BENGALURU: In a strategic partnership to propel innovation in critical technology domains, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the University of Surrey, UK, have signed an MoU to collaborate on semiconductor technology and medical research.
In a statement shared with TOI, the University of Surrey said: “Having the knowledge and capacity to develop AI chips could be key to winning the next century, say scientists from IISc and the University of Surrey,” stressing on the importance of developing cutting-edge semiconductor capabilities as a key to economic success in the coming decades.
Under the MoU, the two universities will explore opportunities in semiconductor new materials, design, and device fabrication, among other areas of mutual interest. The collaboration aims to address the pressing need for a reliable and innovative semiconductor supply chain, crucial for sustaining and driving innovation across vital sectors like healthcare, computing, and automotive.
Prof Satheesh Krishnamurthy, director, University of Surrey’s Ion Beam Centre, said: “A reliable, efficient and innovative semiconductor supply chain will be key to the economic success of organisations, and indeed, nations for the foreseeable future. The recent chip shortage crisis makes clear the need for a reliable supply to sustain and drive innovation in vital sectors – not just in cars and computing but in areas such as healthcare.”
Beyond semiconductors, the MoU will facilitate collaboration in advanced biosensors and medical sciences, with a particular focus on human health and veterinary medicine.
Prof Paul Townsend, pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey, said: “Recent history has shown the critically important links between human and animal health and wellbeing. IISc shares both our ‘One Health, One Medicine’ ethos and our determination to improve human and animal health using innovative technologies. I look forward to working with our Indian colleagues on the innovations needed to build sustainable and healthy futures.”
The collaboration between IISc and Surrey is supported by the Karnataka govt, which recognises the importance of leveraging international partnerships to meet future challenges. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge said: “To meet the challenges of the future, it will be vital to work across borders and leverage the strengths of international partners. IISc and Surrey have exciting plans to collaborate in strategic areas such as semiconductors and medical technologies, which are key priorities for the state of Karnataka.”