IEEE SSCS / EDS SEED Program

Semiconductor Education, Empowerment, and Industry Development (SEED)

Program Overview

IEEE SSCS and IEEE EDS are sponsoring the first grassroots-level semiconductor industry and education-based outreach program: Semiconductor Education, Empowerment, and Industry Development (SEED). We are soliciting applications from (1) senior PhD graduate students who are in their final or penultimate year of their studies, or (2) young professionals who have been in established careers for a minimum of two years, or (3) junior faculty who have been in established careers for a minimum of two years. This program will select four applicants – two specializing in solid-state circuits and two specializing in electronic devices – to engage with students, faculty, education providers, and local industry leaders in areas with limited educational or industrial exposure in the semiconductor field. The selected candidates will choose an underserved geographic area with the potential to build excellence in semiconductor education and industry. The selected candidates are expected to be well-connected to the local community and the educational and industrial ecosystems. The successful candidate is expected to communicate in the local language to better understand how to strengthen the semiconductor focus in that region. The program will produce four reports by the selected candidates that will provide IEEE SSCS and IEEE EDS with information on the existing semiconductor infrastructure in academia and industry across these underserved regions, as well as the gaps and challenges faced in developing the skills and facilities required. The following outlines details on the program, the application procedure, preferred qualifications for candidates, and the expected outcomes.

Program Timeline and Funding

The program covers travel over a three-month period, from October 2026 to December 2026, during which the selected candidates may travel up to two weeks to an underserved region in semiconductor education, industry, and awareness, with the potential to grow the industry and expand education curricula. The program will provide up to $5,000 USD per candidate in grant funding to cover travel and accommodation expenses and final report preparation.

Candidate Application Portal Open: June 1, 2026
Candidate Application Portal Closed: August 1, 2026
Candidate Selection Completed: September 15, 2026
Candidate Notifications: September 18, 2026
Program Execution: September 21, 2026, to January 31, 2027
Program Travel Completion: December 31, 2026
Program Deliverables Due: January 31, 2027

Candidate Application Procedure

Candidates interested in applying to the program must submit a complete application package that includes the following elements:

A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
A detailed plan of activities for a visit to the selected underserved region (not exceeding two weeks), including:
- Purpose and motivation for participation
- Expected outcomes of the engagement
- Justification for selecting the region and its potential for growth in the semiconductor field
- A list of intended meetings with faculty, students, industry representatives, government officials, and other stakeholders (or an indication if assistance is needed from SSCS/EDS to identify and arrange such meetings)
- Identification of the relevant SSCS or EDS Chapter in the region
The names of two references
An itemized estimated budget covering travel and lodging expenses
A summary of the anticipated final report, outlining the activities to be carried out and potential follow‑on contributions, including opportunities for longer‑term SSCS/EDS engagement in the region

All applicants must declare whether they used Generative AI tools to assist with preparing application materials (e.g., project plans or budget estimates). While AI may be used for linguistic refinement, all technical insights and strategic recommendations must be the applicant’s original work. A mandatory disclosure field is provided in the application portal.

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a 30‑minute interview with members of the evaluation committee.

This program is open to all qualified applicants. Selection is based solely on objective criteria, individual merit, and technical proficiency, without regard to race, ethnicity, or other immutable characteristics.

Candidate Preferred Qualifications

Selection is based strictly on professional qualifications.

Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

Senior PhD Students: Currently in the final or penultimate year of doctoral studies in solid-state circuits or electron devices.

Young Professionals: Minimum of a Master’s degree and at least two years of professional technical experience in the semiconductor field.

Junior Faculty: Currently in an established academic career for at least two years with a focus on solid-state circuits or electron devices.

Member of IEEE SSCS or IEEE EDS (to sign up for membership, please visit: sscs.ieee.org or eds.ieee.org; please use TRYEDS2026 to receive free EDS membership.)
Cultural awareness of the region selected for the visit
Language proficiency in the local language of the region selected for the visit to facilitate knowledge transfer

Candidate Selection Procedure

The candidate applications will be reviewed by a special committee comprising senior members of the IEEE SSCS and IEEE EDS. The engagement plan, the outline of the final report, references, and the candidate’s accomplishments and service to SSCS and EDS will be considered in the candidate evaluation and selection.

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables from Selected Candidates

The expected outcome of the program will be a formal report from each of the four selected candidates detailing

The learnings from the visit and interactions with faculty, students, SSCS/EDS chapter, industry, and government officials.
An assessment of the region’s existing semiconductor infrastructure and facilities. Identification of specific technical and educational challenges.
A strategic roadmap for a potential future, longer-term merit-based program to structure potential investments from SSCS/EDS to enhance regional semiconductor skills, industry access, and education in the region.

Applications

Submit an application here →

SEED Program Selected Candidates

Cohort Year	Name	Associated Institution	Selected Region
2025	Gayani Rathnasekara	Florida International University (FIU)	Sri Lanka (National Outreach)
	Juan Sebastian Moya-Baquero	University of Los Andes	Eje Cafetero, Colombia
	Dr.-Ing. Mourad Elsobky	Bosch, Germany	Cairo, Egypt
	Dr. Muhammad Awais Bin Altaf	Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)	Lahore & Multan, Punjab, Pakistan