New Delhi: During SEMICON India 2026, the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) and Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch an indigenous 0.8-micron Open-Source Process Design Kit (PDK) on the NIELIT eChipHub platform.
The initiative is aimed at expanding access to indigenous semiconductor process technology and creating more opportunities for chip design, learning and innovation among students and innovators.
NIELIT and SCL Mohali Join Hands for Indigenous PDK
The MoU marks a collaboration between NIELIT and SCL Mohali to make the indigenous 0.8-micron Open-Source PDK available through the NIELIT eChipHub platform.
The platform-based initiative is expected to provide students, innovators and chip-design enthusiasts with greater access to semiconductor process technology, supporting experimentation and learning in the field.
Key aspects of the initiative include:
- Launch of an indigenous 0.8-micron Open-Source PDK
- Availability through the NIELIT eChipHub platform
- Greater access to indigenous semiconductor process technology
- Support for chip-design learning and innovation
- Expanded opportunities for students and innovators
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Focus on Semiconductor Design and Innovation
The initiative is designed to strengthen access to semiconductor technology and encourage wider participation in chip design and innovation.
By making the PDK available through eChipHub, the collaboration seeks to create opportunities for students and innovators to explore semiconductor design and develop their technical capabilities using an indigenous process technology platform.
MoU Exchanged During SEMICON India 2026
The MoU was exchanged during SEMICON India 2026, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw present at the event.
The collaboration between NIELIT and SCL Mohali brings together their capabilities to expand access to semiconductor process technology and support learning and innovation through the eChipHub platform.
The initiative is particularly focused on making semiconductor technology more accessible to students and innovators, potentially supporting the development of new chip-design capabilities and ideas.
Key Highlights of the NIELIT-SCL Initiative
- Organisations: NIELIT and SCL, Mohali
- Event: SEMICON India 2026
- Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Technology: Indigenous 0.8-micron Open-Source Process Design Kit
- Platform: NIELIT eChipHub
- Focus: Semiconductor process technology, chip design, learning and innovation
- Target users: Students and innovators
- Presence: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
About NIELIT
The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) is an organisation working in the areas of electronics, information technology and related technical education and skill development. Through initiatives such as eChipHub, NIELIT supports access to technology and learning opportunities in emerging areas, including semiconductor and chip design.
About SCL Mohali
Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali is involved in semiconductor technology and related activities. The collaboration with NIELIT on the indigenous 0.8-micron Open-Source PDK is intended to expand access to semiconductor process technology and support chip-design learning and innovation.
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