🎙️ Power, Passion, and the Pulse of Innovation — with Dr. Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio | TSP

What do you get when a PhD in physics swaps the lab coat for a journalist’s pen and a global stage in power electronics? You get Dr. Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio — and one of the most fascinating episodes we’ve ever gone through.

In this powerful electrifying conversation, we explore ⚡ What pulled him from academia into the heart of the GaN and SiC game changers 📚 Why he had to write not one, but two separate books on these breakthrough materials 🧠 How power electronics is quietly fueling AI, edge computing, smart grids, and the IoT 🔥 The real-world wins where GaN and SiC leave traditional silicon in the dust 💡 His unexpected hobby, his dream time-travel conversation, and advice for the next generation of power players And yes — he’s the first power electronics expert ever on the show. Dr. Maurizio doesn’t just talk about tech. He talks about vision. About gaps that needed filling. About turning sparks of curiosity into chapters, careers, and global impact. This isn’t just an episode. It’s a roadmap to what’s next in power. 🎧 Listen in and find out where the future of electronics is really headed — and how you can be part of it. 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. Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio

Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio is editor-in-chief of Power Electronics News and embedded.com, as well as an EE Times correspondent. He holds a Ph. D. in Physics and is a Telecommunications Engineer. He has worked on various international projects in the field of gravitational waves research, designing a thermal compensation system (TCS) and data acquisition and control systems, and on others about x-ray microbeams in collaboration with Columbia University, high voltage systems and space technologies for communications and motor control with ESA/INFN. TCS has been applied to the Virgo and LIGO experiments, which detected gravitational waves for the first time and earned the Nobel Prize in 2017. Since 2007, he has been a reviewer for scientific publications for academics such as Microelectronics Journal and IEEE journals. Moreover, he has collaborated with different electronic industry companies and several Italian and English blogs and magazines, such as Electronics World, Elektor, Mouser, Automazione Industriale, Electronic Design, All About Circuits, Fare Elettronica, Elettronica Oggi, and PCB Magazine, as a technical writer/editor, specializing in several topics of electronics and technology. From 2015 to 2018, he was the editor-in-chief of Firmware and Elettronica Open Source, which are technical blogs and magazines for the electronics industry. He participated in many conferences as a speaker of keynotes for different topics such as x-ray, space technologies, and power supplies. Maurizio enjoys writing and telling stories about Power Electronics, Wide Bandgap Semiconductors, Automotive, IoT, Embedded, Energy, and Quantum Computing. Maurizio has been an AspenCore content editor since 2019. He is currently editor-in-chief of Power Electronics News and Embedded, and a correspondent for EE Times. He is the host of PowerUP, a podcast about power electronics, and the promoter and organizer of the PowerUP Virtual Conference, a summit where each year great speakers talk about the power electronics design trends. Moreover, he has contributed to a number of technical and scientific articles as well as a couple of Springer books on energy harvesting and data acquisition and control systems. Useful Links (provided by our Guest) As we have discussed in the Podcast : https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-63238-9 https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-63418-5 https://www.powerelectronicsnews.com/10-things-to-know-about-gan/ https://www.powerelectronicsnews.com/10-things-to-know-about-sic/ https://www.powerelectronicsnews.com/

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Credits : Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay

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🎙️Shaping Light, Shaping Futures: Innovation in Silicon Photonics | TSP | Guest - Prof. BIjoy Krishna Das

It’s not every day that you get to speak with the founder and chief investigator of a MEITY Centre of Excellence — on The Semiconductor Podcast, we had the rare privilege.

We were joined by Prof. Bijoy Krishna Das from IIT Madras🇮🇳, a pioneer in Programmable Silicon Photonics — one of the most exciting frontiers in cutting-edge technology today. 

For the past 19 years, Prof. Das has been tirelessly working to establish a visionary “Product–Research–Development–Manufacturing” model in India. What makes his journey even more remarkable is his industry collaboration philosophy — working with mainstream players on an equal knowledge-sharing basis.

With a team of diligent researchers and an unwavering commitment, Prof. Das is well on his way to making CPPICS a global trendsetter.

