Business and Markets

On October 03, 2025, as part of the European Chips Diversity Alliance, the recent "Why Inclusion Fuels Better Chips" panel discussion, hosted by Kartikey Srivastava, Senior Specialist, Communications at SEMI Europe, brought together three leaders from across the ecosystem to explore how inclusion is not just a social imperative but a strategic advantage.Martina Wolfgruber, Head of Talent Skills Funding at Infineon Technologies Austria: With over 15 years of experience in HR, Wolfgruber is responsible for funded projects aimed at promoting careers and cultivating talent within the microelectronics industry.Catherine Le Lan de Franssu at Synopsys: Le Lan de Franssu brings a wealth of experience in customer success management, training, and team management from her time at companies like LSI-Logic, Synopsys, and Texas Instruments. She now focuses on fostering collaborations for workforce development.Dr. Suzanne Lesecq, Research Director and European Programs Manager at CEA- Leti: A research director and former university professor, Dr. Lesecq focuses on data fusion and advanced control. She currently manages European programs at CEA-Leti/DSYS.The semiconductor industry is the backbone of Europe's digital transformation, but achieving excellence goes beyond technology alone. It's about bringing every perspective and every talent to the table.Inclusion as a Strategic ImperativeThe panelists all agreed that a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is essential for Europe to lead in the semiconductor sector. Wolfgruber posed a compelling question: can Europe truly afford to leave half of its talent pool untapped? She pointed to data from a Boston Consulting Group study showing that companies with diverse leadership are nearly 40% more likely to achieve above-average profitability, and diverse teams are almost twice as likely to be innovative. For Infineon, she noted, "inclusion is not just a value... it's a strategic advantage."Echoing this sentiment, Le Lan de Franssu emphasized that innovation depends on collaboration across institutions, disciplines, regions, and cultures. She believes that "breakthrough moments happen when talented people of every background feel valued, supported to their best self at work." Dr. Lesecq added that inclusion is "a matter of society" that goes beyond a single company's benefit.Fostering a Culture of InclusionThe conversation then moved to practical steps for building a truly inclusive environment. Dr. Lesecq, coming from the academic sector, highlighted the significant gender imbalance and the lack of inclusion for people with special needs. She stressed the need for a major effort to attract untapped talent to the emerging semiconductor domain.One effective solution discussed was mentoring. Le Lan de Franssu shared how a mentoring program can help make diverse talent more visible. She noted that companies working together, such as the collaboration between Synopsys and Infineon on a summer school, helps not only with their own hiring needs but for the broader semiconductor industry. Wolfgruber agreed, stating that a wide range of communities already exists to help companies widen their scope and influence culture; it's simply a matter of companies leveraging them.The Future of a Diverse EcosystemThe panel concluded with a shared vision for the future. The moderator, Srivastava, summarized the key takeaways: a need for greater collaboration between industry and academia, the importance of mentoring, and a continued focus on leveraging research that proves diverse teams produce the best results.Dr. Lesecq shared her hope that Europe will continue to keep this mindset and implement it, seeing inclusion as a societal change that everyone must push for to create a "place for everyone."This panel discussion, along with initiatives like the Spark Excellence Award, serves as a powerful reminder that while technology is at the heart of the semiconductor industry, its true strength lies in the diversity of its people.Learn more about the European Chips Diversity Alliance. For more information, contact Ana Isabel Billingslea at [email protected] or Kartikey Srivastava at [email protected] Isabel Billingslea is Communications Coordinator at SEMI Europe.

On September 16, 2025, the Inclusive Chips Forum organized by Platform Talent voor Technologie at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven convened changemakers from across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem to share insights and strategies for building a more inclusive industry.This full-day program was designed to showcase practical strategies, inspiring case studies, and collaborative solutions aimed at strengthening inclusion, innovation, and resilience in the semiconductor industry. With Europe’s role in the global semiconductor landscape under intense focus, the forum highlighted why building a workforce culture rooted in equity and belonging is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic imperative.A Thought-Provoking Panel on Inclusive LeadershipA central question resonated throughout the conversation: What if inclusivity were treated as a core component of leadership development, as fundamental as financial management or strategic planning, rather than an optional module or one-off seminar?The discussion surfaced several critical insights for the industry and beyond:Awareness alone is not enough. While raising awareness about bias and stereotypes is important, research and experience show it rarely leads to behavioral change on its own. Lasting change comes from setting clear norms, leaders must define and model what is acceptable, expected, and celebrated in organizational culture. As Sahar Yadegari, Executive Director of Expertisecentrum voor haar technische ontwikkeling, emphasized:“Awareness is a starting point, not the finish line. Real change happens when inclusion is built into systems — not treated as an add-on.” – VHTOLeadership as connection. True leaders don’t just focus on profits or processes. They bring all perspectives into the room, connect diverse groups, and create conditions for others to thrive.Structural support matters. To avoid symbolic gestures, organizations must embed inclusivity into their leadership practices and accountability systems.Competitiveness through inclusion. By embracing diversity and inclusion, Europe can future-proof its semiconductor workforce, strengthening innovation capacity and securing its position in an increasingly competitive global market.Looking AheadThe Inclusive Chips Forum underscored a powerful message: embedding inclusion into leadership is not optional, it is essential for the sustainable success of Europe’s semiconductor industry.As participants engaged in lively discussions and networking throughout the day, one thing became clear: building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive semiconductor ecosystem will require collaborative effort, courageous leadership, and a commitment to turning awareness into action.A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, participants, and partners who made this event possible.For more information, contact Ana Isabel Billingslea at [email protected] or Kartikey Srivastava at [email protected] Isabel Billingslea is Communications Coordinator at SEMI Europe.

