Margaret Kindling

Women in Semiconductors (WiS) was initiated in 2016 to address the unique challenges faced by women in the industry and discuss how women can be supported better in their desire to move into leadership positions. The annual program is now managed by the SEMI Foundation.

More than 400 students from disciplines including electrical and computer engineering, materials science and physics, and as diverse as business and psychology, attended Semiconductor Day.

What’s a sextillion? It’s the number one followed by 21 zeros — outnumbering the stars in the Milky Way. Industry analyst Jim Handy estimates that 13 sextillion transistors have been manufactured by the chip industry since the first one sprang to life in late 1947. 

SEMI recently spoke with Gustafson and two Energetiq employees – Senior Marketing Manager Mae Steinberg and Senior Director of Sales and Service Megan Dube – about the importance of equity and inclusion at the company.

Do you know how much gold is embedded in smartphones? Roughly 300 grams! Beyond gold, the value of raw materials in global e-waste was roughly US$57 billion in 2019. The good news is that advances in e-waste mining is making technology more eco-friendly and boosting materials supplies for chips.

How many chips are in a modern car? According to industry estimates, the average modern car sports between 1,400 and 1,500 semiconductor chips. Some cars boast as many as 3,000 chips. Staggering!

Did you know that a semiconductor manufacturing cleanroom is 10,000 times cleaner than a hospital operating room? Why? One speck of dust could ruin a microprocessor during production. 

The key to driving change is getting men involved in closing the gender gap and encouraging more equitable workplaces.

Did you know that a single semiconductor chip has as many transistors as all stones in the Great Pyramid of Giza? We invite SEMI members to share fun facts about the industry or their company. We’ll consider your tidbits for inclusion in future blog articles and or posting on social media.

At the SEMICON West 2023 Workforce Development pavilion, presenters and panelists from industry and academia offered students, recent graduates, veterans, and professionals re-entering the workforce or looking to change jobs with perspectives about how to land a job in the semiconductor sector.