Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and University of Surrey partner to drive innovation in semiconductor technology and medical research

Having the knowledge and capacity to develop AI chips could be key to winning the next century, say scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bangalore) and the United Kingdom's University of Surrey.

Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge of the Karnataka government met with a University of Surrey delegation to discuss research collaborations and endorse the IISc MoU.

The comments come after IISc Bangalore, one of India's top-ranked universities, and Surrey signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledging to collaborate on semiconductor technology, as well as a strategic collaboration in medical and health sciences.

Both universities will now explore opportunities in semiconductor new materials, design, and device fabrication, among other areas of mutual interest.

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.

This strategic alliance between our two universities recognises the alignment of our research strengths, particularly in semiconductor technologies and healthcare. We are confident this relationship will be fruitful for our organisations and countries. Professor Satheesh Krishnamurthy, Director of Ion Beam Centre, Professor

The MoU will also see the two institutions collaborate in advanced biosensors and medical sciences – with a particular focus on human health and veterinary medicine.

Recent history has shown the critically important links between human and animal health and wellbeing. The IISc Bangalore 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. Professor Paul Townsend, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Over the last several years, IISc has established leadership in the areas of Semiconductor technology, Nanomaterials and Biological Sciences and will soon establish a Postgraduate Medical School to foster and amplify interdisciplinary collaborations between Engineering, Basic Sciences and Medicine. This MoU offers a unique opportunity to leverage the mutual strengths of the two universities to create a big impact on these critical technologies. Professor Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, IISc Bangalore

The collaboration between IISc and Surrey is supported by the Karnataka State Government in India.

I am pleased to support this MoU between IISc Bangalore and the University of Surrey. 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. I congratulate the universities for their initiative in developing this MoU and look forward to celebrating their future achievements. Cabinet Minister of Karnataka, Priyank Kharge