Hosted by the SEMI North America Advisory Board (NAAB), executives from member companies across the semiconductor supply chain with operations in the U.S. recently convened in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the policies most critical to semiconductor competitiveness and national security. From March 3-5, 2026, SEMI executives and more than 80 representatives from member companies embarked on Capitol Hill, engaging directly with members of Congress and federal officials to advance the industry’s top policy priorities heading into 2026. These industry leaders from across the semiconductor ecosystem—from materials and equipment suppliers to chipmakers and end users—underscored the urgent need for industry-informed policymaking. Focus topics included:• Trade and Tariff Policy – Promote a balanced trade policy that preserves market access and avoids overlapping tariffs on the same product, as well as narrowly tailored, coordinated export controls to protect national security without harming U.S. competitiveness.• Tax Policy and Investment Incentives – Establish a competitive tax framework would reward innovation and lock the next generation of semiconductor production onto U.S. soil.• Research and Development (R D) Investment – Invest in long-term tax and R D incentives to sustain semiconductor investments.• CHIPS and Science Act Implementation and Beyond – Continued implementation of the CHIPS Act and related programs and develop a forward-looking initiative or roadmap to continue the industry’s momentum.• Workforce Development – Establish a national workforce pipeline aligned with federal, state, and industry programs to meet critical talent needs.• Environmental Regulations – Support pragmatic policies that balance environmental goals with innovation. The semiconductor industry is vital to every facet of our lives today from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to healthcare. The U.S. leads in semiconductor design and advanced technologies that enable the AI era—and clear, predictable policy frameworks are critical to the Administration’s goals around maintaining U.S. technological leadership and advancing national and economic security.A highlight from the Fly-In was recognizing Indiana Senator Todd Young with the SEMI Americas Government Leadership Award on March 4. The NAAB selects Government Leadership Award honorees based on their impact on policies and incentives to bolster semiconductor design and manufacturing and advance the growth of the global industry. SEMI member companies are making record level investments in the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, bringing high-paying, skilled jobs to communities across the country. This year’s Fly-In participants met with over 100 key congressional offices and committees and engaged directly with administration officials to discuss policies that support economic growth, innovation, and national security. Through collaboration, credibility, and consistent engagement, SEMI looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the administration to ensure the next phase of U.S. semiconductor expansion delivers lasting benefits for the U.S. economy. Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments as well as how your company or organization can get involved.Learn more about the SEMI Public Policy and Advocacy program and the 2026 policy strategy: https://www.semi.org/en/global-advocacy.Christina Banoub is Senior Manager, Federal Affairs at SEMI.

In the summer of 2025, I had the privilege of leading more than a dozen SEMI Foundation STEM summer camps in schools across multiple communities.Each camp brought students face-to-face with hands-on engineering challenges, semiconductor learning modules, and conversations about the careers connected to what they were building.What stood out most wasn’t just the energy in the classrooms; it was the moment students began to see themselves in futures they hadn’t previously imagined. For many, it was their first exposure to the semiconductor industry. Their first time hearing about advanced manufacturing careers. Their first time understanding that a certificate, credential, or engineering degree could lead to a stable, high-quality job shaping the technologies that power modern life.And it reinforced something we believe deeply at the SEMI Foundation, that workforce development does not begin at graduation; it begins in grade school with early awareness and intentional exposure.Starting Earlier: Where the Semiconductor Workforce Truly BeginsBuilding a strong, future-ready semiconductor workforce does not begin in college, or even high school. It begins in the earliest years of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exposure.Since 2003, I have created STEM programming that introduces college majors and career pathways to K–12 students. At the SEMI Foundation, that work now connects directly to one of the most urgent workforce challenges of our time, ensuring the semiconductor industry has the skilled talent needed to support domestic manufacturing expansion and global competitiveness.When elementary and middle school students engage in hands-on STEM experiences, they build confidence. They develop technical vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and resilience. They begin to understand how the devices they use every day are designed and manufactured. That early spark matters, especially in industries like semiconductors, where awareness has historically been limited among younger students.Moving From Exposure to Industry ExplorationAs students progress, programming must move from exposure to exploration.Through SEMI Foundation initiatives, including hands-on camps, classroom modules, and industry-connected programming, students begin to see how semiconductors power everything from smartphones and AI to healthcare systems and clean energy technologies.Middle school and early high school programs should intentionally connect STEM learning to real-world applications:Engineering design challenges tied to semiconductor conceptsProject-based learning informed by industry practicesCareer speakers from manufacturing and technical rolesMentorship that reflects diverse entry points into the industryThis stage is critical for workforce development. Quality hands-on learning must be paired with representation and mentorship. Students