A year after the inauguration of Maharashtra’s first-ever academic Centre of Excellence in Advanced Electronics Manufacturing (CoEAEM) at the CoEP Technological University in September 2023, the centre is gearing up to offer comprehensive hands-on training in electronics manufacturing. This initiative is not only aimed at students with an engineering background but also extends its scope to those pursuing higher or vocational education.
Set to commence in October 2024, the training program is expected to train between 400 to 500 students annually, according to Shrinivas Mahajan, head of the centre, who has played a pivotal role in its development and progress over the past year. Over the last year, the centre has been actively engaged in various activities such as faculty training, industrial programs, and the installation of essential machinery.
The CoEAEM is designed to foster skills in electronics manufacturing, interdisciplinary research, and prototyping, and it is poised to significantly impact the Pune region by creating a pool of industry-ready professionals. The centre’s focus on developing practical expertise in electronics manufacturing aligns with the needs of modern industries, making it a critical asset for both students and employers.
Sunil Bhirud, the vice-chancellor of CoEP Technological University, emphasized the broader impact of the CoEAEM, explaining that the centre is not just a resource for Maharashtra but also for the entire western region of India. It aims to equip students and industry workers with specialized knowledge in Surface Mount Technology (SMT), which involves the process of mounting components onto the surface of a printed circuit board.
Bhirud highlighted the growing need for SMT-trained professionals within India’s electronics manufacturing sector, noting that the CoEAEM will help bridge this skills gap by offering both basic and advanced training in SMT processes. What sets this centre apart is its strategic focus on supporting startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the electronics manufacturing sector.
Mahajan pointed out that while the CoEAEM will train individuals in SMT line production, it will also play a crucial role in helping emerging businesses develop prototypes for their products. This support aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which encourages domestic production and aims to make India a global hub for manufacturing.
The CoEAEM is only the second such academic centre in the country, with the first being located at IIT Chennai, which primarily serves the southern region of India. The Pune-based centre is positioned to serve western India, ensuring that this region has access to the same high-quality training and resources. The centre’s mission is to address the growing demand for skilled manpower in the electronics manufacturing industry, a demand that has intensified as the country’s electronics sector continues to expand.
In accordance with India’s New Education Policy and the ‘Skill India’ initiative, the CoEAEM has a dedicated management team comprising eight members, including faculty and industry experts. This team is focused on providing state-of-the-art training to students and professionals alike. To maximize outreach, the centre has collaborated with organizations such as Saarthi, Barti, and Maha Jyoti, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can benefit from the training.
Mahajan also mentioned that, with the assistance of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture in Pune, efforts are underway to raise awareness about the training opportunities available at the centre among local industries. Looking ahead, the centre has ambitious expansion plans, including the introduction of advanced technologies such as wave soldering and X-ray inspection.
As Mahajan explained, multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs) often require internal inspection, and while current technologies allow for external assessments, the planned upgrades will enable more comprehensive training in internal inspections. However, this expansion will take time to fully implement.
India’s electronics market is growing rapidly, and the government is focusing on creating employment opportunities in this sector. As the demand for skilled professionals increases, training centres like the CoEAEM are crucial in addressing the country’s unemployment challenges by equipping individuals with the hands-on skills required for the evolving job market.
The establishment of the CoEAEM at CoEP Technological University was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of industry leaders and the college’s alumni network. Significant contributions from companies such as MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, Jabil Circuit India, and Bajaj Auto Ltd., Pune, were instrumental in setting up the facility.
This industry-academia collaboration ensures that the centre remains at the forefront of technological advancements and continues to produce talent that meets the needs of the electronics manufacturing sector. The CoEAEM is set to play a transformative role in the field of electronics manufacturing by providing cutting-edge training and resources to students and professionals in western India.
With its focus on skill development, interdisciplinary research, and support for startups, the centre is positioned to become a key driver of innovation and growth in the region. As it moves forward with its expansion plans, the CoEAEM will continue to contribute to India’s growing electronics manufacturing industry, helping to create a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the future.
