, to moving to the US 🇺🇸 and founding and exiting multiple ASIC startups—and now helping shape the chiplet era.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore 👇 🧠 Defining moments that shaped Kash’s decades-long career in semiconductors 🏗️ Lessons from building and exiting two ASIC companies 🧩 Chiplets, explained in simple terms—and why they are transforming semiconductor economics ⚡ The future of high-speed chip-to-chip communication 🌊 The next big waves young startups should focus on 🎓 Advice for engineers, freshers, and deep-tech founders We also discuss leadership evolution, long sales cycles in hardware startups, and how the way chips are designed, built, and commercialized has fundamentally changed. 🎧 If you’re passionate about ASICs, chiplets, deep tech, and the future of silicon, this episode is a must-listen.
The Semiconductor Podcast (TSP) is back with another thought-provoking conversation that dives deep into the dark side of intelligence. 🧠⚡
In this episode, we have explored
🔐 “Security Threats in the Age of AI and IoT”
with Dr. Ranadhir Ghosh, expert and global thought leader on AI. 🌍
As AI and IoT converge, billions of connected devices—from payment gateways 💳 and GTAGs 🚗 to smart sensors and edge chips—are creating a new frontier for both innovation and vulnerability.
💡 What we discuss:
🤖 Can AI be both the defender and the attacker?
🔍 How secure are today’s IoT devices, really?
🧩 What role do chip-level solutions like PUFs play in trust and authentication?
💰 Can AI-generated deepfakes threaten financial systems?
🔐 And what skills will future engineers need to secure this intelligent world?
It’s time to decode how hardware, AI, and cybersecurity intertwine in the connected era.
🎧 Stay tuned for this powerful conversation with Dr. Ranadhir Ghosh,
Click the Link : https://youtube.com/live/VXBQlY2aGwI?feature=share
Scan the QR
Watch the podcast here :
This episode is bright, honest, and full of big learning moments! Dr. Asokan takes us through her journey — from deep semiconductor research to sparking curiosity in young minds worldwide. She also talks openly about rejection, setbacks, and the energy it takes to bounce back stronger. 💪💖
Here’s what we explored (and enjoyed!): 🚀 Her transition from DFT & SoC design to guiding the next wave of young innovators 🌏 The global gap in early tech education that inspired her mission 🤖✨ How early exposure to AI, electronics, and chips shapes a child’s thinking 🇮🇳🧠 Why early talent-building is key for India’s semiconductor future 🎨🔧 Her playful yet powerful way of simplifying complex tech for kids 🧪📚 Mixing theory with hands-on creativity to make learning fun 📈👧👦 How she tracks early “industry readiness” and tech mindset progress 🌱 The mindset blocks from parents & schools — and how she helps break them 🌈🔥 A real, heartfelt chat on handling rejection and turning failures into milestones 💖👩💻 A warm message for parents, teachers, policymakers — and women in tech chasing big dreams This episode brings a lovely mix of positivity, learning, and motivation — perfect for anyone curious about the future of tech and education. ✨ Watch now ! Click the link : https://youtube.com/live/OaGcV_930d4?feature=share or Scan the QR . 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. Anu Asokan Dr. Anu Asokan is a semiconductor researcher and educator with over 12 years of experience in DFT (Design for Test) and SoC-level chip architecture, whose global journey spans academia and industry in India and the UK, research at CNRS in France, and leadership in the U.S., where she founded Stem A Chip to make chip design education accessible to every student—especially those without prior engineering exposure. Driven by the belief that semiconductors should not feel “too complex” or out of reach, she focuses on empowering young minds, increasing representation of women in deep tech, and transforming how AI, electronics, and chip design are taught through visual, hands-on, and curiosity-driven learning, inspiring the next generation of innovators to see themselves as creators of the future of technology.
Sometimes the most meaningful conversations come with a few real-life twists — and this episode is a beautiful example of that. 😊
Due to a brief connectivity issue, today’s episode comes to you as a special two-part conversation — and we loved how naturally it unfolded.
We were honoured to host Dr. Soumya Pandit, Assistant Professor, RPE – University of Calcutta and Chief Investigator of the C2S Programme, who shared powerful insights on indigenous chip design, real silicon journeys, and student-led innovation.
🚀 With this episode, we are also excited to launch our brand-new sub-series:
🇮🇳 “The Great Indian Chip Story”
Through this series, we will capture the inspiring backstories of indigenously designed chips showcased at Semicon 2025 — the ideas, failures, breakthroughs, and the people behind them.
