Mangaluru: National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK-Surathkal) hosted the Founding Conclave of the proposed Centre of Excellence for VLSI Innovation for Systems, Technology & Applications (C-VISTA) on Aug 3-4, bringing together industry, academia, govt, and NITK’s alumni network to advance semiconductor innovation, talent development, and industry collaboration.Prof B Ravi, director, NITK, led the conclave, with key contributions from alumni and industry leaders. He said C-VISTA could provide a platform for students, faculty, and industry partners to identify campus-level problems and develop semiconductor and VLSI-based solutions with wider societal applications.C-VISTA aims to position NITK as a hub for semiconductor innovation by connecting education, research, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship. It will provide a platform for students, faculty, alumni, and industry practitioners to work jointly on real-world challenges, supporting the semiconductor and deep-tech ecosystem in Coastal Karnataka. Organisations participating in the conclave included KarMic Design Pvt Ltd, EKA Mobility, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, Sierra Pinnacle, Anmaya Technologies Pvt Ltd., Silicon Beach Program, Leanwatts India Pvt Ltd and TiE Mangaluru, along with NITK faculty, research scholars, and undergraduate students.The conclave concluded with agreement on a 90-day execution roadmap, identification of faculty and industry champions for each focus area, and timelines for programme launch and formation of student cohorts.
