Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) hosted a one-day workshop themed “Semiconductor Design Led ESDM: Exploring the world of Semiconductors & AI: J&K” here on Monday.
The workshop served as a crucial platform for industry experts, academicians, and innovators to discuss the future of semiconductor technology in India with an overall objective to propel Jammu & Kashmir into the digital age. The event was a testament to the vision and leadership of Director JKEDI, Rajinder Kumar Sharma (JKAS), whose unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation has positioned the institute as a center for cutting-edge technological discourse.
The workshop featured esteemed speakers, including Dr. M.J. Zarabi, Founder of R&Z Technologies, and former CMD of SCL Mohali. Former Chairman BOG at NIT Srinagar, Dr. Zarabi shared his valuable insights on the semiconductor industry and its growth prospects in India.
Other notable speakers included Prof. (Dr) B. L. Raina, Founder of R&Z Technologies, an eminent academician with experience at UNC (USA), TIFR (India)spoke on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications, and Susheel Jalali, COO of R&Z Technologies, who discussed semiconductor-led AI applications and the benefits of using RISC-V, an open-source instruction set architecture.
With India's semiconductor market projected to reach $63 billion by 2026, workshops like these play a pivotal role in fostering research, innovation, and skill development.
Speaking at the event, Rajinder Kumar Sharma (JKAS), Director JKEDI, emphasized the significance of semiconductor technology in shaping India's digital future.
He said, “At JKEDI, we are committed to nurturing an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. The semiconductor industry holds immense potential for our youth, and it is imperative to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to be at the forefront of this technological revolution. This workshop is a step towards building a strong semiconductor ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.”
The speakers and attendees lauded the Director JKEDI for his proactive approach in promoting entrepreneurship and technological advancement in the region. His leadership has been instrumental in making JKEDI a hub for innovation, aligning with India’s broader vision of becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from distinguished guests, industry professionals, academicians, and faculty members. The event also witnessed enthusiastic participation from 120 Engineering students from various Universities and colleges viz SMVDU-Katra, MIET-Jammu, GCET-Jammu, MBS College-Jammu etc and startups who attended physically, while over 100 participants joined virtually which include students and guests from SKUAST-Kashmir and NIT Srinagar. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the esteemed speakers and participants who contributed to the insightful discussions.