As India dives deeper into the era of tech innovation, let’s take a moment to celebrate such contributions to the Make in India movement. 🇮🇳

From his early journey in photonics to building one of India’s most advanced research hubs, Prof. Das shares how he's bringing to life a powerful “Product–Research–Development–Manufacturing” model 💡🏭 — right here in India.

✨ What’s Inside This Episode? 

🔹 How Programmable Photonic ICs work — explained in simple terms 🧠

🔹 Real-world use cases and the promise of Silicon Photonics 🌐

🔹 The origin and goals of CPPICS — aligned with MeitY’s national vision 🎯

🔹 Cutting-edge research in Quantum Photonics, Microwave Photonics, and more ⚛️📡

🔹 Collaborations with iZMO Microsystems, SilTerra, and international labs 🤝🌍

🔹 Training, education, and skilling for students and researchers 🎓📘

🔹 CPPICS’s strides toward scalability, sustainability, and commercialization ♻️💼

🔹 Success stories, patents, and a roadmap to making India a global photonics leader 🏆🌟

🔹 A message of inspiration for young tech minds and innovators 🙌👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

🎙️ Whether you're a student, researcher, startup founder, or tech enthusiast, this episode is your front-row seat to India’s photonics revolution.

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 : Professor Bijoy Krishna Das

Prof. Dr. Bijoy Krishna Das  joined the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras as an Assistant Professor in 2006 and has since pioneered the development of silicon photonics research in India. At a time when IMEC Belgium had just initiated Silicon Photonics MPW runs with limited PDK offerings, he laid the groundwork for indigenous technology development, establishing in-house capabilities in silicon photonics design, fabrication, and characterization. His vision was to expose Indian students and researchers to CMOS-compatible silicon photonics, enabling them to make impactful contributions at a time when core engineering opportunities were scarce. Over the years, he has mentored seven Ph.D. scholars, fifteen MS (by research) students, and guided over 25 BTech/MTech projects, many of whom are now contributing to advanced semiconductor R&D globally. His leadership led to the establishment of India’s first Silicon Photonics Centre of Excellence—CPPICS—at IIT Madras, supported by MeitY, and he is also a founding member of the Centre for NEMS and Nanophotonics (CNNP). Currently, he leads a vibrant research group under the mission "Silicon Photonics Enabled Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (SPEQCS)," mentoring a team of postdoctoral researchers and scholars dedicated to advancing quantum photonic technologies.

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🎙️ Inside the ASIC Mind : A Deep Dive with Juniper’s Director | TSP | Guest - Mr. Arghajit Basu

In this power-packed episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, we sit down with the brilliant Mr. Arghajit, Director of the ASIC division at Juniper Networks, to explore his incredible journey and the cutting-edge world of networking ASICs 🧠🔧.

In this episode, we dive into: 🔍 His inspiring journey in semiconductors — from student to director ⚙️ Challenges faced in complex ASIC designs — and how he overcame them 📈 How the industry has evolved, and what's on the horizon in the next decade 🌐 How ASICs enhance networking performance and efficiency 🧠 The role of AI/ML in shaping ASIC design for networking and data centers 🧩 Emerging tech like chiplets and heterogeneous integration 🔥 Power optimization and thermal management challenges in high-performance chips 🌱 Juniper’s commitment to green energy and reduced carbon emissions 🇮🇳 India’s growing footprint in global ASIC design and manufacturing 🚀 Skills he looks for when hiring ASIC engineers 💬 Advice for startups and freshers entering the ASIC world in the age of AI Whether you're a budding engineer, a startup founder, or a curious mind, this episode is packed with actionable insights and future-forward wisdom 💫. 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by the visionary leading cutting-edge ASIC development from the City of Joy! 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 : Arghajit Basu Mr. Arghajit Basu has done BE from Jadavpur University in Electronics and telecommunication and Masters in VLSI from IIT Kanpur. He has more than 24 years of industry experience in various semiconductor companies, also co-author of multiple US patents. Currently he is a Director in ASIC division of Juniper Networks leading the team in Kolkata center. Watch the podcast here :

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🎙️ How Market Research Shapes the Semiconductor Industry | TSP | Guest : Claus Aasholm

