In a move to address one of the semiconductor industry’s most critical challenges—the shortage of specialized technical talent—KeenSemi, a prominent semiconductor design consultancy, has announced a new partnership.
With demand for skilled professionals soaring in AI, IoT, and high-performance computing, KeenSemi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VLSI Expert Pvt. Ltd., a leading technical institute in semiconductor design training. This collaboration aims to equip aspiring engineers with essential industry skills, focusing on specialized areas of ASIC design through intensive training modules.
As countries like India prioritize building robust semiconductor ecosystems, demand for skilled engineers has outpaced supply, creating a substantial talent gap in the field. By nurturing a pipeline of qualified professionals, KeenSemi is actively working to build a future-ready workforce, supporting both its own growth and the expansion of India’s semiconductor sector.
KeenSemi’s CEO & Founder, Pankaj Panjwani, emphasizes the industry’s pressing need for talent with a comprehensive understanding of the semiconductor lifecycle. “The global semiconductor sector is experiencing rapid growth, but the scarcity of professionals with expertise in areas like physical design, physical verification, advanced node technologies, and post-tapeout processes presents a real challenge,” Mr. Panjwani said.
Semiconductor design demands a high level of technical expertise, especially as the industry moves towards advanced fabrication nodes like 1.8nm, 3nm, and 5nm. With semiconductor technology embedded across consumer electronics, automotive systems, and beyond, the need for robust design skills is greater than ever.
KeenSemi has established itself as a leader in communication, automotive, IoT, and high-performance computing sectors, and is currently developing India’s first ARM Neoverse-based high-performance compute solution, “Aum.” This System-on-Chip will position India among the few countries with indigenous high-performance computing solutions.
Dedicated to continuous upskilling, KeenSemi mentors its engineers to meet the evolving demands of modern chip design. The company also collaborates with external institutions to train and onboard junior engineers, ensuring a workforce equipped to handle the industry’s complex needs. By harnessing advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, KeenSemi optimizes its chip design process, enabling engineers at all levels to contribute meaningfully to key projects.
Looking forward, Mr. Panjwani expresses confidence in KeenSemi’s ability to address the talent gap and drive innovation. “Our multi-faceted approach keeps us competitive while expanding our capacity to meet domestic and international market demands,” he noted.
KeenSemi, founded in 2016 with a mission to advance System-on-Chip (SoC) design, is committed to strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem. Under the guidance of Mr. Panjwani, who has over 25 years in ASIC design, the company brings together a team with nearly 250 years of combined expertise, consistently delivering innovative silicon solutions to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