Come along as we listen to the real stories and witness India’s nation-building journey through silicon.
Because sometimes, it’s not just about chips — it’s about dreams, resilience, and building the future together. 💛
🎧 Tune in now:
Part 1 : https://youtube.com/live/wutDn-uly2c?feature=share
Part 2 : https://youtube.com/live/e9bcmU9Z7k8?feature=share
#TheGreatIndianChipStory #SemiconductorPodcast #MadeInIndia #IndigenousTech #Semicon2025 #C2S #VLSI #ChipDesign #NationBuilding
Watch the Part 1 Here :
Watch Part 2 Here :
Had an inspiring and insight-rich conversation with Biswadeep Chatterjee, Associate Vice President – HCL Technologies, a seasoned semiconductor leader with nearly three decades of expertise across CAD automation, silicon design entablement, and global engineering leadership 🌍💡
This episode goes beyond technical frameworks — it is a mindset, leadership, and purpose-driven learning experience for students, engineers, managers, innovators, educators, and ecosystem builders 🎯 The topics we have discussed : 🌟 Fuel that powered a 30-year VLSI journey 🧭 Evolution from hands-on engineer to global tech leader 🔧 Insights on design automation wins vs. productivity gaps 🏗️ Vision for scalable, chiplet-ready CAD/PD infrastructure 🤝 Principles for trust-driven engineering team culture 🚀 Tech forces shaping the semiconductor decade ahead 🔁 Call for a methodology mindset reset beyond scaling 🇮🇳 India’s path: differentiate, innovate, create value 🧪 Ecosystem needs: tools, infra, foundry & product thinking 🎓 Redesigning academia–industry collaboration for impact 🔬 Real-world hardware exposure over tool-only learning 🌱 Guidance for next-generation engineers & leaders 🎧 This episode is a powerful compass for those who want to build, lead, innovate, and leave a legacy in semiconductors — not just a career. 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 : Biswadeep Chatterjee Mr. Biswadeep Chatterjee is a seasoned VLSI engineering leader with 29+ years of experience spanning design automation, physical design, engineering compute, and research ecosystem development. He began his career building automated place-and-route and custom layout automation solutions across multiple technology nodes, and since 2002 has led large cross-site engineering teams while remaining hands-on with technology development. His career includes impactful roles in research strategy, IT engineering compute, and grid-based productivity innovation, followed by leadership positions at Intel and Qualcomm across SoC structural design, HPC-driven productivity, and global engineering operations. After returning to CAD in 2016 to apply HPC learnings to silicon design efficiency, he rejoined Intel in 2018 to lead structural design teams for data-center connectivity products before moving in 2022 to head the Physical Design capability unit at the semiconductor division of HCL Technologies. Passionate about mentoring and academia, he has taught VLSI CAD at IIT-Delhi and serves on multiple institutional advisory boards, with special focus on cross-site program leadership, team incubation, customer engagement, research collaboration, and advanced design productivity. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get ₹740 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5468382652137472
This episode of TSP brings you an insightful and deeply grounding conversation with Sanjeeb Mishra, a semiconductor leader with 25+ years in ASIC, DFT/DFX, and end-to-end SoC development across global product organisations.
Mr. Mishra looks at every aspect of life as a spiritual journey, and that gentle, constructive energy infused our entire discussion—reminding us that engineering is not just technical, but also human, intentional, and mindful. In this episode, we have explored: ✨ His journey into semiconductors and what has sustained his curiosity and purpose 🔧 The turning points that shaped both his technical depth and leadership approach 🌐 How he stays continuously relevant in an industry that reinvents itself every few years ⚙️ The impact of AI-native architectures, chiplets, and advanced packaging on future silicon 🌏 India’s semiconductor trajectory—strengths, gaps, and the shift toward product & IP ownership 🎓 The talent and education reset required for a job-ready semiconductor workforce 🧭 The strategic potential of Eastern India in the semicon ecosystem ❤️ And his commitment to giving back through NGO work rooted in service, community, and grounded intention This episode goes beyond silicon—it’s about vision, capability-building, leadership, and purpose. 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 : Sanjeeb Mishra Sanjeeb Mishra is an accomplished semiconductor leader with over 25 years of experience in ASIC development, DFT/DFX architecture, and end-to-end SoC engineering across global product environments. He brings deep expertise in DFT (Scan, ATPG, MBIST, JTAG/iJTAG), validation and verification across pre-silicon and post-silicon phases, characterization, and firmware/board development spanning key industry protocols. Sanjeeb has successfully led complex SoC programs from architecture through productization, ensuring first-time-right silicon and strong product competitiveness in the market. His career spans storage, servers, mobile, display, and telecom segments, where he has combined technical rigor with effective team and program leadership. A collaborative mentor and strategic problem-solver, he continues to champion high-quality silicon development flows and robust DFT-driven product reliability in the semiconductor ecosystem. Watch the Episode here :
We had an engaging session featuring Aditya Pandya, the young and dynamic Founder & CEO of SanCorp Semiconductors in our latest episode of TSP.
