SEMI News

Each Veterans Day, U.S. citizens pause to recognize the service, sacrifice, and leadership of the millions of Americans who have worn our nation’s military uniforms. At the SEMI Foundation, we believe honoring that service also means creating meaningful opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and military families to bring their skills and experience into the industries shaping our future.Semiconductor employers need skilled talent. At the same time, people leaving military service bring technical aptitude, leadership, attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and a mission-focused approach that can translate exceptionally well to this industry. Yet one challenge continues to stand between military talent and semiconductor employers: translation.A military role rarely has the same title as a semiconductor position. A veteran may have years of experience maintaining sophisticated equipment, troubleshooting complex systems, leading teams, working with electronics, managing logistics, or operating in highly controlled environments without realizing those capabilities align with jobs throughout the semiconductor ecosystem. This Veterans Day, SEMI VetWorks is helping make that connection clearer.A New VetWorks Resource for EmployersThe SEMI Foundation is releasing an updated VetWorks guide designed to help employers better attract, understand, hire, and retain military-connected talent. The guide builds on VetWorks' longstanding employer resources with new military-to-semiconductor career crosswalks, training recommendations, career pathway examples, and practical guidance for recruiters and hiring managers. A centerpiece is a set of 50 military-to-semiconductor career crosswalks developed to connect military careers with potential semiconductor roles. The resource identifies likely skill gaps and offers suggested training pathways, ranging from relatively light upskilling through more advanced technical preparation.Melinda Gomez with Stefanie Watson and Sierra Schafer of Hiring Our Heroes at Veteran Advisory Council Meetings in Seattle, WAThe goal is not to suggest that every military occupation maps perfectly to a single civilian position. Instead, it is to give employers a better starting point for recognizing transferable experience and looking beyond job titles.Employers can access VetWorks resources through SEMI's VetWorks toolkit.Learn From the Organizations Already Doing the WorkResources matter, but partnerships are just as important.On November 4, 2026, the SEMI Foundation convened employers and veteran-serving partners for a virtual VetWorks gathering focused on military talent and employer engagement. The program featured partner spotlights from VetSTEP, Hiring Our Heroes, Heroes MAKE America, and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), followed by a discussion of how employers can work with these organizations to strengthen military recruiting efforts. These partnerships are an important reminder that semiconductor companies do not have to build military recruitment programs alone. VetWorks brings together employers with government, education, and veteran service organizations to help create stronger connections between military communities and semiconductor careers.View the VetWorks Partner Convening recording on Semi Foundation YouTube.Turn Connections Into Careers With ChipPathUltimately, awareness and translation have to lead to opportunity. ChipPath Talent Marketplace signup pageThat is where ChipPath, the SEMI Foundation's industry-wide talent marketplace, comes in. ChipPath connects talent with semiconductor employers and career opportunities, with over 160,000 job openings sourced from 1,200 U.S. SEMI member companies. And employers now have another way to participate.ChipPath Employer Registration and the Employer Dashboard are Now LiveCompanies can register for an employer account, manage roles automatically sourced from their career pages, refine the skills associated with openings, and improve how positions are presented and matched to candidates.On this Veterans Day, we invite the semiconductor industry to move from appreciation to opportunity by taking action: Register for an employer account on ChipPath.Download the VetWorks guide. Learn from organizations already serving the military community. Give recruiters and hiring managers the tools to recognize transferable skills. Register your company on ChipPath. And, most importantly, take another look at the veterans and transitioning service members whose experience may be exactly what your organization needs.Their military title may not look like your job title, but their skills just might.Melinda Gomez is Senior Manager, Workforce Engagement Military Initiatives, SEMI Foundation.

AI is redrawing the map of semiconductor innovation, challenging the industry to enable rapid advancements in high-performance computing. The next leap in computing will not come from a single breakthrough device but from how effectively the industry integrates logic, memory, photonics, packaging and software into complete systems, and ultimately, how quickly it can move those systems from lab to fab.Few organisations sit as close to this shift as imec. As one of the world’s leading research and innovation hubs in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, imec works with partners across the entire value chain, including materials and equipment suppliers, chip designers, foundries and system companies. Since April 2026, imec has been led by CEO Patrick Vandenameele, whose career spans senior industry roles at imec, research and deep-tech entrepreneurship. Ahead of his imec ITF Chip into the Future session on 10 November at SEMICON Europa 2026, taking place 10 to 13 November in Munich, SEMI Europe spoke with Vandenameele about the trends reshaping the industry, why collaboration matters more than ever, and the role Europe can play in global semiconductor competitiveness.What are the most significant technology and market trends shaping the semiconductor industry today?Vandenameele: The semiconductor industry is entering a new phase. For decades, progress was largely driven by scaling individual devices. Today, innovation increasingly happens at the system level, where advances in logic, memory, photonics, packaging, software and system architecture need to come together to deliver meaningful gains in performance, energy efficiency, and functionality. This shift is being accelerated by AI, which is creating unprecedented demand for computing power while raising the bar for sustainability and efficiency.At the same time, we are seeing growing opportunities at the intersection of different technology domains. Technologies such as chiplets, heterogeneous integration, silicon photonics, and advanced memory are becoming essential building blocks for future computing platforms. The challenge is no longer optimising individual components in isolation but orchestrating them into complete solutions