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. In this engaging episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, we’re joined by Claus Aasholm, a seasoned expert in semiconductor market research. Together, we delve deep into the critical role of market research in shaping the VLSI ecosystem and the broader semiconductor industry.
🎙️ Podcast Episode: 🚀 Unlocking the Power of Semiconductor Market Research with Claus Aasholm 🔬💡

🔍 What to Expect:

1️⃣ 🌟 Claus Aasholm's inspiring journey into the world of semiconductors.
2️⃣ 📊 What is semiconductor market research? Why is it crucial for the VLSI ecosystem?
3️⃣ 📈 How market research drives strategic decisions in semiconductor companies.
4️⃣ 🔙 A look back: How has the semiconductor market evolved over the last decade? ⏳
5️⃣ 📡 Key trends shaping the industry—especially in VLSI. 🌍
6️⃣ 🚀 Emerging technologies that will revolutionize the semiconductor landscape!
7️⃣ 💡 How market research fuels innovation in VLSI.
8️⃣ 🎓 Advice for freshers looking to kickstart a career in VLSI! 🏆
9️⃣ 🏢 How big companies thrive while smaller ones often face acquisitions. 🤝
🔟 🔮 Predictions: Which key sectors will VLSI impact the most in the next decade?

1️⃣1️⃣ 🔗 Where to find more about Claus Aasholm’s work + subscribe to their newsletter! 📩

✨ Whether you're an industry professional, a student, or just curious about semiconductors, this episode is packed with valuable insights & expert knowledge. Don’t miss it! 🎧🔥 🔗 Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about semiconductors, VLSI, or market research. 💡 Subscribe to The Semiconductor Podcast for more expert insights and discussions about the ever-evolving semiconductor industry!

Guest : Claus Aasholm

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Credits : Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay

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🎙️ PCBs Unplugged: Evolution, Challenges, and Future of Circuit Boards | TSP | Guest Petr Dvorak

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. 🎤 Introduction : The guest (Petr Dvorak) introduced himself, sharing his journey and career highlights in the PCB industry. 📈 PCB Evolution : Discussed major advancements in PCB technology over the last two decades. ⚙️ PCB Production Process : Walkthrough of the PCB manufacturing process and tools used. 🔄 Transition to SMDs : Explored when and why the shift from bulky components to Surface Mount Devices (SMDs) happened. 🧩 Future of Bulky Components : Debated whether large components are becoming obsolete or will remain relevant. 🔌 Changes in AC Adaptors : Discussed whether traditional step-down transformers are being phased out and what is replacing them. ✅ Quality Assurance : Covered how manufacturers ensure PCBs meet quality and performance standards. 🔬 Pre-Solder Testing : Reviewed the testing processes that happen before components are soldered onto PCBs. 🔥 Heat Tolerance : Examined how PCBs handle heat during production and in practical use. 🌡️ Thermal Issues : Discussed common thermal challenges and the solutions used to address them. 🤖 PCB Design Process : Explored whether PCB layout is done manually or through automation, and how this has evolved. 📚 Highlighted the complexities of manufacturing multi-layer PCBs and the challenges faced in the process. Guest : Petr Dvorak

An experienced electronics engineer with a deep-seated passion for open-source hardware and a fervent belief in the power of KiCAD. Excels in the entire hardware design process, from concept to prototype to manufacturing, utilizing KiCAD as the primary tool for creating electronic designs. The journey into electronics unfolds gradually, fueled by a deep-seated passion for creating. Formal education commences in a technical high school and culminates at the Czech Technical University in Prague. Proficient in digital electronics, with a strong foundation in mixed-signal systems and a moderate level of knowledge in analog electronics. Fulfillment comes from projects that deliver tangible results and contribute to the advancement of technology. Believes that even the most modest projects can hold immense value, providing valuable learning experiences and opportunities to showcase skills. Contact Petr Dvorak: LinkedIn Profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/petr-dvorak-hw/ Training/Course Link : https://www.fedevel.com/instructors/petr-dvorak

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Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay

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An Open Invitation for The semiconductor Podcast (TSP)

 

🎙️ TSP – Invitation & Format Overview :

