HPU, IIT-Mandi set to ink pact for research

Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, for collaborative research, Vice-Chancellor Mahavir Singh said here on Friday.

The Vice-Chancellor, while addressing the inaugural session of the National Conference on Advances in Electron Microscopy and Its Applications (AEMA-2025) at the IIT-Mandi, said that the proposed MoU would strengthen academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.

A special mention was made of the advanced capabilities of the Centre for Design and Fabrication of Electronic Devices (C4DFED) of the IIT-Mandi. C4DFED is a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary facility dedicated to next-generation electronic device design

and fabrication,.

Prof Mahavir Singh highlighted the impact of electron microscopy on scientific research and said, “Electron microscopy has revolutionised our ability to visualise and understand matter at the nanoscale. Its applications span semiconductor engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, biotechnology and advanced device fabrication. At the IIT-Mandi, we are committed to pushing new frontiers in these fields.”

About the capabilities of C4DFED, he said, “It is one of the most advanced research facilities in North India. Equipped with Class 100, 1,000 and 10,000 cleanrooms and tools such as FESEM, EBL, AFM, UV lithography and multi-chamber sputtering systems, the centre strengthens research in IC design, nano-micro systems (MEMS and NEMS), Internet of Things (IoT) devices and EUV lithography resist development for next-generation semiconductors.”

He elaborated on the long-term vision of the centre and said, “Our goal is to develop world-class infrastructure to accelerate next-generation IC and semiconductor device research. Strengthening collaboration among SCEE, SE and SBS, promoting industry-academic engagement and contributing meaningfully to India’s Semiconductor Mission are our priorities. We are developing C4DFED as a regional and national facility accessible to universities, industry and research institutions.”

Prof Mahavir Singh said, “C4DFED is committed to producing skilled human resources through multidisciplinary MS (Research), M.Tech and PhD programmes. Outreach training programmes for students, teachers and researchers from nearby institutions are integral to our mission. This aligns with the spirit of ‘Make in India’.”

The conference is being attended by scientists, academicians, researchers and experts, who are deliberating on the latest technological innovations in electron microscopy and its applications in nanoelectronics, semiconductor engineering, materials research and advanced device fabrication.