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. 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.
Introducing Kai Hahn: Project Manager R&D at Comet, Industrial X-Ray Systems Division
Kai Hahn’s journey began when he joined the company as a bachelor’s thesis student. His early drive and exceptional contributions quickly set him apart, earning him a role as a cooperative student while simultaneously serving as a "Change Manager." In this capacity, Hahn led high-impact business excellence initiatives, overseeing cross-functional projects at the executive level. Now, as a Project Manager in R&D, Hahn leads agile teams developing cutting-edge automated inspection solutions. His leadership, marked by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, drives both personal and organizational growth, making him a standout in the semiconductor industry.
SEMI: What inspired you to join the semiconductor industry?
Hahn: I didn't actively choose the semiconductor industry; rather, I grew into it together with our brands Comet Yxlon & Dragonfly. Beyond the pioneering spirit our X-Ray System division has, what excites me the most is our direct connection to semiconductors. From turning off your morning alarm to driving to work, staying connected with friends and family, or watching a sports game on TV — semiconductors are everywhere and shape our daily lives.
Working in this industry is both exciting and challenging. Every day, I look forward tackling new projects that push the boundaries of innovation. But what inspires me the most is the transformation that our division is undergoing. We are continuously adapting our processes and procedures to meet the growing demands of the market and our customers. Being part of this dynamic evolution is rewarding and exhilarating.
SEMI: How did your early experiences and education shape your career path?
Hahn: With my degree in business and engineering, I chose a program that covered a wide range of subjects. While I gained knowledge from a broad field, by the end of my bachelor's degree, I realized I lacked practical experience and a clear direction for my career.
Joining Comet as an intern during my final year helped me anchor my career path. I decided to pursue my master's degree while working part-time for the company. This decision allowed me to gain relevant professional experience early on and apply the knowledge from my studies directly to real-world challenges.
SEMI: Can you share a professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, and explain why it’s significant to you?
Hahn: Combining the strengths of Comet Yxlon’s software and Dragonfly’s AI powerhouse — I was the dedicated project manager to support the global technological cooperation of our two software environments to accelerate the 3D IC go to market challenge. My goal was to facilitate methodological collaboration to develop new software inspection workflows for the semiconductor industry.
Looking back, I am proud of what we accomplished: building a cohesive team from different cultures, working across time zones, adapting to various working styles, and successfully launching our first product.
SEMI: As a young professional in the industry, what is your greatest challenge?
Hahn: One of the biggest challenges is the rapid pace of industry change. For development teams, this means shorter development cycles and closer collaboration with international customers. For young professionals, it's essential to maintain a continuous learning cycle to stay current and develop the ability to work effectively across diverse cultures. This ensures we understand the different customer requirements and can implement them effectively.
SEMI: What advice would you give to younger generations aspiring to make an impact in this industry?
Hahn: Gaining practical experience alongside your studies as early as possible is crucial. Internships or working student positions offer valuable opportunities, and sometimes, it’s beneficial to proactively reach out to companies, even if no vacancies are advertised. For me, these experiences made my studies more engaging by linking theory to real-world applications and deepening my understanding of the subjects. Beyond acquiring practical skills and expanding your network, this approach helps clarify the career path you want to pursue after graduation.
SEMI: How do you envision future work environments?
Hahn: Working from home has increasingly become the standard in recent years. While offering many advantages, a significant challenge for companies is maintaining a sense of community. This is easier to achieve when employees are physically present, as in-person interactions tend to be more impactful. It raises the question of how companies can foster a strong sense of community and belonging in the long term without requiring workers to be physically present in the office.
SEMI: What impact has the 20 Under 30 Award had on your career?
Hahn: Overall, this recognition has been both a validation of my efforts and a source of inspiration to continue pushing the boundaries in my work. Beyond the recognition of my contributions and achievements, the award provided a platform to engage with like-minded young professionals beyond my usual network.
Following 20 Under 30 Journeys
Kai Hahn’s journey from a bachelor’s student to a leading Project Manager at Comet, Industrial X-Ray Division is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and leadership in the semiconductor industry. His achievements in integrating teams, developing cutting-edge solutions, and driving organizational transformation highlight the significant impact young professionals can make. Hahn’s story is an inspiring example of how passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable accomplishments. As he continues to push boundaries and shape the future, SEMI looks forward to seeing the continued influence of his work in the semiconductor field.
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 not only excelling in their respective fields but also 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 2023. Nominations for the 20 Under 30 program at SEMICON Europa 2024 close on September 30.
Maria Daniela Perez is Communications Manager at SEMI Europe.
