IcfaiTech, Hyderabad inaugurated its center for VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) on December 20, 2024 at its campus. The Center was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Padma Bhushan, Ajai Chowdhry, a renowned technocrat and one of the founding members of HCL and Chairman EPIC Foundation. With this new initiative, IcfaiTech aims to contribute significantly to the global semiconductor industry while positioning itself as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
During his inaugural address, Ajai Chowdhry emphasised the critical role of VLSI technology in shaping the future of electronics and computing. He said "Cutting-edge research in VLSI is essential for driving innovation in sectors like artificial intelligence, IoT, and high-performance computing”. He also highlighted the transformative impact of VLSI technology in shaping the country's modern digital landscape.
Chowdhry highlighted the pivotal role of India’s service sector in the country's economic growth and stressed the importance of transitioning from a service-driven economy to a product-driven nation. He applauded initiatives like "Make in India," which have laid the foundation for building indigenous products across various sectors.
Chowdhry underscored the significance of investing in science and technology to propel India’s development, urging the audience to utilise resources such as VLSI technology for product innovation. He also emphasised fostering a start-up ecosystem to design and develop products that can strengthen India’s position as a global innovation hub.
Addressing the challenges posed by automation and artificial intelligence, Chowdhry expressed concerns about job displacement and called for a strategic shift. He encouraged leveraging technology to focus on product development and software applications that can redefine India as a "Product Nation." He highlighted a potential shift in the software industry’s dominance as advancements in hardware technologies like quantum computing, advanced semiconductors, and AI chips drive innovation. These developments could position the hardware sector for significant growth and greater influence in shaping industries.
Chowdhry further highlighted the need for innovation, collaboration, and visionary leadership to transform India's technological landscape into a Product Nation. His insights resonated with the audience, providing a roadmap for leveraging science and technology to achieve self-reliance and global competitiveness.