As healthcare undergoes a digital transformation, semiconductor technologies are emerging as a critical foundational enabler, making care more personalized, proactive, and accessible. At SEMI, we’re proud to highlight the leadership of STMicroelectronics (ST), a member and active participant in our Smart MedTech initiative’s governing council, for their commitment to advancing this critical frontier.With decades of experience in sensing, power management, and connectivity, ST is helping to shape a future where electronic systems seamlessly integrate with healthcare and wellness solutions, empowering both patients and providers.The Rise of Wearables and the Role of SemiconductorsST has long delivered innovation in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics. Now, the company is applying its expertise to wearable health technologies, a rapidly growing segment that’s reshaping how we monitor, diagnose, and manage health.Today’s wearables go far beyond their predecessors. They capture vital signs and biomarkers such as heart rate variability, ECG signals, blood pressure trends, and more with medical-grade accuracy, providing real-time insights that can inform treatment and improve outcomes. This evolution represents not just a technological leap, but a shift in how we deliver and think about healthcare.A Shared Mission to Scale MedTech InnovationST’s active engagement with SEMI’s Smart MedTech initiative reflects our shared commitment to building an agile, responsive ecosystem that can bring life-changing technologies to the market faster. Through Smart MedTech, SEMI unites leaders across the electronics and healthcare value chains to identify systemic barriers, spark cross-sector dialogue, and co-create strategies for scalable success.ST brings invaluable perspective and technical depth to this mission. Their approach focusing on full solutions rather than standalone components, demonstrates how semiconductor companies can play a central role in enabling integrated healthcare systems.Meeting the Moment: Prevention, Personalization, and ReachHealthcare systems globally face mounting challenges: aging populations, chronic disease burdens, rising costs, and a projected shortfall of 18 million healthcare workers (WHO, 2019). Against this backdrop, wearables and remote health monitoring tools are poised to deliver tremendous value.As ST points out, the economic case is clear: treating chronic disease can be 100 times more expensive than prevention, wearables offer a proactive path forward. By enabling continuous, at-home health tracking, these devices empower individuals to take control of their wellness and allow providers to intervene earlier and more effectively.Accelerating the Future TogetherAt the SEMI 2025 Technology Workshop, ST joined a panel discussion exploring how semiconductors are reshaping healthcare. The session highlighted the need for earlier diagnosis, personalized care, and scalable solutions amid rising chronic disease and healthcare labor shortages.Panelists emphasized moving beyond component sales to integrated, system-level solutions. ST’s role on the Smart MedTech governing council emphasizes their commitment to cross-sector collaboration and advancing MedTech adoption.The MedTech revolution requires more than great products, it demands aligned ecosystems, shared knowledge, and coordinated strategies. As a member of SEMI and a key voice in our Smart MedTech initiative, ST exemplifies how semiconductor innovation can drive real change in healthcare.We’re proud to work alongside ST and other industry leaders who are committed to creating smarter, more sustainable healthcare through electronics. Because in today’s healthcare landscape, an ounce of prevention enabled by semiconductors isn’t just worth a pound of cure, it’s a blueprint for global health resilience.See the full ST article STMicroelectronics and Medtech: Enabling Personalized Healthcare and Wellness through the Integration of Electronics featured on Smart MedTech webpage.Gity Samadi is Senior Director of R D at SEMI.Rafael Tudela Senior Technical Marketing Manager at SEMI.Michelle Smith-Moritz is Senior Program Manager, Smart MedTech at SEMI.

May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who’ve worn the uniform — and their families who’ve served alongside them. At SEMI, we believe this recognition must extend beyond appreciation. It should be a commitment to opportunity, support, and action.Through the SEMI VetWorks program, we help transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses access high-growth careers in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. We also provide our member companies with the tools and resources they need to successfully recruit, hire, and retain military-connected talent. This Military Appreciation Month, we’re calling on SEMI members to take action — not just in May, but year-round.What SEMI VetWorks OffersVetWorks is more than a program — it’s a network of opportunity that helps bridge the transition from military service to civilian careers. Here’s how we support both job seekers and employers:SEMI VetWorks Guide for EmployersThis guide helps companies understand military experience, translate skills, and develop inclusive hiring strategies that resonate with veterans and military spouses.Monthly Military Resume ReleasesEach month, SEMI VetWorks distributes a curated list of resumes from transitioning service members and military spouses to participating member companies. This direct pipeline provides early access to mission-ready talent.Perla DeBaggis and Melinda Gomez of the SEMI Foundation at Luke AFB Military Hiring EventMilitary Engagement EventsVetWorks hosts and joins industry-specific hiring events, career fairs, and workforce development briefings that connect member companies directly with military-affiliated candidates.careers.semi.org/militaryThis dedicated career portal is designed for veterans and spouses exploring semiconductor industry jobs. It features training resources, employer spotlights, and a streamlined job search experience tailored to the military community.Our Strategic PartnershipsVetWorks also partners with organizations that share our mission to support veterans and military spouses. Together, we provide critical services, from career coaching to job placement and certification programs. These include:Department of Labor’s Employment Navigator Partnership Program (ENPP)We work closely with DOL Navigators who refer transitioning service members to SEMI for career coaching and connection to job