Vertically Integrated Projects
Design. Fabricate. Innovate.
Solartronics is a student-led semiconductor manufacturing initiative where undergraduate students design, fabricate, and test real semiconductor devices while developing the next generation of solar-powered electronics.
VIP ChallENG research goals
- Build the future of solar electronics by integrating photovoltaics with semiconductor devices to create smarter, more capable energy systems.
- Train future semiconductor engineers through hands-on experience in device design, fabrication, characterisation, and testing.
- Make semiconductor prototyping accessible so students can transform their own ideas into working devices.
ChallENG Area
Research Areas
Silicon photovoltaics, Semiconductor fabrication, Integrated circuits, Microelectronics, Accessible semiconductor prototyping
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Ensure access to affordable and sustainable energy ()Ìý
- Build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation ()
- What you'll work on
- Desired skills
- Why join Solartronics?
- Designing semiconductor devices, including solar cells, diodes, MOSFETs, BJTs, and integrated circuits.
- Developing new semiconductor fabrication processes.
- Exploring semiconductor manufacturing beyond conventional cleanrooms.
- Creating smart photovoltaic systems with integrated power management.
- Building self-powered electronic devices and energy-harvesting systems.
- Developing miniaturised sensors for environmental monitoring and precision measurement.
- Turning innovative concepts into fabricated and tested prototypes.
- Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
- Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy Â
- Chemical EngineeringÂ
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- Chemistry
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- Computer Science & Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
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- Gain hands-on semiconductor fabrication experience rarely available to undergraduates.
- Work alongside researchers and industry partners on real engineering challenges.
- Learn the complete semiconductor development cycle—from design to fabrication and testing.
- Build technical skills that prepare you for careers in semiconductors, electronics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
- Contribute to research with the potential for publications, industry collaborations, and commercial impact.
2021 VIP Consortium Innovation Competition - 1st Place WINNER
Mini Solar - Fire Detection Team
The Mini Solar VIP Team is developing devices that provide fast, accurate information to the surrounding community and to authorities when bushfires break out. The devices include a dedicated miniature solar panel that converts sunlight into energy, an integrated miniature battery, and communications technology which creates a 24/7 monitoring and communications network. The team was established in 2020 in response to the devastating bushfire season in Australia.
Team Academic Leads
A/Prof. Torsten Lehmann
Sch: Electrical Eng & Telecom
t.lehmann@unsw.edu.au
Shona McNab
Research Associate
Sch: PV & Renewable Energ
shona.mcnab@unsw.edu.au