We've been running The Semiconductor Podcast (TSP) for a while now—a platform where passionate individuals across domains like VLSI, Embedded Systems, AI, PCB Design, Router Networking, and Consumer Electronics come together to share their experiences. Essentially, if there’s a semiconductor chip operating at the core of your work, this podcast is for you. 💡
Our goal is to provide a voice to the many unsung heroes in the semiconductor ecosystem. Guests often share their professional journeys, along with insights into their area of expertise. Every conversation is authentic and centred around real experiences. 🛠️💬

Why We Might Not Be Seeing You
Social media algorithms work in unpredictable ways. 📉 Even when we're connected, we often miss out on seeing the amazing posts and contributions from many in our network—especially when it comes to technical content.
So, if you’re reading this and would like to be part of the podcast, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you! 🙌

🚫 Why You Might Not Be Seeing Our Posts
Social media algorithms can be strange. 🌀 Even those connected with us sometimes miss our updates. The distribution is inconsistent, especially with tech-heavy content.
So, if you’re seeing this message and feel interested in participating in the podcast, don’t hesitate—reach out! 🎧

📩 To apply: 

Please email us at: 📬 business@techsimplifiedtv.in

🛑 Important Email Policy:

We do not accept requests sent from public email services (Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, etc.). Please use an official email associated with your company, university, or organisation. ✅

🎓 Exception for Students: You’re welcome too! Just send your request through your college/university professor’s or faculty member’s official email, bearing the institution's domain.

🧩 TSP Format – Myth Busters & Key Points 

✅ Completely Free – No fee to participate in the podcast.
🌍 Fully Virtual – Join from anywhere in the world.
🎥 No Edits – Conversations are uploaded to YouTube as-is.
🤝 Confidentiality Respected – We stick to general questions to protect sensitive info.
📋 Prepared in Advance – Topics/questions shared 7 days before the live event.
🎯 Flexible Content – Skip or add questions as needed—just let us know in advance.
We're excited to continue showcasing voices from the semiconductor community.
If you have a story, experience, or insight to share—TSP is your platform.

Let’s connect! 💬✨

Courtesy : Image by www.pngegg.com

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🎙️ Silicon, Stories & Self-Reliance: The Monk9 Tech Journey| TSP | Guest - Marmik Bhatt

In this inspiring episode of The Semiconductor Podcast, host Munmun Dey sits down with Marmik Bhatt the passionate and driven startup founder from Gujarat, leading Monk9 Tech Private Limited with vision and determination to unpack a journey powered by purpose, innovation, and resilience. Starting his journey in computer applications, he eventually found his calling in the world of ASIC. His collaboration with efabless played a pivotal role in shaping his path toward founding Monk9Tech. A highly disciplined learner, Marmik has spent the past two and a half years immersing himself in over 1,000 research papers. Today, he and his team are building a business focused on legacy nodes, while also mentoring students and newcomers stepping into the ASIC domain. Amidst all this, he continues to pursue research, exploring innovative methodologies for advanced node technologies. 🌟 🧘‍♂️ Discover the origin story behind the name Monk9 Tech, and how early experiences with Efabless helped shape a bold mission in custom chip design. From tackling real-world challenges to pioneering a 130nm open-source PDK, this conversation dives deep into the future of RISC-V, neuromorphic computing and even 30Å angstrom-scale technologies named after India's National Hero Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose*. 🇮🇳 💡 We also explore Monk9’s unique approach to collaborative research, lab facilities, fab resource sharing, and how India can chart its path toward semiconductor self-reliance. If you’re curious about the future of silicon in India and the role of startups in driving that vision forward—this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 🔬 Topics Covered: - The founding story of Monk9 Tech & its unique name 🧘‍♂️🐶 - Experience with Efabless & open-source chip design 💻 - Custom microchips & 130nm PDK for researchers 🔧 - RISC-V processors in AI & scientific computing 🤖 - Neuromorphic chips & brain-inspired innovation 🧠 - India’s future in semiconductor manufacturing 🇮🇳 - Collaborations, compound semiconductors & 5G/6G chips 📡 - Vision, challenges & solutions for Indian startups 🚀 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 : Marmik Bhatt Marmik Bhatt is Tech Enthusiastic and problem solver with vision to make things simple with technology, worked in corporate for 15 years making amazing teams and products during job now engaged in making India’s own TSMC.

