Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), a Tata Group company and India's largest private-sector engineering and consulting firm, has announced a new partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) in the USA. This collaboration will bolster the development of critical and emerging technologies, beginning with semiconductor workforce training.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi, marking a significant step in advancing India's semiconductor ecosystem through international partnerships in education, training, and applied research. The first initiative under this new collaboration will be a joint learning and development programme created by Arizona State University and Tata Consulting Engineers. The programme will provide a comprehensive introduction to semiconductors, manufacturing processes, plant construction, and controlled environments.

Developed with ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the programme is designed for technical professionals who will contribute to the design and construction of semiconductor facilities. It will support the growth of skilled talent in semiconductor fabrication, cleanroom systems, contamination control, and sub-fab infrastructure, combining expert-led sessions with applied, industry-aligned projects.

"This partnership is a strategic step towards shaping India’s semiconductor future," said Amit Sharma, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consulting Engineers, and an alumnus of Arizona State University. "As a graduate of ASU’s mechanical engineering programme, it is a matter of pride to bring this world-class expertise into the Tata Consulting Engineers' ecosystem. Together, we aim to create benchmark semiconductor engineering capabilities, strengthen India’s journey in this critical sector, and contribute to global semiconductor resilience."

ASU President Michael Crow stated, "We are delighted to work with Tata Consulting Engineers. This programme is the beginning of what we envision as a long-term collaboration to expand semiconductor workforce capacity and deliver solutions at scale. ASU is deeply committed to supporting India’s ambitions in building a sustainable semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem."

The MoU follows a recent high-level delegation to India led by President Crow, which engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, and institutions in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gandhinagar. Discussions with the India Semiconductor Mission and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology highlighted the importance of advanced skills collaborations to strengthen the sector.

India is making significant investments to establish itself as a global hub for semiconductors, with plans for fabrication plants, assembly and testing facilities, and advanced electronics manufacturing. These national initiatives are supported by partnerships such as this one, which focus on creating a strong talent pipeline and enabling engineering excellence.

The collaboration also aligns with the U.S.–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), a bilateral framework to deepen cooperation in semiconductors, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced telecommunications.

Dr Kyle Squires, Senior Vice Provost of Engineering, Computing and Technology at ASU, said, "Our work with Tata Consulting Engineers is about building long-term capacity and trust that can fuel economic growth, advance technology, and create a global impact. Together, we aim to prepare the next generation of engineers to drive semiconductor innovation."

Dr Michael Kozicki, Professor at ASU and programme lead, added, "Participants in this programme will not only gain technical knowledge but also learn how to foster a culture of innovation and quality that is essential to semiconductor success. Partnering with Tata Consulting Engineers allows us to connect academic insights with industry-ready applications."