opportunities.Marvin Branch of Heroes MAKE America, Melinda Gomez of SEMI VetWorks and Eric Putt of Hiring Our Heroes at Ft Cavazos Semiconductor Information Session Hiring Our Heroes (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)A national initiative that SEMI VetWorks supports through event participation and career pathway promotion in the semiconductor industry.Heroes MAKE America (Manufacturing Institute)Prepares veterans for advanced manufacturing roles with hands-on training, certifications, and job placement support.NYCREATES Vet S.T.E.P.A New York-based program offering veterans specialized training and certifications for semiconductor manufacturing roles.DOD Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)Connects military spouses with employment opportunities that offer flexibility and long-term career growth.What SEMI Members Can Do NowSupporting the military community is not only the right thing to do — it’s a strategic investment in a dedicated, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce. Here are five actionable ways your company can get involved:Use the VetWorks Guide to educate HR and hiring managers on how to evaluate military experience.Sign up for our Monthly Resume Release to receive vetted candidates directly from our pipeline.Participate in Military Engagement Events to connect with transitioning service members and spouses.Establish internal support systems, such as military-affiliated Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or mentorship programs.Review and adjust your benefits policies to better support reservists, National Guard members, and military families (e.g., flexible leave, relocation support, remote work options).These actions not only improve veteran and spouse recruitment — they strengthen your organization’s culture, resilience, and brand reputation.Join Us in Building the FutureThis Military Appreciation Month, we honor those who have served by building pathways for them to thrive in our industry. Through SEMI VetWorks, we’re proud to create those pathways — but we can’t do it without you.Get started today:Visit semi.org/veteransExplore our military to semi careers portalReach out to Melinda Gomez ([email protected]) with the SEMI VetWorks team to learn how your company can get involvedLet’s turn appreciation into action — and build a stronger, more inclusive industry together.Melinda Gomez is Program Manager, Veteran Initiatives at the SEMI Foundation.

As artificial intelligence (AI) proliferates rapidly, AI models and datasets are also growing rapidly in size. This growth far outpaces performance improvement in hardware systems, and is increasing AI’s energy consumption unsustainably. To address these challenges and explore collaborative solutions, SEMI’s Smart Data-AI Initiative - as part of its Future of Computing focus - recently hosted a day-long workshop on Sustainable AI Systems that brought together domain experts from the entire AI ecosystem. Speakers included industry leaders Applied Materials, AMD, Arm, ASE, Google DeepMind, IBM, Intel, Lam Research, McKinsey, Micron, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, SK hynix; exciting start-ups Cerebras, LightMatter, Mentium Technologies and Mueon; and leading-edge academic institutions, Stanford University and University of California, Davis Irvine. The keynotes, panels and spirited audience discussions covered novel devices, materials, advanced packaging, chiplets, photonics and architectures algorithms for data centers, cloud edge. This article synthesizes high-level insights from the workshop.The AI ImperativeThe day started with a basic question – why is AI essential to continued progress and prosperity? The answer lies partly in shifting global demographics, with the population aging in most developed economies. At the turn of the century, there were ~6 people in the workforce supporting each retiree, but projections indicate there will be only 2 active workers per retiree by 2050. In parallel, productivity growth rates have fallen to half of what is required. AI can help bridge this gap, if we can ensure continued progress of AI in a responsible and sustainable manner.The Energy WallA formidable roadblock to continued progress of AI is its rising energy demands. For example, the energy used by some large language models (LLMs) to run just one training cycle could be used to power thousands of homes. The switch to transformer models has increased AI-driven computing demand by a factor of 50 million over 5 years, and by some projections, this demand will consume half the world's generation capacity by 2050. This is clearly not sustainable! All players in the ecosystem are deeply committed to reducing AI’s energy consumption, and the industry has already decreased the energy used per token of computing by a factor of 100K in the past 10 years. However, the rapid growth of AI outpaces this, highlighting the huge challenge ahead.The System StackThis workshop was developed with the hypothesis that innovation is required across all segments, and an important first step is to initiate a dialog. Our highly distinguished speakers covered the entire solution stack, and while it is impossible to capture the ocean of insights that they shared, the following provides a flavor.Materials DevicesMaterials and devices used to build semiconductor chips form the foundation of the stack for all computing systems. Silicon substrates with copper interconnects remain industry’s mainstay, but are being augmented by innovative ideas. As device dimensions continue to shrink, novel 2D materials such as MoSe2, WSe2, ZrSe2 and NbP are being researched. While Si mobility degrades with decreasing film thickness, 2D materials maintain high electron mobility in thin-film substrates. These can be stacked to build 3D systems with lower power consumption than traditional planar structures. In parallel, novel device technologies such as gate-all-around (GAA) can provide power savings up to 25%.These novel materials and devices are complex, and require almost magical wizardry to build. For example, they may require depositing a stack of multiple defect-free films that are only a single (or few) atomic layer(s) thick, or etching a steep well that is one hundred times as deep as it is wide. It is an incredible accomplishment of the semiconductor industry to build these devices and chips successfully, but it is getting harder and more expensive. Consequently, AI is now being used as a tool to help with this ever-growing fabrication complexity of semiconductor R D and