VLSIresearch has added SEMI president and CEO Ajit Manocha to its Semiconductor Industry Hall of Fame for his work on behalf of the industry in his current role and for many significant contributions throughout his career spanning four decades. This honor is awarded to executives who have made systematic contributions to advance the growth and impact of the semiconductor industry.
VLSI recognized Manocha for his leadership of SEMI efforts to address geopolitical trade tensions with its Global Advocacy program as well as for his initiative in navigating the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting SEMI and the microelectronics industry. The honor comes on the heels of Manocha’s induction into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“Ajit Manocha is a deserving addition to the Semiconductor Industry Hall of Fame for his work in support of the industry at SEMI and for his role in establishing the fabless-foundry model during his distinguished career,” said G. Dan Hutcheson, CEO and chairman of VLSIresearch. “This year proved to be another stellar example of his sage leadership, as he guided SEMI through the impact of COVID-19 on its business while continuing to drive programs to support the industry during the challenges of the pandemic and highly charged geopolitics.”
“I thank my esteemed colleagues at VLSIresearch for this honor and for their ongoing work to record and celebrate the history and evolution of this critical industry that serves as the foundation for our digital world and every technology that makes it smarter,” said Manocha. “I am especially pleased that this recognition highlights the efforts of SEMI to address the most pressing concerns and opportunities of the industry, as we continue to drive innovation, growth, and progress around the globe.”
At SEMI, Manocha has repositioned the organization to address emerging challenges and opportunities for SEMI members worldwide. SEMI has broadened its reach across the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, grown its global advocacy program to promote fair trade and strengthen its public policy influence and expanded its workforce development programs and other initiatives to propel innovation across the industry.
Manocha began his career as a research scientist at AT&T Bell Laboratories, where he was granted over a dozen patents related to semiconductor manufacturing processes. He went on to hold executive leadership roles in global operations at Philips Semiconductors (NXP) and Spansion before serving as CEO at GLOBALFOUNDRIES, prior to joining SEMI. Manocha also served as an advisor to President Obama on the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Steering committee and on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