need to hear authentic stories about different pathways into technical fields, whether through two-year degrees, apprenticeships, industry certifications, or four-year engineering programs.High School: Where Awareness Becomes PreparationHigh school is where exploration must transition into preparation.Structured career pathways, dual enrollment opportunities, industry certifications, internships, and apprenticeship models create tangible bridges between classroom learning and workforce entry.When students graduate with credentials aligned to high-demand sectors, including advanced manufacturing and semiconductor production, they leave with more than knowledge. They leave with validated skills and industry relevance.This alignment does not happen by accident. It requires coordinated partnerships between K–12 systems, higher education institutions, workforce agencies, and employers. At the SEMI Foundation, we work to support this alignment so curriculum reflects industry needs and students experience clear, navigable pathways into careers.When education and industry move in sync, skills gaps narrow, and regional economies strengthen.Sustaining Momentum: Postsecondary and Employer PartnershipPostsecondary institutions and employers play a pivotal role in sustaining momentum.Stackable credentials, registered apprenticeships, and paid work-based learning models allow students to build competencies while earning income. Clear articulation agreements between high schools, community colleges, and universities reduce talent loss and create seamless transitions. In the semiconductor industry, where technical precision and specialized skills are essential, these structured pathways are not optional. They are foundational.A Long-Term Vision for Semiconductor Workforce GrowthThe semiconductor industry powers nearly every aspect of modern life. But sustaining that innovation requires long-term workforce vision. The students I met in our 2025 summer camps reminded me of what is possible when exposure meets opportunity.When we start early, align intentionally, and collaborate across systems, we do more than prepare a workforce. We cultivate the next generation of innovators who will design, build, and lead the technologies shaping our future.Bia Hamed is Program Manager, Global Education Initiatives at the SEMI Foundation.

On February 20, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the use of tariffs, invalidating certain tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration under the statute.SEMI shared the following statement on the ruling: SEMI acknowledges today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. As the implications of the decision become clearer, we welcome further guidance and remain committed to working with the U.S. government to strengthen semiconductor supply chains, support innovation, and expand domestic chip manufacturing.Continued investment in U.S. manufacturing depends on stable, reliable access to the highly specialized equipment, materials, and components essential to semiconductor production. Driven by global demand, breakthrough innovation, and record levels of investment, the semiconductor industry is projected to reach a $1 trillion market this year. Clear, consistent, and predictable trade policy remains critical to providing manufacturers – particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises – the certainty necessary to sustain long term investment, scale production, and reinforce technological leadership in the United States.Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments as well as how your company or organization can get involved.Royal Kastens is Vice President, Global Public Policy Advocacy at SEMI.

When most people hear “semiconductors,” they think of something abstract: tiny chips, complex equations, cleanrooms hidden behind glass. Relevant, sure, but distant. Compare that to professions like architects or doctors. We can picture their training. We understand their impact. We see a clear path from curiosity to contribution. The semiconductor industry deserves the same clarity and more. Because semiconductors don’t just power devices. They power progress. The semiconductor industry plays a crucial role in sustaining modern life and will remain instrumental in the future. We know this all too well because most of us work within this industry. It isn’t abstract or difficult for us to see how we fit into the grand scheme of this critical industry. It is important to reflect on our initial motivation for entering this field. The technological advancements we are currently developing were likely beyond consideration when we began our careers. Historically, we’ve done a great job of explaining how someone becomes a doctor or an architect: education, residency or apprenticeship, specialization, growth. The semiconductor industry can and must do the same.Imagine clearly mapped pathways that show:High school students how math, science, and technical programs connect to real semiconductor jobsCommunity college and university students how internships, co-ops, and labs translate into manufacturing, design, or research rolesCareer-changers and Veterans how reskilling programs, certifications, and on-the-job training can open doors without starting overWhen people can see the steps, the industry becomes less intimidating and far more inviting.Introducing ChipPathThis is where the SEMI Foundation’s newest platform, ChipPath, comes in! ChipPath, powered by the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) , makes it easier for individuals to understand where they fit today and where they can grow tomorrow. “ChipPath marks a major step forward in our mission to connect people to opportunities in the semiconductor industry,” said Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. “By combining career exploration, education pathways, and live job data into one platform, we’re not just helping individuals find jobs, we’re helping them build lifelong careers that drive innovation and impact.”ChipPath helps users explore roles across the semiconductor ecosystem, not just by job title, but by skills, interests, and pathways. A student interested in problem-solving, automation, or precision work can see how those interests translate into manufacturing, technician, or engineering support roles. A career-changer with experience