that address real-world needs. To translate system-level breakthroughs into impact, the industry also needs a clear path from research and prototyping to scalable manufacturing, so that new technology platforms can be validated, industrialised and ultimately adopted in real-world products.Why is collaboration across the semiconductor ecosystem more important than ever?Vandenameele: The growing complexity of future systems is increasing the need for collaboration across the ecosystem. No single company, university, or country has all the expertise needed to address the challenges ahead. Future breakthroughs will depend on how effectively we combine knowledge and capabilities from across the value chain.This is particularly true in the age of AI. Developing the next generation of computing platforms requires close collaboration between material suppliers, equipment companies, chip designers, manufacturers, system companies, software developers, start-ups, and research organisations. CMOS 2.0 is a good example of this shift, requiring innovation and optimisation across the entire stack rather than within individual technology domains.The semiconductor industry has always been a highly interconnected ecosystem, but the need for collaboration is becoming even more important as technologies become increasingly heterogeneous and system-driven.What role does Europe play in strengthening global innovation and competitiveness in semiconductors?Vandenameele: Europe’s role is defined by its ability to connect complementary strengths across the semiconductor value chain. The region combines excellence in research, semiconductor equipment, manufacturing capabilities, chip design and system architecture, communications infrastructure, automotive technologies, and industrial systems. Together, these capabilities create an ecosystem where innovation can move efficiently from early-stage research to industrial deployment and societal impact. This must also include an environment in which deep-tech ventures can emerge from Europe’s research base, access advanced infrastructure and manufacturing pathways and scale into globally competitive companies.Europe’s opportunity is not to replicate what already exists elsewhere, but to build on its own strengths and connect them more effectively. That also means creating the conditions for a new generation of European innovators to emerge, scale and bring breakthrough technologies to the global market. Initiatives such as the NanoIC pilot line, which bridges semiconductor research and industrial deployment, demonstrate how Europe can bring together research organisations, industry and policymakers to accelerate innovation and strengthen competitiveness across the semiconductor ecosystem.What key message would you like attendees to take away from your imec ITF session at SEMICON Europa?Vandenameele: The future of computing will not be defined by a single breakthrough technology. It will be shaped by how effectively we integrate advances across the full stack, from devices and architectures to software and applications. The question is no longer how to build a better chip, but how to bring together multiple innovations into scalable solutions that address real-world needs, with a clear path from research and prototyping to manufacturing and industrial adoption.That shift requires a new level of collaboration across the ecosystem, and it is exactly what we want to explore at SEMICON Europa and ITF Chip into the Future session.Looking ahead, what opportunities and challenges do you see for the industry over the next five years?Vandenameele: The biggest opportunity lies in the transformative potential of AI and intelligent systems. We are only at the beginning of a technology cycle that will influence virtually every sector, from healthcare and mobility to telecommunications, manufacturing and scientific discovery. The semiconductor industry will play a central role in enabling these advances. Realising that potential will require breakthroughs that make AI systems more scalable and energy efficient. Technologies such as silicon photonics and CMOS 2.0 are helping address critical bottlenecks in performance, bandwidth and power consumption, paving the way for the next generation of computing platforms.At the same time, the challenges are significant. We need to continue improving performance while reducing energy consumption. We need to manage escalating system complexity. We need to ensure access to talent and strengthen pathways from research to industrial adoption. Start-ups can play a critical role in bringing disruptive semiconductor innovations to new markets, provided they have access to advanced infrastructure, deep-tech expertise, manufacturing capabilities and growth capital.Most importantly, we need to maintain the collaborative spirit that has driven innovation in our industry for decades.I am optimistic because the industry has repeatedly shown its ability to reinvent itself. The future will not be defined by a single technology, but by how effectively we bring together multiple innovations into scalable solutions that create value for industry and society.Closing ThoughtsVandenameele’s message is clear: the era of optimizing components in isolation is giving way to an era of system-level orchestration. Delivering on the promise of AI will depend on whether the industry can combine advances across the full stack, keep energy consumption in check, and build reliable pathways from research to industrial adoption. For Europe, the opportunity lies in connecting its complementary strengths to create the conditions for the next generation of deep-tech innovators to scale.These themes sit at the heart of SEMICON Europa 2026. Under the theme “Europe’s Next Era: Navigating the Perfect Storm,” the event brings together the full electronics manufacturing supply chain to explore how collaboration can turn technological complexity into competitive advantage.Join Patrick Vandenameele at the imec ITF Chip into the Future session at SEMICON Europa 2026, Tuesday, 10 November, Hall C1, Messe München.Patrick Vandenameele has served as Chief Executive Officer at imec since April 2026. He has played a pivotal part in shaping imec’s R D strategy and innovation agenda, ensuring the organisation’s research aligns with emerging market needs and technological developments. Patrick holds a PhD from KU Leuven and started his career at imec in 1996. In 2000, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding several deep-tech ventures, after which, he held senior positions at leading semiconductor companies, driving successful product launches and large-scale commercialisation. Upon returning to imec in 2017, he was instrumental in expanding imec’s venturing activities. Since 2022, he consecutively served as Chief Portfolio Officer and as Co-COO, spearheading strategic initiatives spanning business development, and portfolio management.Sitong He is communications manager at SEMI Europe.

