The Rising Stars: 20 Under 30 blog series celebrates the brightest young leaders shaping the future of the semiconductor industry. These exceptional individuals have earned the SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 Award for making a remarkable impact across the supply chain—whether in engineering, sales, marketing, or R&D. Nominations for the 2026 20 Under 30 Award are now open, providing the opportunity to recognize and honor the next wave of industry trailblazers.
The series spotlights these rising stars for their career achievements, commitment to innovation, leadership skills, and dedication to driving both business success and community growth.
Follow their inspiring journeys and discover how they are thriving and paving the way for future generations in the semiconductor world.
Meet David Coenen, Senior Researcher at imec
From an early curiosity about how things work to leading advanced research in photonics and thermal management, David Coenen has built his career around understanding and improving complex technologies. His interest in engineering first led him to study aerospace engineering, where he was introduced to nanotechnology and semiconductor systems. What initially seemed abstract gradually became an area he wanted to explore in depth.
This growing interest led him to pursue a PhD, where he developed a strong foundation in semiconductor research. Today, Coenen contributes to advancing technologies that support high-performance computing, data centers, and AI applications, working at the intersection of multiple disciplines to address some of the industry’s most demanding challenges.
SEMI: What inspired you to join the semiconductor industry?
Coenen: I’ve been fascinated by technology for a long time. Ever since I was little, I’ve been eager to learn how things work, from machines to cars and airplanes. This motivated me to study aerospace engineering. During my studies, nanotechnology and semiconductors kept appearing. At first, it felt almost like magic that a piece of silicon could run complex programs. Over time, I developed a deeper understanding and wanted to explore research further. In Belgium, imec is a well-known R&D institute, and I decided to pursue a PhD there to give my career a strong foundation. I also believe the semiconductor industry will have a major impact on the future of society, and I want to contribute to that.
SEMI: How did your early experiences and education shape your career path?
Coenen: When I was around nine or ten years old, I visited imec during a school trip and learned about computer chips. That experience stayed with me. Later, during my engineering studies, I was mentored by teachers who were passionate about science and technology. Their guidance encouraged me to push my boundaries and try things outside of my comfort zone.
SEMI: Can you share a professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, and explain why it’s significant to you?
Coenen: I received the Best Paper Award for a conference paper submitted to iTherm and was later awarded the Harvey Rosten Award for Excellence for the same work. This is particularly meaningful to me because the initial draft received very negative feedback. I was told it was not innovative enough and advised not to submit it to my preferred conference. From this experience, I learned an important lesson: know your worth and do not assume someone is right simply because they have more experience.
SEMI: As a young professional in the industry, what is your greatest challenge?
Coenen: I work in photonics and chip thermal management, which is a rapidly evolving field. Keeping up with the latest technologies and developments can be challenging. These chips are used in data centers and large AI and machine learning systems, which are in high demand. Another challenge is finding master’s or Ph.D. students to join my work. My research sits at the intersection of electronics, photonics, thermodynamics, and machine learning, which makes it highly specialized.
SEMI: What advice would you give to younger generations aspiring to make an impact in this industry?
Coenen: Rome was not built in one day. Developing skills and building a deep understanding of complex technologies takes time. Enjoy your studies and choose something you are passionate about. When you are passionate, learning becomes enjoyable. Think about how you want to impact the world and make it a better place. That gives you strong motivation to work hard.
SEMI: How do you envision future work environments?
Coenen: From my experience, having flexibility in how I plan my day and organize my work helps reduce stress. Not having a rigid schedule allows me to take breaks and reset my mind. Combined with hybrid working, this makes work more enjoyable and sustainable.
SEMI: What impact has the 20 Under 30 Award had on your career?
Coenen: I was very honored to receive this award. There are many researchers equally deserving, which makes it even more meaningful. The award allowed me to connect with people inside and outside my organization whom I would not normally interact with. It also increased my visibility and associated my name with excellence.
Following 20 Under 30 Journeys
David Coenen’s story highlights the curiosity, resilience, and commitment to excellence that define the next generation of semiconductor researchers. His work contributes to advancing technologies that support the growing demands of data processing and AI systems.
The Rising Stars: 20 Under 30 blog series celebrates the exceptional talent and leadership driving the future of the semiconductor industry. Each of the young innovators honored is excelling in their respective fields while shaping the landscape of technology and business with their visionary approaches and dedication. Their stories exemplify the remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment that define the next generation of industry leaders.
The series is intended to inspire and motivate future professionals to pursue their passions and embrace the opportunities within this dynamic industry. Stay tuned for more stories of rising stars who are paving the way for continued growth and innovation in the semiconductor world.
Learn more about the SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 Award and the recipients honored at SEMICON Europa.
If this is of interest and you would like to explore further workforce related topics, we invite you to learn more about ChipQuest.
SEMI Contact
James Lam, Business Development Manager
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