in logistics, quality, or data analysis can quickly identify how their existing skills map to in-demand semiconductor jobs.This shift from “Do I belong here?” to “I can see myself doing this” is foundational. When people can visualize a role that fits them, they are far more likely to pursue it with confidence.Perhaps most importantly, ChipPath doesn’t end with exploration and preparation, it connects talent to actual job openings across SEMI member companies. By serving as a shared access point between job seekers, educators, training providers, and employers, ChipPath strengthens the entire talent ecosystem. Candidates gain visibility into opportunities they may never have discovered on their own. Employers gain access to a broader, more diverse, and better-prepared pool of talent aligned to semiconductor workforce needs.This connection transforms workforce development from a fragmented effort into a coordinated system; one where awareness, training, preparation, and hiring reinforce one another.Access for job seekers doesn’t end once they apply. ChipPath includes resources that help them prepare for the next critical step: the interview. Through guidance on interviewing expectations, communication, and workplace readiness, ChipPath helps candidates show up informed, confident, and prepared to engage. This preparation reduces anxiety for candidates and increases the likelihood of successful matches for employers.When candidates understand how to talk about their skills, experiences, and potential in industry-relevant terms, interviews become more productive, and hiring decisions become clearer.For employers, ChipPath is more than a platform, it has the potential to be a workforce multiplier. It reduces friction for job seekers, improves candidate readiness, and helps align skills with real demand across the industry. By leveraging ChipPath alongside outreach and engagement strategies, employers can help create a talent journey that is easier to navigate, access, and succeed in.When people can see where they fit, understand how to prepare, and connect directly to opportunity, the semiconductor industry becomes within reach.Job seekers today want and need more than just a salary; they want meaningful work and pride in what they do. Our industry offers these opportunities, but we must guide them to find it.Visit http://nnme.org/chippath to explore the platform, build your profile, and take your first step toward a future in semiconductors.Melinda Gomez is Program Manager, Veteran Initiatives at the SEMI Foundation.

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the semiconductor supply chain are a growing concern, ranging from individual threats to whole supply chain cyber resilience. It is imperative that the semiconductor industry addresses these risks. Last year, the Semiconductor Manufacturing Cybersecurity Consortium (SMCC) at SEMI introduced Semiconductor Supplier Cybersecurity Assessment (SSCA), providing a streamlined framework allowing suppliers to complete one standardized questionnaire to comply efficiently. The assessment process involves suppliers presenting evidence to support their claims of security controls and measures put in place. Such a body of evidence is critical to establish confidence in the suppliers’ ability to manage risk and comply with standards. The SSCA is a free, open-access resource for the semiconductor industry. This is intentionally made openly available to support SMCC’s mission to strengthen cybersecurity across the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The questionnaire aligns with the six functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework 2.0: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. A recent project led by Swansea University’s Systems Security Group (SSG), in close collaboration with SEMI SMCC, is mapping the evidence requirements necessary for SSCA assurance. The project is funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of seed funding to support UK/US/Germany collaborative research and innovation projects in the field of semiconductor security. UKRI supports such collaboration in the interest of “maintaining confidence in security throughout the design and manufacturing processes,” and particularly to support research addressing “what tools and techniques could help to reduce the risks associated with third-party hardware design and manufacturing services?”.The project ensures that the global ecosystem is engaged so that evidence requirements developed are acceptable, cost-effective, in line with the latest standards and practice, and ultimately suitable for adoption. As part of this project, two workshops are being organized, one in Germany at Bavarian Chip Alliance, Nuremberg on Tuesday, March 10 and one in the UK at Swansea University on Thursday, March 12, aiming to introduce SSCA and the evidence requirements, gather feedback and inspire early adoption. Join either of these workshops to help shape the evidence requirements and help prepare for effective supply chain security assurance. Participants must download the SSCA framework prior to the workshop.Register for the Germany Workshop on March 10Register for the UK Workshop on March 12Key TopicsIntroduction to Semiconductor Manufacturing Cybersecurity Consortium (SMCC)Standardized Semiconductor Cybersecurity Assessment (SSCA)Supply chain assurance and evidence mappingGroup discussion to feedback on evidence requirementsOpen Q A with cybersecurity and compliance expertsWho Should AttendCybersecurity and compliance professionalsSemiconductor suppliersLegal and regulatory affairs professionalsFabless chip designers and foundriesTesting, packaging, design software, R D tools and IPManufacturing/assembly equipment and ancillary fab servicesIntegrated device manufacturersAbout the authors:Siraj Shaikh is a Professor in Systems Security at Swansea University (UK). His research interests lie at the intersection of cybersecurity, systems engineering, and computer science addressing cyber-physical systems security for automotive and transport systems. He is also Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at CyberOwl, which is dedicated to risk analytics and security monitoring for the maritime sector.Mayura Padmanabhan is a Technical Project Manager at SEMI who manages the Cybersecurity Technology Coalition and Traceability activities.