In this episode, we have discussed : 💡 What inspired him to step into semiconductors at such a young age 🏗️ His journey from idea to building SanCorp Semiconductors 🔬 Why silicon wafer manufacturing is both challenging and vital for India’s semiconductor roadmap 🤝 How he builds credibility and teams as a young founder in a highly experienced industry 🌍 His key takeaways from Semicon 2025 and global perceptions of young entrepreneurs in deep tech 🌱 SanCorp’s approach to sustainability in wafer manufacturing 📈 His long-term vision for SanCorp and India’s role in the global semiconductor ecosystem Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation that highlights the passion, challenges, and vision shaping India’s semiconductor future. ⚡🇮🇳 Click : https://youtube.com/live/zZ3x4MERmHM?feature=share Scan the QR . #Semiconductors #WaferManufacturing #DeepTech #IndiaSemiconductorMission #Entrepreneurship #Podcast 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 : Aditya Pandya Aditya Pandya is the Founder & CEO of SanCorp Semiconductors, a young and dynamic company focused on advancing India’s semiconductor ecosystem through high-quality silicon wafer manufacturing. With a strong vision to position India as a global technology leader, he combines expertise in supply chain digitalisation and strategic design to set new benchmarks in efficiency, precision, and sustainability. A young entrepreneur making waves in deep tech, Aditya represents the new generation of leaders driving innovation and resilience in the semiconductor industry. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get ₹740 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5468382652137472
We had an exciting and engaging session with Dr. Chetna Mohan 👩💼, President of El Camino Technologies, in our latest episode ! With 28+ years at the intersection of innovation and impact, she brings unique insights into semiconductors, OSAT, RF & microwave, and solar PV 🌐⚡.
In this inspiring conversation, she has shared : ✨ Her journey from early career to leading El Camino Technologies 🌟 Defining moments that shaped her path as a technologist & leader 💡 What inspired her to step into entrepreneurship 🌏 India’s evolving role in the global semiconductor ecosystem 🔧 The rise of OSAT & semiconductor packaging in India 🤝 Collaboration between startups, corporates, academia & government 🚀 Building & scaling high-performance technology teams 🔬 Bridging R&D with real-world applications 📈 Insights from SEMICON India 2025 🎓 Advice for young professionals & freshers This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, leadership, and India’s semiconductor future! 💼💡 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. Chetna Mohan Dr. Chetna Mohan is an entrepreneurial technologist with over 28 years of experience at the intersection of innovation and impact. With a PhD in semiconductor packaging and skill development and an MBA from IIM Bangalore, she has worked across Europe, the U.S., and Asia—building strategic alliances, leading high-level negotiations, and representing organizations at global forums. As President of El Camino Technologies, Dr. Mohan has led the delivery of advanced technology systems for national defense while contributing to India’s growing OSAT ecosystem, strengthening the country’s semiconductor innovation and manufacturing capabilities. Her expertise spans semiconductors, RF & microwave telecommunications, and solar PV, with a focus on integrating technology, operations, and workforce development. Passionate about bridging R&D with real-world applications, Dr. Mohan is committed to fostering cross-sector collaboration and building future-ready skill ecosystems to make technology more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful. 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get ₹740 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5468382652137472
In this episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, we sat down with Mr. Ananth Kulkarni, Founder & Managing Director of Hexitronics Automation LLP. 🚀
From building a deep-tech company in Harihar 🏭 to creating IoT solutions that power energy ⚡, agriculture 🌱, and automation 🤖, Ananth shares his entrepreneurial journey, the turning points, and his long-term vision for Industry 4.0 in India 🇮🇳.