Institute to lead compact modelling and research PDK development for indigenous 2D semiconductor technologies
Srinagar, September 3: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has been selected as a spoke institution under the national MAHA-2D Material Research Fab and Innovation Hub, a major initiative aimed at advancing research and development in two-dimensional (2D) materials and next-generation semiconductor technologies.
Led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the national consortium brings together several leading IITs, IIITs, academic institutions and industry partners. NIT Srinagar is the only National Institute of Technology participating in the consortium, marking a significant milestone in its research and innovation efforts in emerging semiconductor technologies.
The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Government of India.
The project is being spearheaded by Prof. Mayank Shrivastava of IISc Bengaluru, with participating institutions contributing expertise across materials, device fabrication, modelling and circuit design to strengthen India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem.
NIT Srinagar to Focus on Compact Modelling
At NIT Srinagar, Dr Sheikh Aamir Ahsan will lead the Institute’s contribution to the MAHA-2D mission. His team will focus on developing compact models for emerging 2D semiconductor devices developed through the hub, along with supporting the development of research-oriented Process Design Kits (PDKs).
These models and PDKs are expected to enable researchers and circuit designers to simulate, evaluate and test indigenous 2D semiconductor technologies at the circuit level, helping bridge the gap between device research and practical electronic applications.
Dr Sheikh Aamir Ahsan said the Institute’s participation would strengthen its contribution to advanced semiconductor research.
“Our focus will be on translating emerging 2D device research into usable compact models and research PDKs. This will help accelerate circuit-level innovation and strengthen India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem,” he said.
Director Highlights Growing Research Capabilities
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, said the Institute’s selection as the only NIT in the consortium reflects its growing capabilities in emerging areas of research.
“NIT Srinagar is committed to contributing to nationally important research in advanced materials and semiconductor technologies. Participation in MAHA-2D will provide our researchers an opportunity to work with leading institutions and industry partners on next-generation electronic systems,” he said.
Dean Research & Consultancy, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Roohie Naaz, said the initiative would open new avenues for interdisciplinary research and technology development.
“MAHA-2D brings together expertise across materials, devices, modelling and circuit design. Our participation will strengthen interdisciplinary research at NIT Srinagar and create opportunities for impactful collaborations and technology translation,” she said.
Registrar, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, said the Institute would continue supporting research initiatives aligned with national technological priorities.
“NIT Srinagar is steadily expanding its footprint in high-end research and innovation. Our association with MAHA-2D reinforces the Institute’s commitment to contributing to India’s technology and semiconductor mission through quality research and collaboration,” he said.
Building India’s 2D Semiconductor Ecosystem
The MAHA-2D initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive research and development ecosystem around 2D materials-based technologies for electronic applications.
NIT Srinagar’s contribution in compact modelling and PDK development is expected to complement the device development, fabrication and materials research being undertaken by the hub and its partner institutions.
The Institute’s participation is expected to further strengthen its engagement with leading national research institutions and industry partners while creating opportunities for research, innovation and technology translation in the rapidly evolving semiconductor sector.