The excitement was apparent leading up to the SEMI Foundation’s micro-credential development meeting at GateWay Community College in Phoenix. In preparation, we met with several industry leaders to determine which skills they believed were most essential for their entry-level workforce. In addition, we invested in a job task analysis and a field test for our Equipment Maintenance Technician certification.We felt ready for just about anything, until the massive 5 a.m. thunderstorm hit in the middle of the desert. That was something we hadn’t planned for. We thought about our carefully scripted agenda for the next three days. Would educational institutions and companies openly discuss their struggles with curriculum, hiring, and retention? Also, would they really share their industry knowledge, best practices, and internal training documents with us? Through our experience, we know that educators and private sector leaders sometimes speak different languages. Could we bridge that divide and reach an agreement on a pathway that ultimately leads to rewarding careers in semiconductors? Even more fundamentally, could we come together for the good of the industry? We couldn’t help but wonder: would lightning really strike twice in the desert?A Better Way to Evaluate TalentWeather notwithstanding, we could immediately tell this wouldn’t be just another meeting. For starters, the cross-sector engagement was incredible. The meeting convened industry leaders from Advantest, Amkor, EMD, FM Industries, Intel, and TSMC, along with workforce development and training experts, college educators, and SEMI Foundation employees.Guiding the process was Dr. Tina Koepf from the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI), the leading provider of industry credentials and technical education resources across the United States. Dr. Koepf is a psychometrician with expertise in manufacturing credentials and a doctoral dissertation on high-quality assessments.For many of the organizations represented, this was their first exposure to the relatively new concept of micro-credentials. Ultimately, the goal of micro-credentials is to help verify an individual’s knowledge and skill level in specific disciplines that have practical, real-world relevance.To best understand the role of micro-credentials, imagine being a hiring manager trying to choose an entry-level maintenance technician. You’d likely review a series of resumes and hold interviews with candidates that seem promising on paper. But right off the bat, you’re at a disadvantage. You might see a transcript for a mechatronics program, but that person went to a school you’ve never heard of. Another candidate might not have much academic preparation but appears to have related experience in auto mechanics. A third might have military training and experience. It’ll quickly become apparent that conventional hiring evaluations can only go so far to answer what you really want to know: Which candidate is most prepared to be a productive team member from the start? It’s also important to understand which candidate has the biggest inclination to learn, grow, and succeed.This is where relevant credentials come in. When credentialing programs are created through industry-wide collaboration, they’re better positioned to offer the knowledge and skills needed for today’s jobs, including process and maintenance technicians, supervisors, and engineers.Credentials take various forms, with certificates being the most common. Certificates show that an individual has completed a course or program; however, they don’t necessarily communicate what was learned and to what level of mastery. From there, certifications add another level of verification. Unlike certificates, certifications are based on a standardized assessment of a core body of knowledge. The highest-quality certifications are industry-recognized and third-party validated. In the case of SEMI CredentialingTM, that third party is NOCTI. Like certifications, micro-credentials still involve rigorous exams set to industry standards, but as the name implies, they’re smaller and focused on specific areas of knowledge and readiness. SEMI’s micro-credentials complement SEMI Certifications and provide another way for job seekers to demonstrate readiness for semiconductor careers. Based on a survey of semiconductor manufacturers and interviews with HR professionals, training leaders, and subject matter experts, we prioritized four areas of learning for our new and upcoming micro-credentials. These areas include:Cleanroom Operations and Safety Fab Maintenance, Tools, and MetrologyVacuum Technology Gas and Chemical Distribution SystemsSubject matter experts from industry and academia came together to develop SEMI micro-credentials.Micro-Credential Development ProcessOn the day of our meeting, we leveraged the subject matter expertise in the room to build lists of key competencies, prioritize the most important areas for assessment, and write test questions for each of the four micro-credentials. Everyone was amazed at the progress made in just three days.For Ron Mueller, an engineer at FM Industries and 41-year industry veteran, the workshop exceeded his expectations. “The collaborative discussions and real-world examples presented in the meeting helped me better understand how micro-credentials can be applied across different technical roles and career pathways while supporting the labor force needed,” he said. Kate MacArevey-Colello, an engineering instructor based in California, saw equal benefit from her vantage point in higher education. She explained, “I was really impressed at the coordination of the process and the high level of constructive collaboration among the participants. Micro-credentials can help industry by creating clearer pathways into technical careers. For MiraCosta Technology Career Institute, I see micro-credentials as a way to strengthen connections between our programs and a broader range of employers. Micro-credentials can also give students new ways to demonstrate the skills they've developed and help convince employers at semiconductor-related companies that they are good employment prospects.”GateWay Community College is building a Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Central Phoenix to provide hands-on training in semiconductors. Set to open in 2027, it will be a new resource for Arizona fabs.Representatives from FM Industries, GateWay Community College, Advantest, Intel, TSMC, NOCTI, MiraCosta TCI, Amkor (not pictured), and EMD (not pictured) provided technical expertise to develop credentials of value.What Comes Next?The SEMI Foundation’s micro-credentials are in the final phases of development. Two of the micro-credentials debuted at SEMICON West, along with the highly anticipated Equipment Maintenance Technician certification. Want to get involved? Job seekers can complete this form to learn more about the Equipment Maintenance Technician certification and SEMI Foundation micro-credentials.Colleges and training centers can apply to become testing sites for the Equipment Maintenance Technician certification.Employers can provide technical subject matter expertise to our two upcoming micro-credentials: Vacuum Technology and Gas and Chemical Distribution Systems.Brent Weil is a workforce development consultant and president of Strategic Workforce Partners. Anissa Hamdon-Morison manages curriculum development and training initiatives at the SEMI Foundation.