manufacturing. This is a synergistic virtuous cycle, where AI algorithms enabled by chips are used in turn to help with chip fabrication.System IntegrationThe next layer of the stack is the integration of individual devices into a system. Advanced packaging techniques, such as silicon or glass interposers (2.5D) for interconnecting chips, can reduce the communication distance and power consumption. These are often deployed for high-performance computing systems running AI algorithms. Beyond this, the industry is actively exploring 3D systems that are even more compact, both as multi-die 3D packages and as monolithic 3D chips.The concept of chiplets – smaller chips with specialized functions that can be assembled flexibly to optimize system performance – holds much promise. Industry consortia are developing protocols such as Universal Chiplet Interconnect ExpressTM (UCIeTM) to enable seamless integration of chiplets both in the planar and vertical dimensions. These advanced techniques pack more functional elements into increasingly compact form factors, but this proximity makes power delivery challenging and often generates intense heat. Much work is needed to ensure optimal power delivery and adequate thermal dissipation.Looking beyond traditional electronics, photonics represents an exciting opportunity. Most long-distance data communication is on fiber-optic cables and thus already photonic – bringing this to shorter distances can save energy while increasing bandwidth and performance. This requires efficient photonic-electronic integration at the packaging or even chip level, which is a major challenge requiring cross-disciplinary collaboration.Architectures and AlgorithmsAI algorithms need enormous amounts of data processing compared to traditional computing workloads. This requirement stretches (or breaks) the limits of traditional Von Neumann architecture, which requires frequent data movement between memory and processor elements for each computation cycle. Much of current architecture innovation focuses on bringing processor and memory elements closer to each other. System integration is already driving “compute-near-memory” architectures like high bandwidth memory (HBM). Other forward-looking implementations combine them into a single chip, known as compute-in-memory (CIM). Memory elements being explored for this purpose include resistive RAM (RRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and magnetic RAM (MRAM). However, there is no one “perfect” memory – each has pros and cons in terms of latency, capacity, bandwidth, power consumed per operation, manufacturability, etc. Other researchers are also exploring devices like memristors for analog computing, which can improve energy efficiency for certain workloads.Finally, hardware-software co-optimization is crucial. Algorithms mismatched with the underlying system are energy expensive; conversely, co-optimized systems are highly efficient. While conceptually obvious, this is difficult in practice because development cycles are quite different – software algorithms can transform in a few months, while new hardware often takes years to develop. While some strategies can be used for mitigation – such as designing in redundancy/flexibility or making the hardware application-specific – much work remains to solve this conundrum.Pre-competitive Collaboration to Find SolutionsAll speakers emphasized that pre-competitive collaboration across the entire stack is critical, as these challenges are formidable and cannot be solved by one entity or in isolated silos. SEMI is a global and neutral organization with over 3,000 member companies, and is well-positioned to provide a pre-competitive collaboration platform to connect the dots across silos. In fact, SEMI’s mantra is “Connect, Collaborate, Innovate” – reinforcing its commitment to advancing the entire industry. For this purpose, SEMI’s Smart Data-AI Initiative continues to drive robust discussions on this topic – next there will be a roundtable discussion during SEMICON Southeast Asia, May 20-22 in Singapore, followed by a focused technology session at SEMICON West 2025, October 7-9 in Phoenix, Arizona. The overall objective is to move from “talking-the-talk” to “walking-the-walk,” towards creating system-level solutions for energy-efficient AI computing. Specifically, we want to identify the pre-competitive actions that could synergize individual innovations and make the whole greater than the sum of parts. Some ideas include collaborative proof-of-concept projects, industry standards and independent benchmarking. Come join us on this journey and connect with us at [email protected]. Dr. Pushkar P. Apte is the Strategic Technology Advisor and leads the Smart Data-AI Initiative at SEMI.

The semiconductor industry is at the forefront of technological innovation, with rapid advancements in recent years. As a result, the need for high-quality products and technologies has become increasingly important. To address this challenge, SEMI has launched the Quality Benchmarking Consortium (QBC), a new initiative dedicated to advancing quality best practices across the global semiconductor industry. Quality is a fundamental requirement for all semiconductor products and technologies. Over the past decade, state-of-the-art quality practices have evolved significantly to keep pace with rapid innovation and technological advancements. However, new challenges have emerged, including qualifying increasingly complex systems, advanced packaging and 2.5/3D integrated systems, and the growing role of AI/ML in manufacturing. Company-to-company benchmarking is a powerful tool for enhancing quality practices. By sharing information, input, and feedback, companies can establish best-known methods (BKMs) to elevate quality best practices across the entire industry. This approach can save time and money, while also driving innovation and improvement. The QBC is open to multinational corporations, including device manufacturers, fabless device makers, and foundries, that ship over 100 million units per year and have a high-caliber quality organization. The consortium operates on a "Give-to-Get" philosophy, requiring members to actively participate in discussions and activities. Permitted topics for discussion include working processes, management systems, approaches, and KPIs, driven by global customer trends or internal development. However, off-limit topics include IP and patent-protected quality technical solutions embedded in technologies, packages, design, testing, and software.Figure 1: (From Right to Left) - Georg Talut (Global Foundries), JensLuepke (Infineon), Rutger Wijburg (Infineon), Roberto Lissoni (ST Microelectronics), Marcus Richter (Bosch), Bill Lechten (Micron), Georg Georgakos (Infineon) Mark da Silva (SEMI)The first in-person consortium meeting was hosted by Infineon at its Campeon campus in Munich, Germany, and brought together representatives from Infineon, STMicroelectronics, Bosch, GlobalFoundries, and Micron. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Jens Luepke, Senior Director of Quality Management at Infineon, who introduced the company's global operations, history, and employee support initiatives. Rutger Wijburg, COO at Infineon, outlined the company's strategic focus on decarbonization, digitalization, and revenue growth across key business segments. He shared Infineon's investments in new facilities and emphasized the critical role of quality management in navigating industry challenges such as accelerated qualification cycles, increasing product complexity, and mounting cost pressures. Wijburg encouraged participants to leverage insights from the consortium to enhance quality processes within their own organizations and deliver greater value to customers. In preparation for the first in-person meeting, consortium members were organized into three teams, each addressing a core area of quality management: Design Quality (Robustness), (Quality) Organization Structure and Supplier Quality Management.The Design Quality session at the QBC focused on integrating design quality into the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, covering topics such as accountability, quality metrics, and bug tracking systems. Subject matter experts shared strategies on design quality methodologies, metrics, and verification processes, including the use of generative AI. The Organization Structure session shared existing quality organizational structures and management strategies, including reporting lines, functional responsibilities, and employee training programs. The Supplier Quality Management session addressed procurement practices, inventory management, and supplier qualification, with companies sharing best practices for mitigating material fluctuations and advancing sustainable procurement. Overall, the sessions aimed to share knowledge and best practices to improve design quality, organizational structure, and supplier quality management in the semiconductor industry.The meeting concluded with formal nomination of Roberto Lissoni (STM) and Jens Luepke (Infineon) as QBC co-chairs. The meeting wrapped up with a call to action: Expanding the consortium, planning the next in-person meeting (targeted July’25), and amplifying industry engagement. We're excited to welcome new members to the Quality Benchmarking Consortium! If you're interested in joining the conversation, contact Mark da Silva ([email protected]) or Sarah Shen ([email protected]) to learn more.Sarah Shen is Senior Coordinator, MEMS Sensors Industry Group at SEMI.

The semiconductor industry is at the heart of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and medical devices to communication systems and transportation. However, to sustain its rapid growth and innovation, the industry faces a pressing challenge: a growing talent gap. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that students are not only equipped with the necessary skills but also have clear pathways into the workforce.That’s where SEMI On Campus comes in. Launched in March 2025 by SEMI Europe, this new initiative is designed to bring together the semiconductor industry and universities, fostering collaboration that benefits students, educational institutions, and companies alike. With its first edition in Poland, SEMI On Campus is already making waves by reaching over 150 students and strengthening industry-academia connections.First Stop: PolandThe inaugural SEMI On Campus event took place at Gdańsk University of Technology and The University of Gdańsk, where key representatives from SEMI Europe—Bernard Capraro (Senior Manager, University Partnerships Talent Initiative), Victoria Cummings (Senior Manager, Workforce Development EU Projects), Maria Daniela Perez (Senior Manager, Business Development), and Kartikey Srivastava (Senior Specialist, Communications)—met with deans, professors, and students from various faculties.The Power of Industry-Academia CollaborationCollaboration between universities and the semiconductor industry is crucial in ensuring students gain practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and direct access to job opportunities. Companies, in turn, benefit from a steady pipeline of skilled graduates ready to drive innovation and meet industry demands.During the event, Bernard Capraro shared his own journey, from an engineering internship in Germany to leading research and development initiatives at Intel. His experience highlighted how diverse skill sets and career paths can lead to impactful roles in the semiconductor industry."Yes, the industry needs mechatronics engineers, data scientists, chemists, physicists, and computer science professionals. But it also needs media experts, gamers, biologists, environmentalists, public policy professionals, and communicators. It’s all about transferable skills and finding your area in this dynamic and diverse industry,” said Capraro.Expanding Opportunities with the European Chips Skills AcademyOne of the key initiatives supporting the semiconductor industry’s workforce development is the European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA). Designed to tackle skills shortages and propel industry growth, the Academy builds on the goals of the Microelectronics Pact for Skills and the EU Chips Act. With backing from 18 partners, including vocational training providers, research organizations, and industry leaders, ECSA aims to:Attract new talent into microelectronicsFoster collaboration between educational institutions and industryProvide training and certification opportunities to enhance workforce readinessVictoria Cummings emphasized how the initiative offers mentorship programs and access to leading companies and events. ECSA also builds on the student ambassador initiative, empowering institutions to support students in developing ideas and connecting them with mentors who can help shape their careers.Driving Diversity with the European Chips Diversity AllianceDiversity, equity, and inclusion are key to strengthening the semiconductor workforce. Kartikey Srivastava highlighted