The GENESIS EU project is reshaping how Europe thinks about semiconductor manufacturing. Its goal is simple but ambitious: reduce usage of harmful chemicals from chip production, cut emissions and waste, and make the industry more circular and resilient.Launched on 1 May 2025, GENESIS – GENerate in Europe a Sustainable Industry for Semiconductor – is a research and innovation project co-funded by the European Union through Chips JU and its participating member states. In addition, Swiss partners are supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).Coordinated by CEA-Leti in Grenoble, GENESIS brings together 58 partners from across the semiconductor value chain: materials and chemistry suppliers, equipment manufacturers, semiconductor fabs, research and technology organisations (RTOs), universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recycling specialists and communication experts. Together, they are working to build a resilient, circular and environmentally responsible microelectronics sector aligned with the European Green Deal and the European Chips Act.Mission and VisionGENESIS exists to future-proof the European semiconductor industry. The project focuses on:Eliminating or replacing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other hazardous substances used in manufacturing processes;Reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the production chain;Securing access to critical materials through smarter use, reuse and circular strategies;Deploying advanced monitoring and sensing solutions for gas and liquid environments in fabs.Six Work Packages, One Integrated ApproachTo reach its objectives, GENESIS is structured into six work packages.Work Package 1 – Management, Specifications, and MethodsLead: CEA-LetiWP1 keeps the project on track. It manages the technical, administrative and financial coordination of GENESIS and defines common specifications and methodologies. This includes setting technical recommendations and carrying out environmental impact assessments so that shared targets and consistent methods guide all subsequent work.Work Package 2 – Process, Monitoring Sensing Hardware and SolutionLead: CSEMWP2 develops real-time monitoring technologies capable of detecting and quantifying emissions from process gases such as NF₃, CF₄ or SF₆. By improving transparency and enabling process feedback, GENESIS contributes to the transition toward low-emission semiconductor fabs aligned with EU climate goals.Work Package 3 – Environmentally Friendly Materials AlternativesLead: imecWith global PFAS restrictions tightening, the semiconductor sector urgently needs high-performance, safe alternatives. GENESIS in WP3, is designing and qualifying materials for key manufacturing steps including lithography, etching, cleaning, deposition, and packaging, that reduce industry dependence on PFAS and higher GWP gases while ensuring compatibility with industry performance requirements.Work Package 4 – Minimisation of Waste and EmissionsLead: FraunhoferWP4 addresses the complexity of semiconductor waste streams and explores innovations to enhance abatement efficiency. GENESIS develops recycling, recovery, and closed-loop solutions for gases, slurries, and solvents, with the aim of significantly reducing waste across fabs.Work Package 5 – Materials Scarcity Impact MitigationLead: Università degli Studi di Roma Tor VergataEurope’s dependence on critical raw materials—including gallium, indium, and rare earth elements—represents both an environmental and strategic challenge. GENESIS in WP5 focuses on reducing CRM usage through process innovation and strengthening circularity to enhance supply chain resilience.Work Package 6 – Regulations, Dissemination, Communication and ExploitationLead: SEMI EuropeWP 6 is dedicated to ensuring that GENESIS creates meaningful and lasting impact beyond its technical achievements. It integrates regulatory monitoring, dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities to connect the project’s innovations with industry needs, European policy developments, and wider society. WP6 is coordinated by SEMI Europe, supported by expert partners across the consortium, and serves as the bridge between GENESIS’s scientific work and its real-world influence.Long-term strategyGENESIS is built with one goal in mind: making sure the work happening inside the project translates into real change across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem. To support this, the project focuses on four key impact areas that help move ideas from research into industry, policy and long-term community engagement.Helping Industry Put Results to WorkA core part of GENESIS is understanding how each partner can use the project’s results in their own environment. Whether it’s new materials, smarter monitoring solutions or better waste-reduction approaches, partners define clear pathways for adoption so GENESIS innovations can move naturally into real industrial use.Staying Connected to Europe’s Policy AgendaSustainability and chemical regulations in Europe are evolving fast, and GENESIS stays close to these developments. The project brings technical insights to discussions around the Green Deal, PFAS regulation, and critical raw materials. This makes sure GENESIS is not only aligned with policy trends, but also contributes to shaping them.Making Knowledge Accessible and Future-FocusedOpen access is an essential part of GENESIS. The project shares its research outputs publicly and supports the creation of educational material for universities and training programmes. This helps the next generation of engineers and specialists build on GENESIS knowledge and carry it forward.Keeping GENESIS Visible and RelevantGENESIS maintains a strong presence across events, conferences, publications and expert discussions. This ongoing engagement ensures that project results remain visible, understood and connected to wider conversations on sustainable semiconductor manufacturing—helping extend the project’s influence well beyond its duration.Towards a Sustainable Semiconductor FutureGENESIS shows that high-performance chips and environmental responsibility can coexist. By uniting materials science, process engineering, monitoring technologies, environmental assessment and policy insight, GENESIS is helping define what responsible, future-ready semiconductor manufacturing will look like tomorrow.Jatin Mendiratta, Communications CoordinatorSEMI Europe Phone: +49 160 402 8899Email: [email protected]

