Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) today inaugurated its first “Samsung Skill Development Centre” at the Government Polytechnic in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Karnataka. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, SSIR has supported the development of five cutting-edge laboratories aimed at fostering hands-on learning in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Cybersecurity, Automation, Robotics, and Core Engineering disciplines.

The initiative aligns with Samsung’s commitment to empower youth in remote parts of the country to become catalysts of change and future innovation, while nurturing a passion for engineering and innovation amongst students from all backgrounds. Through this association, Samsung is dedicated to empowering young minds, improving the quality of education, and fostering a nationwide culture of scientific curiosity and innovation.

The five newly inaugurated Labs have facilities equipped with modern tools. This will further enable an ecosystem of innovation for students to thrive and help them develop industry-capable skills as part of their learning curriculum. Under a multidisciplinary approach, students will be provided practical experience.

Balajee Sowrirajan, EVP & MD, SSIR, said, “This initiative marks a pivotal step in enabling a hands-on experience for students in rural Karnataka. We fully support the Government of India’s mission on skill development and are committed to bridging the digital divide. By empowering students with knowledge in AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies, we aim to create limitless opportunities and secure India’s place in the global digital economy.”

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. Roopkala M Shashidhar, Chairperson, Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation; Smt. Manjushree N, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate and Technical Education; Smt. Geethanjali S, Principal, Government Polytechnic KGF, along with over 500 students, faculty, and dignitaries from Samsung and the Government of Karnataka.

This initiative builds on SSIR’s earlier collaboration under the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), through which the company partnered with the Government of Karnataka to provide AI and IoT training to over 1,000 students and teachers across 37 polytechnic colleges. The SIC initiative included infrastructure support, hands-on kits, and curriculum-based training modules designed to strengthen foundational tech capabilities across the state.

Samsung Semiconductor India Research, Bengaluru

Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR), in collaboration with IIIT-Bangalore and VLSI System Design has launched the “Chip Design for High School” programme. An innovative CSR initiative, it aims to equip young minds with essential skills in semiconductor design, paving the way for India’s technological leadership in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

The programme aims to build a talented workforce as India prepares for highly futuristic semiconductor innovations. It is deftly crafted to target children from 6-12th standard. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing the next generation to lead in this rapidly growing sector.

“This is the right opportunity to enable our country to leap towards greater innovations in the semiconductor space. This programme is launched to make an impact on the talented youth of our country and make them future-ready through mentorship and hands-on experience. Our aim is to inspire and empower them as they prepare to lead the country as future leaders,” said Balajee Sowrirajan, EVP and MD, Samsung Semiconductor India Research.

The curriculum is designed to introduce students to semiconductor design fundamentals, AI integration, and hands-on learning, creating a pathway for them to pursue careers in this field. Spanning over eight weeks, students will explore fundamental physics, logic gates, and hands-on breadboard circuit building. With practical labs and capstone projects, this programme equips students with essential chip design skills, preparing them for careers in India’s thriving semiconductor industry.

“As India steps into the global semiconductor arena, it’s crucial to start building our talent pipeline at an early stage. Chip Design for High School program inspires and prepares young minds to dream big and aim for leadership roles in technology. IIIT-Bangalore is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey,” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore.

By end of the project, these students would have gathered knowledge on digital logic design, System-on-Chip (SoC) concepts, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. Library cell characterization, CMOS inverter design, and SPICE simulation will also be taught to these young minds.