Washington, USA: Partha Pande, an Indian-origin academic and interim dean at Washington State University's Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, emphasized the significant role Indians play in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor design. In an interview, Pande highlighted his journey from Kolkata to becoming a prominent figure in U.S. academia, attributing his success to his Indian heritage and strong work ethic.

A specialist in designing AI and machine learning (ML) chips, Pande noted the dominance of Indian talent in leading tech companies like Microsoft, Intel, and Nvidia, driven by India’s robust academic foundation. He also acknowledged the growing interest among Indian students in AI and ML, which are revolutionizing multiple engineering disciplines.

Pande has been named to Washington state’s prestigious CHIPS and Science Act working group, aimed at revitalizing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. His role involves fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to secure federal funding and develop a skilled workforce for the sector.

Highlighting the importance of industry-academia partnerships, Pande advocates for creating a semiconductor education pipeline, starting from high school to universities, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in semiconductor technology.