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Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay

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🎙️ The eSim Journey, Revolution & The Future of Open-Source EDA | TSP | Guest - Sumanto Kar

 

🎯 In this episode We dive into the decade-long journey of eSim, the powerful open-source EDA tool created under the supervision of IIT Prof. Kannan Moudgalya. 🌟 From its humble beginnings to its current capabilities in analog, digital, and mixed-mode simulations, eSim has evolved into a robust solution used in hackathons and engineering projects. 💡

🔍 Key Insights You'll Discover: ✅ The Power of Open-Source: How Linux’s vision sparked a movement, influencing FOSS adoption in engineering. 💻 ✅ Challenges & Sustainability: Can open-source EDA tools survive in a world dominated by proprietary giants? 🛠️ ✅ AI & Open-Source: The role of AI and ML in boosting the performance and relevance of open-source design tools. 🤖 ✅ Open Hardware & IC Design: Can FOSS tools drive a revolution in collaborative, community-driven semiconductor design? ⚙️ ✅ Academia & Industry Collaboration: How open-source EDA tools like eSim are transforming engineering education and preparing students for real-world challenges. 🎓 🌐 Why Watch This? - Learn how open-source mixed-signal simulation tools can reshape IC design workflows. - Discover how governments, universities, and large semiconductor companies can support and adopt FOSS-based engineering tools. - Get insights into the future of open-source licensing amid rising AI-powered design automation. 🔥 Useful Links for Students/Professionals/Educators : eSim Homepage: https://esim.fossee.in/ FOSSEE Hompage: https://fossee.in/ FOSSEE Internships page: https://fossee.in/fossee-internships Spoken Tutorial Homepage: https://spoken-tutorial.org/ eSim Spoken Tutorial Page: https://spoken-tutorial.org/tutorial-search/?search_foss=eSim&search_language=English eSim GitHub Repositories: https://github.com/FOSSEE/eSim https://github.com/FOSSEE/nghdl eSim Other Resources for Practice & Education : https://esim.fossee.in/resources Cloud Versions of eSim and Arduino on Cloud: https://simulation.iitbx.in/ https://github.com/frg-fossee/eSim-Cloud 🧠 Whether you're an electronics engineer, researcher, or student, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of FOSS in semiconductor design. Don't miss it! 🚀💥 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 : Sumanto Kar

Sumanto Kar is an Assistant Project Manager at FOSSEE, IIT Bombay, where he has played a key role in the development and promotion of eSim, an open-source EDA tool for circuit design and simulation. He has been actively involved in large-scale training programs, intern management, and technical projects focusing on simulation, PCB design, and optimization. Currently he is pursuing an M. Tech. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at IIT Bombay. He holds a B.E. in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University and is actively engaged in open-source development, technical mentorship, and community-building initiatives with an aim to "Empower youth in Semiconductor technology".

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Credits : Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay

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🎙️From Physics to Foundership : Building a Business with Science 🔬| TSP | Guest - Dr. Meri Helle

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. "From Research to Entrepreneurship" perfectly sums up today’s guest, Dr. Meri Helle’s journey! ⚡🔬 A passionate technologist and physics enthusiast, she blends scientific curiosity with business acumen, successfully commercializing products from small to medium-scale fabrication units. With rare experience in running a thriving wafer processing business alongside a team of like-minded technical experts, her path has been anything but ordinary. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing! 🌊 She once had to forgo a postdoctoral opportunity at a prestigious university. Yet, she embraced family life and motherhood with unwavering determination and her ever-optimistic spirit. 👩‍👧✨ Dr. Helle finds opportunities in every challenge and gracefully normalizes tough situations with her signature phrase: "It is what it is." 😊 A truly inspiring and joyful person to talk to—her energy is contagious! 🚀💡 Every entrepreneur has a unique story, and in this podcast, we uncover the fascinating journeys of trailblazers in VLSI, semiconductor fabrication, and photonics. 🌍✨ Join us as we explore: 🔬 The transition from research to entrepreneurship—what drives innovators to take the leap? 💡 The challenges faced, including gender bias, funding struggles, and the professional journey in wafer preparation. ⚡ The journey of turning research into production—bridging academia and industry. 📈 Emerging trends like More-than-Moore, and AI’s impact on fabrication. 🛠️ How semiconductor professionals can upskill for the future of AI-driven manufacturing. 🌍 Global collaboration—insights into the Nordic semiconductor landscape and Europe’s new policies. 🌿 The importance of sabbaticals and personal growth beyond work. Whether you're a VLSI enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the future of semiconductor tech, this podcast delivers insights, inspiration, and expert advice. 🎧💭 Stay tuned for deep dives into the world of chips, circuits, and cutting-edge innovation! 🔍🚀

Watch the podcast here.