the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), a collaborative effort between academia and industry that aims to lower barriers to participation for underrepresented groups.With 11 partner organizations, the ECDA seeks to enhance inclusivity in the microelectronics sector, ensuring that the industry remains competitive and accessible to all. By fostering inclusive talent pipelines, the initiative is helping shape a more equitable and innovative future.A Successful Launch with a Bright FutureThe first SEMI On Campus event was a tremendous success, not only for the students who gained valuable insights and networking opportunities but also for universities and industry leaders looking to strengthen their collaboration. By building bridges between academia and industry, SEMI On Campus is paving the way for a more skilled and dynamic semiconductor workforce in Europe.If you’re interested in hosting a SEMI On Campus initiative or inviting an industry representative to speak at your institution, please reach out to [email protected]. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of semiconductor leaders!SEMI Contact: Maria Daniela Perez, Senior Manager Business DevelopmentEmail: [email protected] Lam, Manager Business DevelopmentEmail: [email protected]

Say ‘Ahhhh’ – imagine your doctor monitoring a health condition from afar or emergency responders receiving real-time alerts that could save a life. A new smart sensor is taking the ouch out of wound monitoring. By using laser-induced graphene (LIG), a two-dimensional (2D) material, researchers are developing a sensor that could revolutionize the tracking of wound healing and recovery. Doctors could get a much clearer picture of the healing process, identifying issues like inflammation, physical strain or a spike in body temperature early on. "This unique sensor material we've developed has potentially important applications in health care monitoring,” said Huanyu “Larry” Cheng, James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) at Penn State. LIG sensors are self-powered which means they could be especially useful for continuous monitoring in clinical settings or helping detect fires in remote locations. Source: Materials Research Institute, Penn StateUnder the Sea – Mechanical engineers at Carnegie Mellon’s Soft Machines Lab have created a soft robot inspired by the quick and agile brittle starfish, the first mobile and untethered underwater crawling robot. Named after Sponge Bob Square Pants’ sidekick, PATRICK is an AI powered robot which operates without motors so as not to disturb delicate sea life. To make the robot move, the researchers hit it with electric current, causing the wires to heat up past its transition temperature and allowing the limbs to contract and move in different directions. “We want to put the power and the electronics on-board with the robots,” said Ph.D. candidate and PATRICK creator, Zach Patterson. The soft robotic systems which are ideal for tracking the health and quality of water, are biodegradable to eliminate waste and protect the natural environment.Source: Carnegie Mellon University, School of Engineering The sky is NOT the limit with engineering – While Blue Origin made the news recently for sending an all women crew to the edge of space, the first Mexican born woman to travel into space is Katya Echazarreta, an electrical engineer originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. Echazarreta was selected for the trip from a pool of 7,000 applicants from more than 100 countries based on her outstanding achievements in the space industry, including five NASA missions. She traveled to space in 2022 aboard Blue Origin’s NS-21 flight as one of Space for Humanity’s citizen astronauts. Echazarreta comes from a family of engineers and works to make space exploration accessible to young kids, teens, women, and other scientists and engineers through Fundación Espacial, a foundation started in Mexico. Source: Astronomy.comMargaret Kindling is Senior Program Manager at the SEMI Foundation. She promotes inclusive workplaces via initiatives including Women in Semiconductors, Semiconductor PRIDE and workforce and career development programming at SEMICON West and SEMIEXPO Heartland.

With microelectronics manufacturing increasing in complexity and facing more cybersecurity threats, the SEMI International Standards Program has made crucial progress on efforts to address these challenges and others, in the first quarter of 2025. MEMS manufacturing readiness and cybersecurity came into sharp focus with the introduction of SEMI Standard MS15 - Guide to MEMS Manufacturing Readiness Levels. In addition, this quarter saw the opening of the public commentary period for a SEMI-led semiconductor manufacturing cybersecurity profile, developed for the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. Through collaborative efforts, we held a successful North America Standards Winter Meeting in February, co-hosted a MEMS webinar, and published over 15 new and revised standards in areas such as equipment automation software, facilities, materials, and more.With exciting developments still to come, we’re looking forward to a wonderful year ahead.MEMS Manufacturing Readiness This March, SEMI unveiled its new standard, SEMI MS15 – Guide to MEMS Manufacturing Readiness Levels. This standard offers readiness level definitions, processes, and practices for creating MEMS products that meet targeted specification performance, quality, cost, and time-to-market. This standard is broken into eight distinct levels that cover basic research, all the way through high-volume production. Prior to the official release of SEMI MS15, we held a webinar that previewed how MEMS Manufacturing Readiness Levels will facilitate efficient MEMS development. Led by co-chair, Michelle Bourke of Lam Research, the SEMI MEMS Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) hosted a webinar featuring MEMS experts from SoftMEMS, HP, Teledyne MEMS, and Polar Semiconductor. Speakers shared insight into creating a structured and balanced MEMS manufacturing approach to drive successful products to commercialization. Cybersecurity Resilience Like 2024, cybersecurity remains pertinent in 2025. Last October, SEMI introduced SEMI Standard E191 and its subordinate standard, SEMI E191.1 to help define cybersecurity status information reporting. SEMI E191 and E191.1 join SEMI’s existing cybersecurity standards, SEMI E187 and E188. Last year also saw the development of the NIST CSF 2.0 Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile under SEMI’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Cybersecurity Consortium (SMCC). In partnership with NIST, SMCC advanced a community profile for CSF 2.0 that will serve as a cybersecurity framework specific to semiconductor manufacturing. The profile opened for public commentary between February 27 and May 30, with the final version slated for official release in Q3 of this year.As the semiconductor industry becomes increasingly reliant on digital technologies, we will continue to prioritize cybersecurity standards and initiatives essential for safeguarding the global supply chain.North America SEMI Standards Winter MeetingsFrom February 24 to 27 at SEMI’s headquarters, leaders from 11 committees and over 40 task forces collaborated on new and revised standards and safety guidelines for environmental, health, and safety, equipment automation and software, liquid chemicals, traceability, and more. Three SEMI Standard draft documents that were reviewed at the North America SEMI Standards Fall Meetings last November have also been approved and published. In addition to SEMI MS15, SEMI F122 – Guide for Facilities Data Package for Manufacturing Equipment Installation and Building Information Modeling, and SEMI E193 – Specification for 300 mm Film Frame FOUP (FFF), have also been approved and published. SEMI F122 suggests formats for reporting facilities data required to plan, prepare, model, and optimize a facility for the installation of manufacturing equipment by fab owners and manufacturing equipment customers. SEMI E193 drives consistent implementation of interfaces for film frame carriers that are compact and work with existing 300 mm FOUP standards and BOLTS interfaces. These standards are now available for purchase. The North America SEMI Standards Summer Meetings will take place from June 2-5 at SEMI’s Milpitas, California headquarters. Some technical committees and task forces may meet virtually outside of this meeting set – check the SEMI Standards calendar of events for updates!Standards Introduced in Q1 2025New and revised standards released in Q1. January 2025 standards: https://store-us.semi.org/collections/standards/lang-english+stdpbc-0125February 2025 standards: https://store-us.semi.org/collections/standards/lang-english+stdpbc-0225March 2025 standards: https://store-us.semi.org/collections/standards/lang-english+stdpbc-0325TestimonialsHear from Doug Suerich, Director of Marketing at PEER Group, how his work is helping shape smart manufacturing standards and global cybersecurity policies through our powerful collaborative platform. Get InvolvedSEMI Standards development activities take place throughout the year in all major manufacturing regions. To participate, join the SEMI International Standards Program.SEMI Standards are available through Individual Download purchases or online via SEMIViews. Sign up for a 30-day SEMIViews trial.For more information, please visit the Standards website and events page. For any questions regarding SEMI Standards activities, please contact your local SEMI Standards staff. Paul Trio is Director of Standards at SEMI.

As geopolitical dynamics continue to influence global industries, the semiconductor sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroad. During the SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium (ISS Europe) held in Sopot, Poland, a high-level panel on the Geopolitics of Semiconductors brought together leaders from across the ecosystem to explore Europe’s role in an increasingly fragmented world shaped by strategic dependencies and evolving alliances.Moderated by Stefano Ramundo Orlando, Advocacy Manager at SEMI Europe, the panel convened industry executives, strategic advisors, and policy experts for a forward-looking dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s semiconductor future.The session opened by acknowledging the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and its impact on the global semiconductor supply chain. Export controls, investment screening mechanisms, and economic security strategies are no longer abstract policy discussions — they are reshaping investment decisions, manufacturing strategies, and even workforce planning across the globe. While these disruptions present undeniable challenges, panellists underscore that they also mark a pivotal opportunity. For Europe, this is not a moment to retreat but a call to adapt with purpose.Closing the Gaps: Building on Europe’s Strategic AdvantagesGiulietta Poltronieri, Partner at McKinsey Company, mapped out Europe’s strategic position in the global value chain. While Europe boasts global leadership in intellectual property (IP), lithography, and research and development (R D), key gaps remain in foundry capabilities and backend manufacturing. The solution lies not only in plugging these gaps but in securing Europe’s existing strengths — a balancing act between resilience and competitiveness.Giulietta Poltronieri, Partner, McKinsey Company’s Global Semiconductor PracticeMalcolm Penn, Founder CEO of Future Horizons, echoed this sentiment and emphasized that success in semiconductors requires long-term vision and a global mindset. Penn argued that Europe must look beyond its local market, citing Taiwan’s TSMC as a model of how small domestic markets need not constrain global leadership, “The excuse of having no end market in Europe is just an excuse.” Europe, Penn contended, must have the courage to think big and act boldly.Malcolm Penn, Founder Chief Executive Officer, Future Horizons Corporate Strategy Amid UncertaintyHendrik Bourgeois, Vice President of European Government Affairs at Intel, offered insight into how geopolitical risk has become an embedded factor in corporate strategy. Intel’s decision to expand manufacturing in both the U.S. and Europe was directly influenced by a recognition of over-reliance on certain global regions.Bourgeois stressed that while business can adapt to restrictive policy, uncertainty remains the greatest challenge to long-term decision-making. Consistency, trust, and engagement with governments are crucial — and businesses must invest in building political capital just as they do in infrastructure or talent.Hendrik Bourgeois, Vice President, European Government Affairs, Intel China: Partner, Competitor, and Geopolitical PuzzleBoris Metodiev, Director at TechInsights offered a balanced view of China’s role — acknowledging it as both a vital market and a strategic competitor. With nearly 40% of global semiconductor demand and significant state backing, China