This summer, the SEMI Foundation brought together 16 high school students from Taiwan and four students from Pennsylvania for the inaugural SEMI Global Schools Academy, a five-day learning experience connecting sustainability, emerging technology, semiconductor careers, and global collaboration.The Academy is one part of the broader SEMI Global Schools model. Classroom and school-based programs give students opportunities to explore semiconductors, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and related careers where they already learn. The Academy builds on that approach by giving a smaller group of students a deeper opportunity to learn across institutions and communities.Students used Micro:bit sensors and AI-driven data analysis to explore environmental challenges including air quality, flooding, wastewater, and sea-level rise, with hands-on activities ranking among the most highly rated parts of the Academy.Following the Academy, nine in 10 participating students reported interest in the semiconductor industry—an encouraging indication that meaningful exposure can help young people see possibilities they may not have previously considered. Connecting Institutions Across BordersWhat made the Academy possible was not a single organization or campus, but a network of institutions working together.In Taiwan, schools, educators, government partners, and advisers helped prepare and support the participating students. In the United States, universities, local governments, educators, community organizations, and industry partners contributed expertise and learning opportunities.SEMI Global Schools serves as a connector across that ecosystem, bringing together institutions that already have strong relationships with students, communities, technology, and the semiconductor industry.That approach also makes the model adaptable. Rather than creating something entirely new in every region, Global Schools can build on the schools, universities, government partners, community organizations, and companies already there.Learning Through Technology, Sustainability, and CommunityStudents began their week at The College of New Jersey, where a sustainability professor from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) introduced climate change, systems thinking, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Throughout the week, students explored artificial intelligence, semiconductors, sensors, coding, micro:bits, environmental monitoring, and data. They considered how technology might help address real-world challenges involving air quality, energy, transportation, infrastructure, and community well-being.The goal was not to turn students into semiconductor experts in five days. It was to help them understand that the technologies they use every day are connected to a much larger ecosystem—and that there are many different ways to participate in it.Students also learned that the semiconductor workforce extends beyond engineering to areas including sustainability, data science, supply chain, business, communications, education, public policy, and workforce development.Learning Beyond the ClassroomThe Academy also gave students opportunities to experience that ecosystem firsthand.Students learned at The College of New Jersey and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, participated in outdoor environmental learning at the New Jersey School of Conservation, visited Princeton University, and engaged with technology and semiconductor professionals.They also interacted with Princeton Mayor Mark Freda and Chester Mayor Stefan Roots, connecting their learning to broader conversations about education, technology, workforce development, and community opportunities.Just as importantly, Taiwanese and American students worked together throughout the week, sharing perspectives, solving problems, and learning across cultural and language differences.Building on What Already WorksThe Academy is one part of a broader Global Schools model that also includes classroom and school-based programs. Those programs can reach students where they already learn, while experiences like the Academy provide a deeper opportunity to engage across institutions and communities.The inaugural Academy offered an early example of what that model can look like: students from Taiwan and Pennsylvania learning together about sustainability, AI, semiconductors, and community challenges while engaging universities, industry, educators, and civic leaders.As the semiconductor industry grows globally, helping young people understand that ecosystem earlier matters.That is the vision behind SEMI Global Schools: connect strong institutions and create meaningful opportunities for more students to see where they might fit in the technology workforce of the future.As the semiconductor industry expands, workforce development, education, community capacity, and strong local institutions will increasingly be part of the infrastructure that supports sustainable growth.Learn more about the SEMI Foundation and SEMI workforce development programs addressing the global semiconductor industry’s talent gap.AcknowledgmentsDr. Prabhakar Shrestha, Assistant Director of Sustainability, New Jersey Institute of TechnologyRandall Solomon, Executive Director, Sustainable Jersey for Schools The New Jersey School of ConservationMelissa Taggart, Senior Director, Project Learning Tree Development and StrategyMary Westlund, Manager, Education Systems, Project Learning TreeBia Hamed, Ph.D., is Program Manager, Global Education Initiatives at the SEMI Foundation, Dr. Yi-Hsuan (Tim) Hsu is Adjunct Professor at National Tainan University in Taiwan, and Justin Harris is Senior Advisor for Climate Equity Social Impact at SEMI.

The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), a European Union-funded initiative coordinated by SEMI Europe, hosted the third Inclusive Chips Forum Bratislava: Bridging Education and Industry for Inclusive Talent at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava on September 2, 2026. Co-organized with ECDA project partner Comenius University in Bratislava, the forum brought together educators, industry representatives, policymakers, and researchers to explore how collaboration between academic institutions and employers can open the semiconductor sector to a broader, more inclusive talent pool.The event addressed questions at the heart of Europe's semiconductor ambitions: how universities and employers can work together to attract and retain talent that is too often overlooked, what role institutional culture and leadership play in creating genuinely inclusive environments, and which models of cooperation are already proving effective across Europe and Slovakia. Through presentations, panel discussions, and exchanges of good practice, participants explored concrete approaches to building pathways into the semiconductor sector for people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. “Europe's semiconductor future depends on its ability to draw on the full depth of its talent,” said Cassandra Melvin, Senior Director, Business Development and Operations at SEMI Europe. “That means breaking down the barriers between education and industry, and making sure that the people who have historically been left out of this sector have a real path in."The program featured perspectives from across the ecosystem: from the counselling and psychological support systems that help students with diverse needs thrive in higher education, to the sharp decline in female enrolment at technical schools over recent decades, to what it means to build a semiconductor workforce that extends well beyond engineering. A closing panel, Connecting Education and Industry to Build Inclusive Semiconductor Talent, brought together representatives from SEMI Europe, the Czech and Slovak Semiconductor Centers, and onsemi Slovakia to discuss successful models of talent development and how education can better respond to the needs of a rapidly evolving sector.