Embodiments of the present invention provide a semiconductor structure and method to dissipate heat generated by semiconductor devices by utilizing backside thermoelectric devices. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor structure comprises an electronic device formed on a first side of the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure also comprises a thermoelectric cooling device formed on a second side of the semiconductor structure in close proximity to a region of the semiconductor structure where heat dissipation is desired, wherein the thermoelectric cooling device includes a Peltier junction. In other embodiments, the method comprises forming an electronic device on a first side of a semiconductor structure. The method also comprises forming a thermoelectric cooling device on a second side of the semiconductor structure in close proximity to a region of the semiconductor structure where heat dissipation is desired, wherein the thermoelectric cooling device includes a Peltier junction.