The semiconductor industry is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Global semiconductor revenues are now forecast to exceed $1 trillion annually by 2030, yet recruitment is struggling to keep pace with the demand for new workers. This is why talent development is a critical focus for SEMI and the SEMI Foundation.Young professionals and students are crucial stakeholders of future talent. Held during SEMICON Europa, Building the Talent Pipeline event provided a showcase for some of Europe’s most enthusiastic promoters of careers in the industry: the Student Ambassadors of the European Chip Skills Academy (ECSA). The session opened with Andra Bornea, a Master’s student of electrical engineering at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania, who shared the inspiring story of her journey towards a career in electronics. “For me, it started when I attended the ECS Summer School in 2023 along with 39 other students. It was a life-changing experience,” Bornea shared.The Summer School is a week-long programme jointly organised by AENEAS, ECSA, EPoSS and Inside, bringing together lectures, demonstrations and interactive sessions that give students a first-hand glimpse into what a career in semiconductors can look like. For Bornea, the impact was immediate and decisive. “Attending the Summer School convinced me to shift the focus of my studies from telecommunications and pursue a Master’s in electrical engineering,” she added. Today, Bornea is one of 70 students across Europe who form the ECSA Student Ambassador Programme, a community she describes as “a vibrant network of motivated students working towards the goal of keeping Europe at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry.”Andra Bornea, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca The event also featured other ECSA student ambassadors who are actively promoting the semiconductor industry within their own academic communities. One of them was András Bálint Mészáros, an electrical engineering student at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, who spoke about his determination to build a student electronics club despite facing administrative hurdles along the way. Reflecting on the process, Mészáros said, “ECSA provided good opportunities to start a community of students interested in observing how the microelectronics industry works.”András Mészáros, Budapest University of Technology and Economics A similar spirit of initiative was shared by Nassim Beladel, a Master’s student at ETH Zurich, who described founding Young Neuromorphs which is a student association focused on computational hardware design inspired by the structure of the human brain. Beladel outlined ambitious plans for the group, including an FPGA hackathon in 2026 supported by the Edge AI Foundation, as well as a proposal to present the association’s work at an IEEE event in Shanghai. Nassim Beladel, ETH Zürich These new initiatives supplement a vibrant network of clubs and events around Europe. Octavian-Constantin Axinte, a Master’s student at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, told the forum of a Romanian competition for electronics students which has its roots way back in 1992. The Technologies of Interconnections in Electronics (TIE) contest attracted 1,500 students to its final stage in 2025. Axinte said that the benefits of participation included “hands-on experience of professional work, interaction with teachers, and, if all goes well, a job offer!” Octavian Axinte, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Pioneering Research Efforts of the Next Generation of Students The Building the Talent Pipeline event also gave ECSA student ambassadors an opportunity to describe the findings of research projects that they have undertaken. Laura Sondakh, a Master’s student at Ghent University, presented her research into the environmental and social impacts of tantalum and cobalt which are critical minerals used in electronic components such as capacitors. “These minerals mostly come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country which ranks very low on development indices,” she explained, noting that many mines are located in conflict-affected regions in the east of the country. Laura Sondakh, Ghent University Vuk Vulević, a Bachelor’s student of telecommunications and IT at the University of Belgrade, shared his work on the applications of quantum computing, highlighting its potential beyond classic engineering uses such as machine learning. He explained how quantum technologies could also be applied “in pharmacology, for simulating complex molecules and testing compounds virtually, and in finance, for performing risk analyses and Monte Carlo simulations at high speed.” Vuk Vulević, University of Belgrade Z Zainab, a Research Assistant at Hochschule Anhalt, shared insights from her research into how mechanical strain can be introduced during the wafer saw-dicing process which is a critical step in turning wafers into individual chips. Using Raman spectroscopy, her work helps identify how key process parameters influence wafer integrity, enabling manufacturers to better optimise dicing conditions and reduce hidden damage that can affect chip reliability and manufacturing efficiency.Z Zainab, Research Assistant, Hochschule Anhalt Future Plans for Building the Talent Pipeline The event concluded by looking ahead at how SEMI and its partners are scaling up programmes to support talent development worldwide. Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager for Workforce Development and EU Projects at SEMI Europe, introduced Reinforcing Skills in Chips Design for Europe (RESCHIP4EU), a Master’s program for training the next generation of semiconductor designers supported by SEMI Europe and STMicroelectronics. Outlining the project’s ambition, Cummings said, “The program has a broad curriculum, covering everything from silicon chips and SoCs to safety-critical software, how to run a team, and how to start a semiconductor business.” Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager, Workforce Development and EU Projects, SEMI Europe The focus then shifted towards engaging younger learners. Marco van Schagen and Tijl Bouman, co-founders of JuniorIOT, unveiled their newest workshop, Chips in Schools, which builds on their work to spark interest in electronics among younger students. During a hands-on demonstration, audience members of all ages were invited to examine LEDs under a microscope, learning how different chips can be identified and classified by function.The Chips in Schools workshop will soon be available on the ECSA e-learning platform as part of the ongoing collaboration between ECSA and JuniorIOT. Reflecting on the importance of early engagement, van Schagen noted: “When we talk about the talent pipeline, we need to ask where this pipeline really begins. For us, it’s so important that we reach out to children early to foster their sense of curiosity and discovery.”Marco van Schagen, Co-founder of JuniorIOT, demonstrating the Chips in Schools workshop with Victoria Cummings.Rounding off the session, Mike Glavin, Program Director for Workforce Development at the SEMI Foundation, spoke about efforts to significantly scale the foundation’s impact. He described how, despite hundreds of individual microelectronics education initiatives across schools and colleges in the United States, their collective impact has often been limited by fragmentation and a lack of coordinated promotion. To address this, Glavin introduced the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), an initiative designed to unify and amplify existing programmes by connecting educators, students and regional partners. The goal, he explained, is to build scalable, sustainable talent pipelines: “We want to answer the questions, how do we train teachers to educate students about semiconductors? How do we connect to networks through which we can train educators at scale? And how do we develop resources so that a university can host its own semiconductor day, rather than requiring the SEMI Foundation to put it on?” Mike Glavin, Program Director for Workforce Development, SEMI Foundation From university labs to industry-aligned Master’s programs, the message at SEMICON Europa 2025 was clear: talent development is critical to sustaining Europe’s semiconductor ambitions. SEMI would like to thank its partners across academia and industry, as well as the vibrant community of ECSA Student Ambassadors, whose collaboration, commitment and creativity are helping to build a diverse, resilient talent pipeline and shaping the future of the global microelectronics ecosystem.SEMI Contact Jatin Mendiratta, Communications Coordinator, European Projects Email: [email protected]

At SEMICON Europa 2025, the Executive Forum programs brought together experts from across the semiconductor value chain to address two critical challenges shaping the industry’s future in Europe: the transformation of the automotive sector and the pursuit of smarter, more competitive manufacturing.Smart Mobility in a Changing MarketKnut Krümmel, Senior Partner Automotive at Porsche Consulting, set the tone with a stark question, “Are we facing a Detroit scenario in Europe, especially in Germany?” – a reference to the decline since the 1990s of the famous “Motor City.” He pointed out that all three of Germany’s giant OEMs, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, are rapidly losing market share in China in the face of a destructive price war, and have suffered large declines in reported earnings. Krümmel outlined four strategic imperatives for Europe’s auto industry: reduce complexity and increase standardization, become software-defined, design regulation that supports innovation, and build stronger partnerships across the ecosystem. He emphasized, “A new mindset is needed—people need to be hungry to win and prepared to suffer in pursuit of victory.”Knut Krümmel, Senior Partner Automotive, Porsche Consulting GmbHAndreas Aal, Head of Semiconductor Strategy at Volkswagen AG and Chair of Europe at SEMI Smart Mobility Global Automotive Advisory Council (GAAC), introduced a proactive approach to redefine the market. He shared Volkswagen’s vision for mobility-as-a-service, exemplified by its roboshuttle pilot in Hamburg. “It is very difficult for a traditional OEM to go into the full digital services world. But this is what we want to do,” said Aal.Andreas Aal, Semiconductor Strategy Volkswagen AG and Chair of Europe GAAC, VolkswagenJan-Philipp Gerhmann, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for Automotive at NXP Semiconductors, added that the traditional value chain is being upended. The industry is shifting from a hierarchical supply chain to vertical integration, with companies like Tesla designing their own chips. Gehrmann introduced NXP’s CoreRide platform, a modular “skateboard” architecture enabling plug-and-play Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and infotainment features for future vehicles.Jan-Philipp Gehrmann, Vice President of Marketing Strategy, NXPA perspective on the future of semiconductors in autonomous vehicles was provided by Dieter Hoffend, Business Director for Automotive at imec: “For autonomous vehicles, you need a higher-end compute capability, which needs a transition to smaller nodes – and that is very costly. In fact, semiconductor companies will not want to commit volume to automotive customers for their most expensive leading-edge ICs. This means that a chiplet architecture will be the most cost-effective approach for vehicles, and will provide the greatest supply chain resilience. To support this, imec’s vision is of an open chiplet marketplace of heterogeneous chiplets which are