“Bringing educators and employers into the same room is necessary, not just useful,” said Janka Kottulová, Project Manager at Comenius University in Bratislava and co-organizer of the event. “The semiconductor sector cannot build the workforce it needs without universities and industry designing that future together, and forums like this one are where that work begins." SEMI Europe thanks the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, the Slovak Chips Competence Centre, and Comenius University in Bratislava for their partnership in organizing the Forum, with special thanks to Andrea Fábiková and Janka Kottulová for coordinating the event and its program.The Inclusive Chips Forum Bratislava is part of a series of events organized under the ECDA project, bringing together stakeholders across Europe to advance inclusion in the semiconductor sector. Information on upcoming forums will be announced shortly.About the European Chips Diversity AllianceThe ECDA is a collaborative initiative comprising 11 partners across Europe. ECDA works to expand access to training and employment in microelectronics by removing barriers for underrepresented and underserved communities, helping unlock the full spectrum of Europe's talent pool. Learn more at diversityinchips.eu or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Inclusive Chips Forum?The Inclusive Chips Forum is a series of public events organized by the ECDA bringing together educators, industry representatives, policymakers, and researchers to explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion can strengthen Europe's semiconductor talent pipeline. Each forum is hosted in a different European location and focuses on practical approaches to building more inclusive pathways into the sector.What topics were covered at the Inclusive Chips Forum Bratislava?The forum covered a wide range of topics, including inclusion practices in universities and companies, counselling and psychological support as tools for inclusion in higher education, gender representation in technical schools, diverse career pathways into the semiconductor sector beyond engineering, and how education and industry can collaborate more effectively to attract and retain underrepresented talent.Who attended the Inclusive Chips Forum Bratislava?The forum brought together educators and education managers from higher education and vocational training institutions, HR professionals and company representatives from the semiconductor sector, policymakers, and researchers from across Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, and wider Europe.How can educators and industry representatives get involved with ECDA?Organizations and individuals can engage with ECDA through its events, training programs, and online resources at diversityinchips.eu. ECDA welcomes participation from academic institutions, companies, and public bodies across Europe committed to building a more inclusive semiconductor workforce.When is the next Inclusive Chips Forum?Information on the next Inclusive Chips Forum will be announced shortly. Follow ECDA on LinkedIn and Instagram or visit diversityinchips.eu to stay up to date.Marta Scandella is Communications Coordinator for EU Projects at SEMI Europe.

The SEMI Quality Benchmark Consortium (QBC) met August 19–20 at Texas Instruments (TI) in Dallas, bringing together quality leaders from across the semiconductor industry to benchmark best practices and address common manufacturing challenges.Fern Yoon, VP of World Quality at Texas Instruments, hosted the latest face-to-face meeting, bringing together representatives from Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors, GlobalFoundries, and Intel Corporation for two days of technical discussions, benchmarking, and knowledge sharing.The QBC operates on a "give-to-get" philosophy, with members contributing survey data and participating in open discussions to build a shared library of industry best practices. This meeting centered on three topics: audit programs, failure analysis, and multi-source fab qualification.The office of Jack Kilby, inventorof the Integrated Circuit in 1958The meeting opened with an overview of Texas Instruments' business, global manufacturing footprint, and quality organization. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour Jack Kilby's historic office, offering a glimpse into the legacy of the co-inventor of the integrated circuit and the innovations that helped shape the semiconductor industry. Benchmarking Audit Programs and Quality SystemsThe first benchmarking session focused on internal audit programs and quality management systems. Participants compared how their companies qualify auditors, structure audit organizations, and comply with quality management standards. The discussion also covered supplier audits, management reviews, customer audits, and ways to improve audit effectiveness while reducing duplicate effort. Sharing Best Practices for Failure AnalysisThe second session focused on Electrical-Induced Physical Damage (EIPD), Electrical Overstress (EOS), and No Trouble Found (NTF) investigations. Participants compared failure analysis workflows, stress testing methods, customer communication practices, and criteria for closing investigations. Strengthening Multi-Source Fab QualificationWith manufacturers continuing to expand production capacity, multi-source qualification remains an important priority. Members compared strategies for technology transfer, risk assessment, customer communication, and qualification planning to demonstrate equivalent manufacturing capability across multiple fabs.Looking AheadThe meeting concluded with an update from the AI Product Quality Working Group, which is finalizing a white paper on AI-enabled Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Members also identified future benchmarking topics, including traceability, maverick lots, and quality at speed.Through open benchmarking and knowledge sharing, the SEMI Quality Benchmark Consortium continues to help members strengthen quality systems, improve manufacturing performance, and advance semiconductor quality across the industry. The consortium will continue its work at the upcoming meeting to be hosted by NXP in Eindhoven. Front row (left to right): Fern Yoon (Texas Instruments), Sumitra Sukumaran (Intel), Jens Luepke (Infineon), Lou Cerra (NXP), Roberto Lissoni (STMicroelectronics)Back row (left to right): Karim Somani (SEMI), Mark da Silva (SEMI), Eamonn McGovern (Intel), Mark Mason (Texas Instruments), Joe Beyer (NXP), Paul Tiner (Texas Instruments), Ivo Clerici (GlobalFoundries), Wesley Hirsch (TI)

