Kookmin University Joint Equipment Center Introduces Soft Device Fab to Tashkent University of Information Technologies

Tashkent University of Information Technologies and Kookmin University Joint Equipment Center Soft Device Fab (K-Fab) Benchmarking

[Experience semiconductor manufacturing process at Kookmin University Soft Soja Fab (K-Fab) (Photo provided by TUIT)]

The Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation's Joint Equipment Center at Kookmin University (President Seung-ryeol Jeong) announced that on the afternoon of the 4th, it invited Vice President Zamir Sultanov and faculty members of Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) in Uzbekistan to introduce and provide hands-on experience with the on-campus semiconductor research and education facility, Soft Device Fab (K-Fab).

This event was organized as part of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)'s project to strengthen business IT education linked to employment and entrepreneurship at TUIT in Uzbekistan. It aimed to support the application of the latest information technology (IT) trends and innovation in university education to cultivate the next generation of IT leaders in Uzbekistan through collaboration between Kookmin University and TUIT.

Deputy Director Jun-kyung Seo of the Joint Equipment Center gave a presentation on "Cases of Innovation in University Education Environment Based on Industry-Academic Cooperation," followed by Director Dae-jung Kim of the Joint Equipment Center (Professor of Intelligent Semiconductor Convergence Electronics) who led a "K-Fab Semiconductor Manufacturing Process Experience." The event concluded with in-depth discussions on establishing a global cooperation network in the semiconductor field between Korea and Uzbekistan.

Notably, the TUIT delegation did not merely tour the facilities and equipment but also participated in entry and safety training. All members wore cleanroom suits and had the opportunity to directly experience semiconductor manufacturing processes inside the cleanroom using process equipment such as Contact aligner, Maskless photolithography, ALD, PE-CVD, E-beam & Thermal Evaporator, and RIE Etcher.

Professor Sarvar Makhmudjanov of TUIT, who participated in the hands-on experience, said, "Through this training, I realized the importance of fab facilities and the necessity of an innovative educational environment," adding, "It was a meaningful occasion to explore the potential for mutual cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan in the IT industry, including semiconductors."

[Benchmarking of Kookmin University Joint Equipment Institute Soft Device Fab (K-Fab) (Photo provided by TUIT)]

Dae-jung Kim, Director of Kookmin University's Joint Equipment Center and head of the Semiconductor·IP Convergence Track Project within the university (Professor of Intelligent Semiconductor Convergence Electronics), stated, "Soft Device Fab (K-Fab) is an industry-academic cooperation platform within the university where students and researchers can directly use advanced process equipment to cultivate practical skills. It has significantly contributed to nurturing talent ready to be immediately deployed in the industry." He added, "Through this opportunity, we hope to activate joint research and technology exchange in the semiconductor field between the two countries and establish a global cooperation network for nurturing outstanding talent."

Meanwhile, since 2022, Kookmin University has been selected for the Semiconductor Major Track project led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and established the Semiconductor·IP Convergence Track within the Department of Electronic Engineering. The university has formed an industry-academic cooperation consortium with 23 companies, including fabless and design houses located in the metropolitan area such as LX Semicon and Above Semiconductor, to cultivate practical talent that meets the industrial demand in semiconductor design.