presents both irresistible opportunity and real systemic risks.Key concerns include technology transfer, the impact of heavy subsidization, and growing market concentration. Addressing these issues, Metodiev suggested, will require a balanced approach focused on diversifying supply chains, protecting intellectual property, and reinforcing trade enforcement — all while maintaining open channels for cooperation and avoiding the pitfalls of full decoupling.Boris Metodiev, Director, Manufacturing Analysis, TechInsights Talent: The Silent BottleneckPanellists identified talent shortages as one of the most yet under-discussed threats to Europe’s semiconductor future. Europe lacks the scale of skilled STEM graduates to meet current and projected demand.Companies like Intel are investing heavily in partnerships with universities and training institutions. However, regulatory obstacles — especially for intra-European mobility of non-EU nationals — remain significant. The call to action was clear: Europe must rethink migration and education policy through the lens of economic strategy, not just under traditional policy frameworks, aligning policy with industrial goals and scaling efforts to match future workforce needs.Central and Eastern Europe: Emerging Pillars of European StrategyThe panel explored how Central and Eastern Europe are increasingly integral to Europe’s semiconductor strategy. Mikołaj Trunin, Deputy Director at Invest in Pomerania, noted that despite geopolitical headwinds, the region continues to attract strong foreign direct investment (FDI). Poland has emerged as a trusted investment destination and a budding semiconductor hub, with Pomerania positioned as a key region for advanced packaging.With nations like Poland taking on higher political and industrial profiles—such as upcoming leadership of the EU Council— the region is positioned to serve as a strategic bridge between Europe’s industrial core and frontier markets. This momentum underscores the importance of embedding these regions more fully into the broader semiconductor ecosystem.Mikołaj Trunin, Deputy Director, Invest in Pomerania A Call for Coordinated ActionThe panel concluded on a note of clarity: geopolitical disruption is not a temporary deviation, but a defining characteristic of the coming industrial era. With semiconductors positioned at the intersection of technology, security, and sovereignty, Europe must act decisively. Companies must continue to evolve, engage politically, and remain agile. To ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience, policymakers and industry leaders must work hand in hand to shape an integrated European semiconductor ecosystem. The stakes are high — but so is the potential.SEMI ContactIranda Chaki, Senior Policy CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

The new Administration in the United States has been aggressively focusing on trade measures to establish more balanced relationships with its trading partners, according to the White House.Over the last several weeks, President Trump declared a U.S. economic emergency and announced a universal 10% tariff on all countries, which went into effect on April 5, 2025. There are also levies that Trump has called “reciprocal,” including a 34% tariff on Chinese goods and a 20% tariff on European Union imports, that started on April 9.Previously announced 25% tariffs on foreign-made autos and certain auto parts are also now in effect.Presently, finished semiconductors are exempt from these tariffs, however, a Federal Register notice provided the following update:On April 1, the Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act (19 U.S.C. 1862) to determine the effects on national security of imports of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), and their derivative products. This includes, among other things, semiconductor substrates and bare wafers, legacy chips, leading-edge chips, microelectronics, and SME components. Derivative products include downstream products that contain semiconductors, such as those that make up the electronics supply chain. The SEMI Advocacy team is working side by side with member companies in the U.S. to prepare industry’s response for the public comment period tied to the 232 investigation. Comments are due May 7. (Update: SEMI comments submitted.)SEMI has been tirelessly working to educate new policymakers and regulators about the negative impacts the proposed tariffs have on the semiconductor industry. Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI, and Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas, have been to Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings with administration officials and on Capitol Hill. Clarity on the recent tariff announcements — and guidance on what could come next — has been at the top of the agenda. Additionally, many member company executives recently attended the SEMI Washington Fly-In to advocate for policies that support the global supply chain on Capitol Hill, and the topic of tariffs was of the highest priority for congressional staff.Considering the complexities of the semiconductor industry supply chain, U.S. companies must rely on highly specialized materials, equipment, and components sourced from multiple countries. Strategically deployed and comprehensively assessed trade actions ensure that U.S. businesses maintain market access to critical supplies and remain globally competitive.Additionally, SEMI has highlighted that through fair and reciprocal trade practices, the U.S. can avoid unintended cost increases, supply chain disruptions, and ultimately any risks to American competitiveness in the global marketplace. Coordinating trade policies with allies prevents retaliatory tariffs for industries critical for national security, such as the semiconductor industry, and keeps costs competitive for consumers and industries, all while fostering a more resilient domestic manufacturing ecosystem. Semiconductor companies make substantial investments in building new facilities, and policy stability and predictability are key factors in site selections. With governments around the world putting incentives in place to bolster their semiconductor ecosystems, and to attract industry investments and good-paying jobs, public-private synchronization on trade policies is crucial to help the U.S. meet its technology innovation goals.Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments as well as how your company or organization can get involved.John Cooney is VP, Global Advocacy Public Policy at SEMI.