The SEMI Startups for Sustainable Semiconductors (S3) program has announced 12 startups chosen as finalists for pitching to the industry at SEMICON West 2026 in San Francisco, California. The finalists were chosen from a field of 33 semifinalists after a virtual pitch event held over two days on July 29 and 30. Startups were evaluated by the organizing committee on five factors: the sustainability impact on our industry, commercial viability of product, company value proposition, the quality of the pitch and the startup team.The committee, made up of experienced Corporate Venture Capitalists (CVCs) from the global semiconductor industry and chaired by Micron, received submissions across four categories identified for 2026:Decarbonized Semiconductor ManufacturingDesign for Sustainability – Chips PackagingDatacenter Efficiency in Power Delivery and ThermalsNew Frontiers in Sustainable ComputingNow in its fifth year, the program is built around two strengths: exposure to semiconductor industry CVCs and the personal mentoring each startup receives. Mentoring topics are tailored to align with the greatest need of the startup and can range from a basic introduction to semiconductor manufacturing to connections with new funding sources. A full analysis of the program is available here.This year’s cohort spans six countries across four continents. The 12 finalists bring solutions across abatement, thermal management, water reuse, wafer inspection, power delivery, simulation, advanced packaging and memory architecture.The SEMI Startups for Sustainable Semiconductors pitch event will take place on the Sustainability Pavilion Stage on Wednesday, October 14, starting at 1:00 p.m. Andrew Byrnes, Director of Venture Capital for Artificial Intelligence at Micron Technology and chair of the S3 steering committee, will open the session and introduce the startup pitches.The finalist pitches will run through the afternoon, with each presenter given a 10-minute slot. Halfway through the pitch order, I will host a fireside chat with Steven Bakota, Corporate Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Corporate Development at Micron. The conversation will cover the role of startups in semiconductor sustainability and how they can build strong partnerships with large fabs.After the second group of pitches, votes for the winning startups will be tabulated during the S3 alumni panel, where past participants will inspire this year’s finalists with their stories of building partnerships in the semiconductor industry. An awards ceremony at 4:05 p.m., sponsored by Pangaea Ventures, will wrap up the S3 event and kick off the Sustainability Reception.Investors are welcome to attend the session at SEMICON West and to register their interest here to learn more about the 2027 program.2026 S3 FinalistsListed in presentation order.Rise Technology srlMilano, Lombardy, ItalyRise Technology develops next-generation semiconductor equipment based on its proprietary Dynamic Drop™ technology, overcoming the limits of conventional electroplating. The platform enables high-uniformity, high-throughput formation of interconnects, improving yield and enabling advanced architectures in heterogeneous integration, including chiplets, DRAM stacking, and 2.5D/3D packaging.KoolMicro, Inc.Dongtan, Gyeonggi-do, South KoreaKoolMicro is engineering the “Thermal Highway” for the AI era. The company develops Integrated Manifold MicroChannel (IMMC) modules that handle 4,000W and higher thermal loads. Its Direct-to-Chip solution uses vertically sprayed coolant to remove heat directly from the chip level, ensuring next-generation GPUs and CPUs never throttle.VEIR, Inc.Woburn, MA, USAVEIR develops superconducting power solutions, including cables and supporting infrastructure, from grid to rack.IWI Australia Pty LimitedSydney, NSW, Australia IWI Australia has developed and piloted a patent-pending catalytic quench of hydrogen peroxide in fab wastewater, particularly in complex water matrices with high peroxide load, extreme acidity and heavy metals. The company has also developed a patent-pending oxidation process for triazole, another pain point in fab operation and water reuse.enaDyneLeipzig, Saxony, GermanyenaDyne builds a fully electric, modular abatement system for semiconductor fabs based on non-thermal plasma catalysis. Its reactor destroys PFCs, VOCs, and NOx at greater than 99% destruction and removal efficiency through electron-impact chemistry at near-ambient temperature, fitting the same footprint as burn-wet for direct drop-in replacement. The same hardware extends to electrified chemical synthesis.Powerlattice Technologies Inc.Phoenix, AZ, USAPowerlattice has developed the first true monolithic integrated voltage regulator designed for high-wattage ASICs and XPUs operating above 1kW.UNISERSZurich, Canton of Zürich, SwitzerlandUNISERS has developed a novel wafer defect inspection and characterization technology to help fabs find and identify minute contaminants below 10nm, which are mostly invisible to currently used inspection equipment. As transistor nodes move to 3nm and below, these very small particles cause significant yield issues in state-of-the-art wafer fabs.CHIPADD, Corp.Binghamton, NY, USACHIPADD is the first to additively manufacture ultra-efficient copper cooling features directly onto the surface of GPU, CPU, and other high-power silicon chips. The company’s innovation includes materials and methods for robust bonding, manufacturing of solid and porous cooling features, enhanced materials for cooling, and manifold and precision jet design.FlexcomputeBoston, MA, USAFlexcompute builds a GPU-native physics simulation platform: Tidy3D for photonic and electromagnetic FDTD, PhotonForge for photonic design automation, Flexcompute RF for full-wave electromagnetics, and Flow360 for computational fluid dynamics and thermal analysis, delivering results 50 to 500 times faster than legacy CPU tools. FlexAgent, the company’s AI assistant, enables engineers to run and iterate simulations via natural language, accelerating chip and data center component design.HEXAspec Inc.Houston, TX, USAHEXAspec develops advanced molding compounds for semiconductor encapsulation using high-aspect-ratio hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets in polymers. Its scalable, patent-protected exfoliation process enables ten times higher thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and compatibility with standard OSAT and foundry packaging for HPC, automotive, and edge-AI applications.K1 SemiconductorChicago, IL, USAK1 Semiconductor creates engineered semiconductor wafers by peeling thin layers from high-quality single-crystal parent wafers. Its patented wafer splitting method releases a 5 to 50 micron-thick layer of single-crystal material from the parent wafer, which is then transferred and bonded to a handle wafer to create a custom semiconductor wafer.FS2Saint Louis, MO, USAFS2 is developing a monolithic 3D integration platform and memory, building next-generation stacked 3D SRAM and Process-on-Memory architectures. Its product delivers memory solutions with bandwidth, capacity, low latency, energy efficiency and cost advantages for AI workloads. Saifi Usmani is VP, Global Industry Sustainability Programs at SEMI.

