Inside KeenSemi: Geeta Panjwani Discusses Innovations in Semiconductor Design Services

An interview with Geeta Panjwani, Director & Co-Founder of KeenSemi, Turnkey and Augmentation Semiconductor Design Services provider for IP, SOC, ASIC and FPGA development

In this enlightening interview, Geeta Panjwani, Director and Co-Founder of KeenSemi, shares her insights on the latest innovations in semiconductor design services.

With a focus on IP, SOC, ASIC, and FPGA development, she discusses how KeenSemi is at the forefront of transforming the industry and meeting the growing demands of technology.

Can you share your journey into the semiconductor industry and what inspired you to co-found KeenSemi?

Geeta Panjwani: I began my career in the semiconductor industry in 1999 with STMicro. Fresh out of college, I was introduced to an entirely new world filled with unique challenges.

Over the years, I gained extensive experience through roles at Cypress and Masamb, where I worked across custom design, analog, and memory design.

The vision behind co-founding Keenheads, now known as KeenSemi, stemmed from a desire to create an ecosystem where we could collaborate with Indian design units, helping them turn their innovative ideas into reality on silicon. It was our way of contributing to the growth of the country’s economy.

Over the past eight years, we take immense pride in having empowered numerous Indian startups to successfully transform their ideas into tangible silicon products.

What is the core mission of KeenSemi, and how does it differentiate itself from other semiconductor design firms?

Geeta Panjwani: The core mission of KeenSemi is to establish itself as the most trusted, reliable, and valued partner in the semiconductor design industry. What sets KeenSemi apart from other firms is its consultative approach to System on Chip (SoC) design.

They work closely with clients, offering not just technical expertise but also engaging in collaborative discussions to enhance and refine the clients’ ideas.

From the initial design specifications to packaging and testing, KeenSemi partners with clients at every stage, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to reality. This holistic involvement helps KeenSemi deliver tailored and innovative solutions.

KeenSemi is known for its innovative approach. Can you highlight some of the key technologies or methodologies your team employs?

Geeta Panjwani: At KeenSemi, we leverage our deep understanding of design flows and methodologies to deliver superior solutions.

Our technical team focuses on building and enhancing the flow to meet specific design requirements, allowing us to debug more efficiently and offer better Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) optimization for our clients.

With extensive experience spanning design technology nodes from 90nm to cutting-edge 2nm and 3nm designs, we ensure that our expertise translates into innovative, high-quality results. This capability enables us to stay at the forefront of semiconductor design and provide unparalleled value to our clients.

Can you describe a particularly challenging project and how KeenSemi was able to meet the client’s needs?

Geeta Panjwani: In one particularly challenging project, KeenSemi was tasked with leading a high-stakes initiative for a U.S. client in a domain that was initially unfamiliar. Despite the initial uncertainty, we embraced the opportunity with determination and a commitment to deliver exceptional results.

The client, while demanding, provided invaluable support throughout the process, allowing us to work closely with their lead team member to fully understand the project requirements and immerse ourselves in the new domain.

Our success hinged on the collaborative environment at KeenSemi. Colleagues from across the organization shared their expertise, helping to accelerate our learning curve during the project’s critical early stages.

Through structured onboarding, intensive research, and self-directed learning, we quickly built the necessary domain knowledge while maintaining regular communication with the client to ensure alignment.

We leveraged our team’s diverse skills, held knowledge-sharing sessions, and worked as a cohesive unit to meet the project’s demands. This approach not only helped us deliver exceptional results but also enriched our portfolio, demonstrating our ability to adapt to new challenges.

This experience reinforced KeenSemi’ reputation as a versatile and resilient partner, capable of thriving in unfamiliar territories.

Today, we approach new challenges with even greater confidence, knowing that our collaborative culture and dedication to continuous learning empower us to excel in any domain.

As a leader in a predominantly male-dominated industry, what advice would you give to women aspiring to enter the tech field?

Geeta Panjwani: My foremost advice to women aspiring to enter the tech field is to believe in themselves and stay true to who they are. It’s essential to cultivate deep technical knowledge in your chosen area and continuously strive to learn and explore new domains and designs.

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors and industry experts—there’s always something valuable to gain from their experiences.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about KeenSemi that we haven’t discussed?

Geeta Panjwani: At KeenSemi, we believe in fostering progressive thought and continuous development. Our approach goes beyond technical training; we emphasize grooming our young engineers in soft skills such as effective presentation, time management, and meeting deliverables.

This holistic development ensures that our team is not just technically adept but also well-rounded professionals.

Our project execution is characterized by flexibility and collaboration with our clients, and we take pride in promoting a healthy work-life balance for our employees. This commitment to both technical and personal growth truly sets us apart in the industry.

Geeta’s vision for KeenSemi not only highlights the importance of innovation in semiconductor design but also showcases the company’s commitment to excellence. Her insights inspire both current and future leaders in this rapidly evolving field.

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