Gregory Woods, leader of the San Diego-based Green ASML employee group, stands with the tree-planting team at the Santiam State Forest site in Oregon, October 2023.Photo Credit: Dave Laegen, veritreeA tree-planter is geared up for a day of restoration, a result of the public-private partnership with American Forests and the Oregon Department of Forestry.https://veritree.mediavalet.com/portals/OregonOverviewForests hold the natural world together…. They are the ecosystem engineers that create the conditions for other forms of life to exist, on every level.— Jim Robbins, “The Man Who Planted Trees”Climate-driven events like fire and smoke events are becoming increasingly common along the Pacific coast, from British Columbia to California. In the wake of the 2020 “Labor Day” wildfires that devastated large parts of Oregon, a US employee network group at ASML, a leading player in the semiconductor industry, sought an innovative way to contribute to restoring the environment and sequester carbon. This commitment led to a partnership with veritree, a technology-driven reforestation organization, resulting in a groundbreaking initiative — starting with 40,000 trees.The ChallengeDuring an interview for this story, Markus Matthes, former Site Lead at ASML San Diego, current Head of ASML Germany and Chairman of the Berlin Management Team and sponsor of the local employee-led network, noted that in light of the semiconductor industry’s energy consumption and chemical inputs, “I was pleased to support this proactive approach from the local employee network group. At ASML, we feel it is important to play our part in addressing key environmental and social concerns that we share with our stakeholders.” Over the last 3-5 years, companies in the semiconductor value chain have strived to collaboratively identify critical steps on the path to net zero emissions through industry alliances like the SEMI Climate Consortium.Green ASML San Diego, an employee network group (ENG) led by Gregory Woods, Senior Systems Industrialisation Engineer and Chair of Green ASML San Diego, decided a proactive approach to giving back could be to help restore the forests that Oregon lost 4 years ago. But they wanted to make a meaningful environmental impact, ensuring transparency and accountability while also advancing carbon sequestration efforts. With reforestation as the focus, the challenge was identifying a partner capable of delivering measurable, long-term results while providing visibility into the process. This was a sticking point for Matthes, who affirmed that “we do not want to do window dressing in terms of planting trees … we also want to have evidence that it’s really working, that trees are really growing, that they are storing CO2, etc.”The SolutionThe idea to plant ‘one tree per employee’ began with Woods and Green ASML San Diego before quickly gaining executive sponsorship. Matthes expressed pride in the San Diego Green Team and attributed the success of the program to their persistence. Where he and Martin Reinecke, Head of Cymer Business Planning and Operations, Cymer Light Sources San Diego, came into play as the executive sponsors in guiding how to get the project funded: “typically we know the folks in the headquarters. We know how to approach them. And then we can also perhaps help in making a catchy story.”More than just a catchy story, partnering with veritree made for a sound pitch. They stood out among other reforestation providers due to their innovative assemblage of GIS, blockchain, and sensor technologies. This approach ensures every tree planted is verified, monitored, and accounted for over time. With support from ASML’s leadership, Green ASML San Diego partnered with veritree to restore 40,000 trees — one per each of ASML’s 40,000 employees — to an area near ASML Hillsboro, that was heavily impacted by Oregon’s Labor Day fires.By leveraging this technology, veritree provides real-time updates on the health of the ASML forest and its long-term project outcomes. ASML has benefitted from access to real-time project data, which have reinforced trust and engagement among stakeholders while setting a high standard for nature-based carbon removal projects. As Matthes put it, “here Mother Nature is doing most of the work. We are just observing and checking ... we really have evidence that it’s really doing something good.”ResultsThis partnership is not only bringing back life to the fire-damaged landscape but also demonstrates how technology can enhance transparency in environmental initiatives. For SEMI companies with similar aspirations, Matthes highlighted one benefit of supporting ENGs is that their success “radiates back into the organization itself.” He said initiatives like this act as an “intrinsic motivator.” Woods added that it creates a positive sentiment within the company that “ENGs with the right ideas, with the right enthusiasm ... can actually make a difference.”Through their collaboration with veritree, Green ASML San Diego turned a spark of inspiration into a powerful movement, offering a replicable model for other corporations. To achieve these results, Matthes recommended that fellow SEMI companies should “trust your ENG” and “try to place it … as a combination of a grassroots initiative with some strong executive support.” Starting with a simple ‘one tree per employee’ concept, ASML was able to scale the idea into a significant environmental initiative. With Woods’ vision of growing the ASML forest from 40,000 to 3 million trees over the next few years, the movement continues.Key Project MetricsAll data related to the trees is accessible via ASML’s Impact Hub2 public partners: Oregon Department of Forestry and American Forests40,000 trees planted: Douglas-fir, Noble Fir, Western Red CedarCarbon sequestration: 23.1k tons of CO2 over lifetime of treesEcological impact: 26.68 hectares restoredEconomic impact: 160 work days provided“The How”: Recommended action steps for achieving broad buy-inCarbon removal highlighted as a focus area for Green ASML San Diego throughout 2022Green ASML (Employee Network/Resource Group) met with potential partner veritree to learn about planting methodology, sites and how to start partnershipGreen ASML San Diego chapter presents the project to local executive sponsors and global Green ASML sponsor (ASML Executive Committee member). Received unwavering support to move forward and “ASML pledges to plant 40,000 trees for holiday season ’22, planting one tree for every employee and celebrating its drive to pioneer sustainable semiconductor manufacturing.”Post-fire restoration project in Oregon, USA chosen as planting site for local community engagement (ASML Hillsboro and Intel Corporation)Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by ASML Procurement team and veritree in Oct-Nov 2022In April 2023, the 40,000 trees were allocated to ASML from a 200,000 initial planting roundRestoration initiative recommended to be communicated as US-driven project, instead of a global ESG initiative, since it did not meet certain carbon offsetting criteriaImpact data, GPS coordinates and field reports (Survivability Assessment) provided for verification from veritreeGreen ASML San Diego board visited Oregon planting site with veritree team, American Forests (NGO) and Oregon Department of Forestry in Oct. 2023Impact Hub showcases ~716.10 tons of CO2 sequestered from year 1 (Dec. 31, 2023)Green ASML continued prioritization towards restoration/reforestation projects throughout 2024 and how to expand with veritreeIn 2024, an additional 7,452 trees were funded to be planted in Oregon, USA plus 5,000 mangrove trees were funded in KenyaAbout the Author:Nat Mengist is a PhD student in Learning Sciences at the University of Washington. He recently earned a master’s degree in Human Centered Design and Engineering and he serves on the executive board of the Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts. As a storyteller, Nat has created multimedia science fiction about the future of climate justice. This article was a team effort, written on behalf of veritree and the SEMI Sustainability Initiative.