New Delhi: A mini-workshop was organized by the QMD Foundation, IIT Delhi, during SEMICON 2026, held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on 19th September 2026 under the Semiconductor Workforce Development (WFD) theme. The topic of the workshop was “Compound Semiconductors for AI and Quantum Applications”.

Prof. Rajendra Singh, Project Director, QMD T-Hub, and Professor, Department of Physics, IIT Delhi, delivered the welcome address, where he emphasized the role of compound semiconductors in AI and Quantum applications spanning from high-efficiency power devices to single photon sources and detectors. The session brought together experts from academia, defense, space, research organizations, and industry to discuss the growing importance of compound semiconductor technologies in India’s strategic and emerging technology sectors.

The first session featured expert talks on “Compound Semiconductors for AI & Quantum Technology Applications”, delivered by Dr. Anesh Kumar Sharma, Director, SSPL; Prof. Samaresh Das, Professor, IIT Delhi; and Mr. R. K. Bahl, Former Group Director, Quantum Technology Group, SAC/ISRO. 

Dr. Anesh Kumar Sharma highlighted the importance of compound semiconductor devices for strategic and civilian applications. Prof. Samaresh Das focused on III-V devices for single-photon emitters and detectors, skilled manpower development, and QMD Foundation’s role under NQM. Mr. R. K. Bahl emphasized critical technologies for defence and space applications, particularly compound semiconductor-based quantum communication systems.

The second session featured a panel discussion on “Building India’s Compound Semiconductor Ecosystem: Perspectives from Academia, Research Organisations & Industry.” The panel comprised Dr. Shiv Kumar (CTO, QMD Foundation), Dr. D. S. Rawal (Former Scientist-H, SSPL, DRDO), Mr. Anant Naik (Scientist-H and Ex-CEO, GAETEC), Mr. R. K. Bahl (Former Group Director, QTG, SAC/ISRO), and Mr. Ravi Mehta (COO, Quanfluence).

The discussion focused on the challenges of translating indigenous compound semiconductor technologies, including InP, GaN and GaAs, from R&D into wider industrial adoption. The panelists highlighted emerging opportunities in photonics and quantum technologies, the need for skilled manpower development, stronger academia–industry collaboration, and the creation of an enabling ecosystem to attract global semiconductor companies to India.

The event received highly encouraging feedback from the participants, with several industry representatives and other stakeholders appreciating the efforts toward developing indigenous quantum-device technologies under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).