SOPOT, Poland ─ March 10, 2026 –The SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (ISS Europe) 2026 is set to open tomorrow in Sopot, Poland, convening top executives, industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders at a pivotal moment for Europe’s semiconductor industry. As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade and supply chains, the event will serve as a strategic forum to address Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and technological sovereignty. Registration is open.
Themed Navigating Geopolitics: Shaping Europe’s Future, ISS Europe 2026 will examine how shifting global power dynamics are influencing semiconductor strategy, investment, and innovation. Discussions will focus on strengthening supply chain resilience, accelerating pilot lines and advanced manufacturing, enhancing fab management through AI and automation, and translating Europe’s R&D leadership into industrial and commercial success.
“Europe is facing a defining moment as geopolitical pressures and technological competition intensify,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “Against this backdrop, we look forward to welcoming industry leaders to ISS Europe 2026 to align strategies, strengthen partnerships, and define concrete actions to enhance Europe’s resilience and competitiveness. Only through close collaboration can these challenges be overcome.”
“Pomerania is proud to host ISS Europe 2026 at a time when regional ecosystems play a critical role in strengthening Europe’s semiconductor sovereignty,” said Mikołaj Trunin, Deputy Director of Invest in Pomerania. “With a strong talent base, expanding infrastructure, and close ties between industry and academia, our region is well positioned to support the next wave of semiconductor innovation in Europe.”
“ISS Europe brings together a unique mix of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators at a time of growing uncertainty as geopolitical dynamics reshape the global semiconductor landscape,” said Leonard Hobbs, Director of Government Affairs at Intel Ireland and Chair of ISS Europe. “Through open dialogue and shared insight, the symposium provides an important platform to exchange perspectives on technology, investment, and policy priorities that will influence the future of Europe’s microelectronics ecosystem.”
ISS Europe 2026 Featured Highlights
Nobel Peace Laureate Keynote: Lech Wałęsa
Participants will gain a unique perspective from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Wałęsa, who will share insights on leadership, resilience, and Europe’s role in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Pilot Lines: How to Commercialize Europe’s Competitiveness
Leading R&D and innovation executives from imec, CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer EMFT, and PIXEurope will examine how Europe can accelerate technology transfer, scale pilot lines, and translate R&D leadership into industrial and commercial success.
From Cleanroom to Control Room: AI and Automation in the Future Fab
Senior manufacturing leaders from Bosch, GlobalFoundries, STMicroelectronics, and Infineon Technologies will discuss how AI, automation, and digitalization are transforming fab operations.
Futurist Keynote - The Autonomous Economy: How AI Is Reshaping Growth, Industry, and the Semiconductor Stack
Participants will gain a forward-looking perspective from futurist Christian Kromme on how AI is evolving from a software layer into an autonomous economic force.
Startup Innovations Driving the Next Era of Industry
Participants will discover how agile, technology-driven startups are accelerating innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem, from advanced materials and design to manufacturing and automation.
Exclusive Company & Regional Innovation Tours
Attendees will experience guided tours showcasing regional semiconductor assets and investment opportunities within Pomerania’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Distinguished Speakers from Leading Organizations
SEMI European Award
Each year since 1989, SEMI Europe has presented the SEMI European Award to a person or team who has made a significant contribution to the European semiconductor, micro-systems, photovoltaic, or display industries. SEMI Europe will announce the 2025 award winners on March 12.
Business Networking
ISS Europe 2026 will feature several networking activities, including a networking reception at the Sofitel Grand Sopot on March 11 and an exclusive gala dinner at Olivia Star on March 13, where attendees will enjoy panoramic city views while engaging with industry peers to explore new partnerships and business opportunities.
Sponsors
- Headline:
Invest in Pomerania - Platinum:
Edwards, Max, Polish Investment & Trade Agency - Gold:
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - Silver:
Comet - Event:
Clip Group, DSV, EBARA, Heraeus, imec, Poland Investment Zone | Pomeranian Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, TEL, TRUMPF, Vital Materials, and Watlow
For more details, please visit the Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (ISS Europe) 2026 website and connect with SEMI Europe on X or LinkedIn @SEMIEurope (#ISSEurope).
About SEMI
SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.
Sitong He / SEMI Europe
Phone: +49 151 55462638
Email: [email protected]
Sherrie Gutierrez / SEMI Corporate
Phone: +1 831 889 3800
Email: [email protected]