Guest : Dr. Meri Helle Dr. Meri Helle has been a semiconductor entrepreneur since 2015. Summa Semiconductor, founded in 2015, was pioneering in small-scale manufacturing services utilising a shared, open-access cleanroom in Finland. A joint-venture company, OneFab Finland, prepared a €100 million fab investment plan in 2019. Third company, OneFab Nordic Oy, was registered in January 2025. With a group of ten founding partners, OneFab is going to have a significant impact on semiconductor manufacturing restructuring in the coming years. Dr. Helle holds a doctoral degree from Helsinki University of Technology in quantum physics (2006). Before moving to industry, she was working with superconducting nano-electronics as a postdoc in Low Temperature Laboratory, Aalto University, Finland (2007-2010). Dr. Helle joined Nokia Research Centre 2010 and 2011 silicon wafer manufacturing company Okmetic. After completing the first year at Okmetic as a Process Engineer, Dr. Helle moved to Okmetic’c sales team as a Customer Support Engineer. Her main responsibilities were in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia as well as supportive role in Europe and the USA.

Credits : Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay

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🎙️ Penang’s Semiconductor Boom: Evolution, Impact & Future with ET Tan 🌏💡 | TSP

In this insightful episode of The Semiconductor Podcast (TSP), we sit down with industry veteran ET Tan to explore the incredible 30-year evolution of the semiconductor industry in Penang 🏭💡. From the early economic shifts 💰 to the initial reactions of job seekers 👨‍🎓➡️👨‍🏭, we dive deep into how skill development 🛠️ and university involvement 🎓 have shaped Malaysia’s tech ecosystem.

We also discuss whether Penang is outsourcing its workload 🌍, how semiconductors have fueled Malaysia’s economy post-independence 🇲🇾, and the key factors that will define the next decade of the global semiconductor industry 🚀📡.

Wrapping up, ET Tan shares invaluable career advice for young engineers 🔧📖—how to stay technically relevant and future-proof in this ever-evolving field. 📢 Don’t miss this power-packed discussion on one of Asia’s most dynamic semiconductor hubs! Tune in now! 🎧✨ 🔹 Key Discussion Points: 📈 The evolution of Penang’s semiconductor industry over the last three decades. 💰 The economic shifts in Malaysia when the semiconductor industry began. 👨‍💼 The initial reaction of job seekers to semiconductor opportunities. 🛠️ Advancements in skill development for semiconductor professionals. 🎓 The increasing role of universities in shaping the semiconductor ecosystem. 🌍 The trend of outsourcing semiconductor workload from Penang to other regions. 🇲🇾 The semiconductor industry's contribution to Malaysia’s economy post-independence. 🚀 Key factors that will drive the global semiconductor industry over the next 10 years. 🔧 Expert career advice for young engineers on staying technically relevant and future-ready. 🎧 Tune in now to gain expert insights into Penang’s semiconductor journey and its 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.

Watch the podcast here. Guest : ET Tan ET Tan is a technology veteran with over 35 years of experience in innovation and commercialization. He began his career in Silicon Valley and Silicon Glen, working with HP and Seagate on product development and market-entry strategies for leading-edge technologies. Returning to Malaysia, he served in leadership roles including VP of Strategic Management at Silterra, CEO of Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), and Board Member of MIMOS, Malaysia's applied research and development centre. Now, as MD of ET Partners, he helps organizations build technology roadmaps that capitalise on opportunities in chip design, advanced packaging, and manufacturing. With an BSc(Hon) from Imperial College London and an executive MBA from Cranfield, Mr. Tan brings deep technical and strategic expertise to discussions on how companies in Asia can unlock their semiconductor potential in the race to a $1 trillion industry by 2030. Credits : Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay

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