interoperable.”Dieter Hoffend, Business Director Automotive Sector, imecAchieving End-to-end Manufacturing ExcellenceThe Executive Forum then shifted to a discussion of smart semiconductor manufacturing. Giovanni Notarnicola, Partner at Porsche Consulting, highlighted the untapped potential of AI in fabs. “AI requires massive amounts of data—but fabs often don’t own or control their data. And second, AI talent doesn’t typically reside in semiconductor companies,” said Notarnicola. His recommendation: “AI is not an IT issue—it’s a cross-functional technology. Isolating AI in the IT department is an old-fashioned view which will deter AI talent from joining the industry.”And Notarnicola encouraged the industry to leverage the new white paper produced by SEMI End-to-End Smart Manufacturing Group, which provides an in-depth report on the application of AI in semiconductor fabrication. Giovanni Notarnicola, Partner, Porsche ConsultingOliver Aubel, Corporate Lead for Automotive Solutions at GlobalFoundries, echoed the opportunity. “We have 1 billion sensors in a fab, but 30% of the signals are statistical noise. AI could help us make better sense of the data.”Oliver Aubel, Corporate Lead for Automotive Solutions at GlobalFoundriesA session on smart manufacturing brought to light other proven methods for improving the performance of fabs. Dr. Holland Smith, Director of Data Science at INFICON, described fab control technology that INFICON had helped STMicroelectronics to deploy. As Thomas Gimmig, Director for Industry 4.0 at STMicroelectronics, said, “Our model was a highway control room – a place where a single person controls 220km of road monitored by 400 cameras, and handles one alert every three minutes on average. This is only possible with a huge amount of automation.”Left: Thomas Gimmig, Director for Industry 4.0 at STMicroelectronics; Right: Dr. Holland Smith, Director of Data Science at INFICONAt STMicroelectronics, the new fab control room mimics this model, automating anomaly detection and problem solving. Smith described how the system will not be limited to detecting and handling anomalies which have already occurred. “There is a plan to look ahead at problems which could emerge in future, and to configure it to make proactive suggestions which will prevent anomalies from occurring in the first place,” said Smith. Jamie Potter, co-founder and CEO of Flexciton, showcased how intelligent scheduling tools based on real-time fab capacity are transforming operations. “In the modern fab decisions must be made more frequently, with more intelligence and with fewer people. And that is why fabs need to be made more autonomous,” said Potter.Jamie Potter, CEO Cofounder, Flexciton Ltd“Our tool is based on a dynamic capacity model of the fab, so WIP optimization is based on knowledge of what the fab can actually do now, rather than – as is normally the case in fabs today – on an abstract algorithm which is derived from operational results observed in the past.” Potter said. Robert Wallace, Solutions Architect at Seagate, which has deployed the Flexciton technology, confirmed the impact: “We increased throughput without increasing cycle times, and saw a 30% drop in deviations from forecast completion times.” Robert Wallace, Solutions Architect at SeagateAntoine Amade, President (EMEA) of Entegris, emphasized the importance of benchmarking to guide performance improvements: “We have a robust library of fab case studies. These benchmarks can become the foundation for best practices.” Antoine Amade, President (EMEA) of EntegrisRegulatory Burdens and Regional Challenges In a panel session, the discussion turned to the issues that European semiconductor manufacturing faces in particular. Herbert Blaschitz, Executive Vice President of Advanced Technology Facilities at Exyte, put a strong emphasis on the drag that European regulation imposes on the construction of new fabrication plants: “There is three times more paperwork to complete in Europe than in Asia.” Blaschitz made the contrast with Taiwan, “where they have standard codes of regulation specifically for a wafer fab. In Europe, we have regulations for skyscrapers, we have regulations for building family homes. But we have nothing for wafer fabs.”It could be worse for companies building all new fabs. According to Stephen Rothrock, President and CEO of ATREG, “We are affected by permits and politics most of all when trying to push through the repurposing of fabs.”From Left to Right: Mark Puttock, Sr. Director - Technology and Innovation, Entegris; Giovanni Notarnicola, Partner, Porsche Consulting; Stephen Rothrock, President/CEO, ATREG; Jean-René Lèquepeys, Deputy Director and Chief Technology Officer, CEA-Leti; Herbert Blaschitz, Executive VP of Advanced Technology Facilities, Exyte; Oliver Aubel, Corporate Lead Automotive Solutions, GlobalFoundriesSustainable Manufacturing Practices: A Source of Competitive Advantage?The forum ended with a debate on the value of and problems with Europe’s commitment to sustainability. As Mark Puttock, Senior Director for Technology and Innovation at Entegris, acknowledged concerns that sustainability practices could raise costs and reduce process efficiency. But Jean-René Lèquepeys, Deputy Director and Chief Technology Officer at CEA-Leti, countered: “sustainability can be a competitive advantage. For instance, the industry is under pressure to eliminate PFAS from its processes. CEA-Leti is working on this problem, and the whole world is looking for a solution.”The event concluded with a moment of celebration: Ilya Zabelinsky, Co-founder of the International Subfab Research Labs (ISRL), won a diamond prize sponsored by Nanores Lab,Left: Jakub GawczyńskiJakub Gawczyński, Head of Nanores Lab; Right: Ilya Zabelinsky, Co-founder of the International Subfab Research Labs (ISRL)On behalf of SEMI, we extend our sincere gratitude to the speakers, sponsors, and participants who contributed their expertise and vision to the programs at SEMICON Europa 2025.SEMI ContactAna Bernardo, Senior Manager of Technology Programs SalesEmail: [email protected]