Dr. Ajay K. Poddar of IEEE Antenna & Propagation Society and IEEE North Jersey Section

Intelligent and immersive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) are profoundly redefining the semiconductor industry, ushering in a new era of innovation in chip design, verification, and manufacturing. AI-driven design frameworks have revolutionized traditional electronic design automation (EDA) by autonomously optimizing circuit architectures with unparalleled precision. These sophisticated algorithms not only identify performance bottlenecks but also predict potential defects long before the critical tape-out phase, thereby significantly reducing design iterations. This acceleration in the design process shortens development cycles and dramatically increases the chances of achieving first-pass silicon success, a game-changing milestone for engineers.

In fabrication environments, AI plays a pivotal role in advancing process control through real-time data analytics. Engineers can swiftly detect anomalies, improve yield rates, and implement proactive maintenance strategies that effectively minimize equipment downtime and extend the operational lifespan of expensive manufacturing tools. Meanwhile, VR and AR technologies are transforming workforce training, collaboration, and visualization across the entire semiconductor value chain. VR-based simulations create safe, immersive environments for training in cleanroom operations, allowing new technicians to grasp complex equipment and intricate protocols without the risks of actual fab operations.

AR overlays enhance this training further by providing real-time guidance for maintenance, troubleshooting, and assembly tasks, significantly reducing human error while facilitating remote collaboration with global engineering teams. Moreover, these immersive technologies enable intuitive visualization of complex chip layouts, three-dimensional device structures, and intricate lithographic processes, fostering clearer communication and accelerating innovation. Together, intelligent AI systems and cutting-edge VR/AR tools are driving a transformative wave of efficiency, precision, and creativity in semiconductor manufacturing, setting the stage for the next generation of technological advancements.

Biography:

AJAY K. PODDAR (S’1986, M’2001, SM’2005, F'2015) is an internationally recognized scientist, engineer, and innovator whose distinguished career spans over three decades of groundbreaking contributions to electrical engineering, microwave electronics, and communication technologies. He earned his degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, India, the Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, and the Post-Doctorate (Dr.-Ing. habil.) from the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus, Germany—establishing a solid foundation for his lifelong pursuit of excellence in science, research, and education. Dr. Poddar currently serves as the Chief Scientist at Synergy Microwave Corporation, Paterson, New Jersey, USA. In this role, he leads transformative research in signal generation and processing electronics, RF-MEMS, antennas, and metamaterial-based resonators and sensors, with applications spanning modern communication, navigation, radar, and instrumentation systems. His pioneering work has consistently bridged fundamental research and applied innovation, resulting in technologies that redefine the performance limits of microwave and millimeter-wave electronic systems. His research interests encompass high-frequency oscillators, nonlinear dynamics, frequency synthesis, low-phase-noise system design, tunable and reconfigurable resonators, and intelligent sensor architectures. Under his leadership, Synergy Microwave has become a global center of innovation, advancing AI-augmented electronic architectures, metamaterial-inspired components, and quantum-aware signal-processing techniques to meet the challenges of next-generation wireless, aerospace, and biomedical applications. Before joining Synergy Microwave, Dr. Poddar had an accomplished tenure as a Senior Scientist and Program Director with India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defense, from 1991 to 2001. During this period, he played a pivotal role in developing advanced defense electronics, secure communication systems, and radar technologies crucial to national security and self-reliance. Concurrently, he served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Pune, where he mentored young scientists and engineers and spearheaded collaborative research programs that strengthened the academic–defense research interface. Dr. Poddar’s professional journey is characterized by a deep commitment to advancing both industry and academia. He is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of Oradea (UO), Romania, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, India, and serves as a Guest Lecturer at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. Through his lectures, workshops, and mentorship, he continues to inspire students, researchers, and professionals worldwide to explore interdisciplinary approaches that harness science and technology for societal benefit.

An accomplished author and inventor, Dr. Poddar has authored or co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed research papers published in leading international journals, conference proceedings, and technical magazines. He has contributed to eight books and book chapters and holds more than 50 international patents spanning diverse areas of electronic design, communication systems, and sensor technologies. His scientific leadership has guided numerous graduate and doctoral students toward successful research careers worldwide. Dr. Poddar’s research has had a transformative impact across industrial, medical, and aerospace systems, particularly through the integration of AI-inspired architectures that enhance system stability, sensitivity, and power efficiency. His innovations in metamaterial-based resonators and sensors have advanced the frontiers of adaptive and multifunctional electronics, enabling smart and compact solutions for 5G/6G, satellite, and emerging quantum technologies. Beyond his own research, Dr. Poddar has served as a reviewer and editorial board member for several high-impact IEEE journals and international publications. His editorial service reflects his dedication to maintaining scholarly excellence and fostering innovation within the global scientific community. Dr. Poddar is also deeply engaged in professional societies and international technology initiatives focusing on green and renewable energy systems, decarbonization, environmental sensing, and solid-state high-current-density battery technologies. His cross-disciplinary vision emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and the ethical application of technology to enhance human well-being.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Poddar has received numerous prestigious awards and honors, including: The 2025 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Outstanding Service Award, The 2023 RCA Armstrong Medal Award, The 2018 IEEE Member and Geographic Activities (MGA) Innovation Award, The 2015 IEEE IFCS W.G. Cady Award, The 2015 IEEE Region 1 Scientific Innovation Award,  The 2009 IEEE Region 1 Scientific Contributions Award, He is also a member of IEEE Eta Kappa Nu, the international honor society of IEEE, and is widely regarded for his pioneering contributions to electrical engineering, electronics, and communication systems. Dr. Poddar’s leadership and scientific vision have earned him recognition not only within IEEE but also across the broader engineering and scientific community. His portrait was featured on the cover of Microwave Journal in November 2011, where he was profiled as one of the “Divine Innovators” in the feature article “Divine Innovation: 10 Technologies Changing the Future of Passive and Control Components.” Today, Dr. Poddar continues to lead research that merges artificial intelligence, metamaterials, and advanced microwave systems to create next-generation intelligent electronic platforms. Through his lifelong dedication to innovation, education, and global collaboration, he exemplifies the spirit of using technology in the service of humanity, inspiring future generations to explore science with purpose and integrity.

Email:

Address:201 McLean Blvd. Synergy Microwave Corporation, , Paterson, New Jersey, United States, 07504