The SEMI Energy Collaborative (EC) is proud to have earned a 2026 Renewable Energy Markets (REM™) Asia Award, one of the region’s most respected honours for organisations driving meaningful clean energy adoption. We received the Outstanding Initiative recognition during the REM Asia 2026 conference on April 21 in Singapore, where we also presented on South Korea’s evolving renewable energy market and policy landscape. This recognition reflects the collective effort of the entire SEMI EC community, member companies, and partners who have supported our mission to achieve 100% low-carbon electricity by 2040. The Story Behind the AwardThe SEMI EC was founded on a straightforward premise: no single company can solve the energy challenges of our industry alone. Decarbonising the semiconductor value chain, one of the most energy-intensive sectors in the world, requires collective action, aligned policy, and large enough demand signals to prompt market response. Since its launch, the SEMI EC has brought together a growing community of semiconductor manufacturers, suppliers, customers, and sustainability leaders to promote renewable energy procurement, policy reform, and clean energy access. Our work has spanned four key fronts:Developing concrete policy recommendations for affordable, low-carbon energy procurement by hosting regular roundtables with government and industry leaders across South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.Building a clear roadmap that gives industry and government a shared understanding of our plan for achieving a low-carbon electricity supply by 2040. Advancing aggregated and group-buy procurement models that make renewable energy economically accessible, and deploying utility green tariffs to deliver more cost-effective and diversified procurement options.Providing the semiconductor supply chain with practical guidance on procurement vehicles, including power purchase agreements, virtual power purchase agreements, and energy attribute certificates, to accelerate informed adoption.One of our biggest milestones to date was SEMI’s November 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gyeonggi Provincial Government in South Korea to expand the semiconductor industry’s access to renewable energy. This MoU was created in partnership with Samsung, SK hynix, and the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA). As a critical hub for the semiconductor value chain, expanding visible renewable energy supply in Gyeonggi Province will directly accelerate industry decarbonisation.Looking AheadThe SEMI EC is also working closely with the Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) to help reach its Scope 2 goal of 100% low-carbon electricity for Asia-Pacific by 2040. To achieve this, we’re engaging with regulators and governments across Asia to shape policy and expand low-carbon energy supplies. Meanwhile, the SCC Scope 2 Working Group Renewable Energy Initiative is equipping supply chain companies with knowledge, tools, and renewable energy procurement pathways to help them act on their decarbonisation commitments. Asia stands at a critical inflection point in the global energy transition. Electricity demand is rising sharply, decarbonisation timelines are compressing, and the semiconductor industry’s role as a major energy consumer and technology enabler has never been more consequential.These considerations motivate us to go further. The pathway to scalable and affordable renewable energy requires sustained coordination between government and industry, but policy frameworks must catch up with industry needs. In addition, procurement costs remain a barrier for many in the microelectronics supply chain. To turn industry influence into policy traction, SEMI EC is helping to bridge these gaps. Thank YouOn behalf of the SEMI EC, we dedicate this award to every member company, partner, and government that has contributed to this journey. When industry comes together with a shared purpose, it can be a powerful force for a cleaner and more sustainable future. We’re grateful to the REM™ Asia community for recognising what this industry can accomplish when we work as one. We look forward to making continued progress with all of you.To learn more, download SEMI’s latest sustainability reports or visit the SEMI Energy Collaborative website.SoYoung Jang is Senior Manager, Energy Collaborative Consortium at SEMI.

This blog series explores how collaboration between industry and academia can empower the next generation of semiconductor innovators. Through insights from leaders, educators, and students, we’ll showcase effective strategies for bridging the talent gap, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful career pathways in the semiconductor industry.As innovation accelerates and new challenges emerge, the industry’s greatest breakthroughs will come from bold, curious students, young professionals, and lifelong learners ready to build what comes next. SEMI spoke with Professor Antonio Costa of the University of Catania about attracting the next generation to STEM, the emerging skills required in the semiconductor industry, and examples of impactful collaboration with local industry, along with many other insights.Costa shared his perspectives following his participation in the SEMI on Campus program, held on April 16, 2026, in Catania, Italy. SEMI: What emerging skills do you believe will be most essential for the next generation of semiconductor innovators, and how can industry and academia work together to nurture them?Costa: I firmly believe in the role of interdisciplinary skills. The next generation of semiconductor innovators will need a blend of deep technical expertise, cross-disciplinary thinking, and adaptability to rapidly evolving technologies specifically based on artificial intelligence. The future semiconductor innovator isn’t just a circuit designer. They’re a systems thinker, data scientist, and materials engineer rolled into one. The most successful ecosystems will be those where academia teaches fundamentals, and industry provides real-world constraints, tools, and scale. So, university and industry should work together to share their knowledge and technological infrastructures with the aim of supporting the next generation of semiconductor innovators. SEMI: In your work with young engineers and researchers, what approaches have you found most successful in nurturing creativity and sustaining curiosity in such a technically complex field? How do you think we can attract the next generation to enter the STEM studies?Costa: Curiosity and creativity are two major features for researchers and engineers in general. Over the years of teaching and coordinating research activity, I have been able to observe that students are increasingly drawn to challenges coming from the industrial world. In a way, one could say that complexity often stimulates curiosity, and when this happens, students are able to deliver their best performance in terms of creativity and quality of results. In my courses, students have always been required to tackle an industry-inspired project work to be eligible to pass the exam. Every year, I invite industry representatives from local manufacturing companies to present real case studies to the classroom, describing their key elements, constraints, and objectives. Students are then asked to solve the industrial case study by applying the problem-solving techniques learned