Picture- Mr Sanjay Pillay (1^st from Right) with his family

New Delhi: IIT Delhi alumnus Mr Sanjay Pillay, who received a B. Tech degree in Electrical Engineering in 1991, has endowed the “Pillay Chair Professor” in the Department of Electrical Engineering. This chair will enhance the Institute’s strengths to promote excellence and leadership in teaching, research, and development in Machine Learning, VLSI Design and Sensors in the Electrical Engineering Department.

Mr Pillay wanted to contribute the chair to the electrical engineering department as IIT Delhi is a very special place for him. His parents, brother and sister are also alumni of IIT Delhi. His wife and children are enthusiastic supporters of this opportunity to give back to the institution that holds great significance to him. Sanjay wishes to dedicate this chair to his loving and remarkable family.  

While sharing his experiences as a student at IIT Delhi, Mr Sanjay Pillay said, “IIT Delhi has played an integral role in shaping the person I am today, and I will be forever grateful for the guidance, education, and experience I received here. It is an honor to support IIT Delhi, and my privilege to be associated with the establishment of the chair”.

Sanjay is an experienced entrepreneur, innovator, technology leader. He specializes in functional safety and EDA tool development, audio, video, data compression, design analysis and fault coverage algorithms, SOC, DSP and Processor architectures and design, Low power (active and standby) implementations.

Sanjay Pillay founded Austemper Design Systems in 2015 which was acquired by Siemens AG. The company’s software includes analysis, auto-correction and simulation technology. This technology allows customers to test and harden IC designs for functional safety in applications such as automotive, industrial and aerospace systems where functional safety and high reliability are mandatory for compliance to safety standards like ISO 26262.

Speaking of the chair endowed by Sanjay Pillay, Prof. Jayadeva, Head, Electrical Engineering Department said, “The Institute welcomes and thanks Mr. Pillay for his initiative in Electrical Engineering department - the QS#1 ranked department in India in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. The chair professorship will enhance ongoing cutting-edge research in IoT and sensors, as well as help focus multiple efforts in AI/ML, VLSI, and sensors”.

IIT Delhi continues to draw a significant and growing interest by its alumni on contributing towards research advancement at the Institute in technological and social fields.

Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said, “I am happy to note that Sanjay Pillay and his family are endowing this Chair in the Department of Electrical Engineering. IIT Delhi is proud of its alumni who serve as role models for many in the younger generation. So many of our alumni getting connected with the Institute and giving back to their alma mater is a testimony to the high regard they have for their Institute and an acknowledgement of the role IIT Delhi has played in their careers. We wish them further success”.

The Institute also expresses gratitude towards all those alumni and well-wishers who have contributed extensively through their philanthropy. Their support and contributions have touched and enriched many lives.

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UPDATED ON- 27/12/2021