during the course. Based on my experience, I believe that a greater intensity in the relationship between the industrial and academic worlds can further stimulate students' curiosity and the interest of new generations.SEMI: What do you believe are the most significant barriers for students entering the semiconductor industry today, and how can academia help bridge these gaps?Costa: As usual, the main barriers for students concern the gap between the theoretical study mindset developed during university courses and the demands of the industrial world in terms of teamwork skills, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills. Universities and industry should find greater opportunities for collaboration, for example by establishing shared laboratory activities or seminars during which managers from semiconductor companies, and beyond, illustrate the essential aspects of working life and the primary needs of the semiconductor industry. At the same time, it would be advisable to emphasize the employment and career opportunities that the semiconductor industry is currently able to offer. Hackathons, that have a competitive orientation, could also represent a valid stimulus that companies and universities could pursue jointly and on a regular basis.SEMI: How can universities and industry partners collaborate more effectively to create learning experiences that truly unlock students’ potential and prepare them for the sector’s evolving demands? Professor Antonia Costa, University of Catania and Daniele Pagano, STMicroelectronicsCosta: Shared laboratories, curricular and extracurricular internships scheduled on a continuous basis, and periodic seminars held by company representatives with diverse areas of expertise can make a positive contribution to rapidly and robustly unlocking the learning potential of today's students and tomorrow's new hires. In December 2021, the University of Catania and STMicroelectronics signed a framework agreement to strengthen collaboration in the field of power electronics, with a focus on advanced research and training. The agreement aims to support technological innovation and the development of professional skills in the semiconductor sector, including:Research and development: the launch of projects focusing on increasing power density, efficiency, and reliability of power modules. Training and talent: funds for students’ awards, mentorship programs, internships, thesis projects.Innovation: support for technological growth and the development of professional expertise in power electronics. Regional ties: consolidation of Catania's role as a hub for semiconductor research, with strong synergy between the university and the local ST production site. Curricular internships linked to Master’s degree theses, supervised by faculty members across disciplines, primarily within Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and Chemistry programs.SEMI: Can you share other examples of collaborations? Costa: Over the past decade, the University of Catania has been an active partner in multiple European consortia, supporting the development of research projects funded through highly competitive national and European programs. Currently, the University of Catania is engaged in collaborative research with STMicroelectronics through two Horizon Europe projects.In the first project, HiCONNECTS, the Department of Engineering is developing a digital twin architecture aimed at optimizing wafer lot dispatching at STMicroelectronics’ manufacturing facility in Catania.The second project, GENESIS, brings together the Department of Engineering and the Department of Chemical Sciences to pursue an ambitious sustainability objective: the development of innovative methods to identify and reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) generated by semiconductor manufacturing processes, thereby mitigating environmental impact."The role of universities is to help students recognize their potential and guide them toward fields where their abilities can truly flourish. Initiatives like SEMI on Campus are invaluable, as they inspire students through direct engagement with professionals, helping bridge the gap between theory and industrial practice." -- Professor Antonio Costa, University of Catania .custom-quote-block { border-left: 4px solid #d9d9d9; padding-left: 26px; margin: 24px 0; } .custom-quote-block blockquote { margin: 0; padding: 0; border: none; } .custom-quote-block p { margin: 0; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.6; font-style: italic; color: #000; } SEMI: Looking ahead, what role do you see educators playing in shaping the future of semiconductor innovators? Costa: The role of educators, both in schools and, above all, in universities, is to help students recognize their own potential and develop the maturity needed to identify and pursue those fields of knowledge that best highlight their abilities.The SEMI on Campus initiative was immediately embraced by many universities and by myself, as it offers students from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to understand the key skills sought by players in the semiconductor industry, while also highlighting the employment and career paths available in this field.The opportunity to hear directly from prominent speakers who work daily in semiconductor design and manufacturing represents a powerful way to stimulate students’ curiosity and potential, while helping to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge acquired in university classrooms and the practical, results‑oriented approach required in an industrial environment.The benefits for students are broad and significant, as they can assess their own aptitudes and ambitions against the real demands of semiconductor companies, drawing inspiration and insight from firsthand accounts shared by industry professionals.Antonio Costa is a full professor at the University of Catania (DICAR Department). He teaches Production Planning and Control in the Master’s degree in Engineering Management, and Advanced Technologies for Manufacturing Processes in the Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.His research activities are mainly focused on production scheduling, supply chain dynamics, manufacturing process optimization and Statistical Process Control (SPC). He is area editor for Computers Industrial Engineering, member of the Italian Association of Manufacturing Technologies (AITeM) and leads several research collaborations with STMicroelectronics.Interested in bringing SEMI On Campus to your institution or welcoming an industry expert as a guest speaker?Reach out to [email protected]. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of semiconductor leaders!Related Initiatives:SEMI 20 Under 30: The SEMI 20 Under 30 Awards recognize exceptional young leaders in the semiconductor industry who are making significant contributions and driving innovation. Nominations are open!ChipQuest: The ChipQuest Challenge promotes the microelectronics industry to students to build future talent. University and high school students can participate and win amazing prizes! Serena Brischetto is Director Marketing and Digital Engagement at SEMI Europe.

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 imecFrom 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 JourneysDavid 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 ContactJames Lam, Business Development ManagerEmail: [email protected]