MILPITAS, Calif. and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — May 21, 2025 — SEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced it has partnered with Purdue University to launch an online course series focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis techniques for the semiconductor industry. Available through the SEMI University learning platform, the courses were developed to equip semiconductor professionals to integrate AI and data-driven approaches in today’s competitive industry landscape.
The full list of 10 online, self-paced SEMI U AI and data analysis courses in partnership with Purdue University are now available. The courses are taught by industry experts and offer a certificate from Purdue upon successful completion of each course module.
“As global demand for semiconductors steadily grows over time, SEMI U is supporting the industry’s workforce needs through its flexible learning platform,” said Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. “The rapid evolution of the industry warrants both extensive workforce development efforts as well as AI automation for existing operations. Our partnership with Purdue University, a globally recognized leader in semiconductor engineering and technology education, allowed us to tackle both considerations with these courses that teach essential skills in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.”
“There’s an immediate need for semiconductor-focused learning opportunities as manufacturing expands in the United States,” said Dimitrios Peroulis, Purdue University Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Online. “Staffing new facilities with capable talent requires education that keeps pace with the direction of the industry. This platform of SEMI U courses offers industry professionals and students an accessible way to gain valuable, on-demand training in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, as well as important related fields such as AI and data analytics and analysis.”
SEMI U’s online series with Purdue University includes:
- Data Analytics for Decision Makers teaches essential concepts like pattern recognition, visualization, and the basics of AI. This course also offers hands-on opportunities to work with tools.
- Machine Learning in Action: Tools, Techniques, and Industrial Cases teaches fundamental machine learning techniques through a series of real-world examples in Python. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own machine learning solutions.
- Manufacturing Analytics offers step-by-step tutorials on applying machine learning to analyze manufacturing data. By the end of the course, students will understand how to create AI solutions for manufacturing analytics.
- Essential Math Tools for AI: A Practical Refresher breaks down the mathematical background required for careers in AI by illustrating difficult concepts through real-world examples and problems.
About SEMI University and the SEMI Workforce Development Program
The SEMI University learning platform offers more than 800 online courses specifically created for the semiconductor industry, providing an easy-to-use online training program in multiple languages for employees ranging from recently hired facility operators to experienced technicians, engineers and non-technical staff.
SEMI has offered in-person training and technology trend updates more than 50 years, and it hosts webinars covering SEMI standards, market dynamics and semiconductor manufacturing and design best practices. SEMI University builds on this experience and adds to the association’s holistic Workforce Development program offered by the SEMI Foundation. The non-profit arm of SEMI, the SEMI Foundation drives initiatives to increase awareness of semiconductor industry careers, connect member companies with university students for mentoring and internships, attract and train military veterans, and develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
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.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is known for its excellence, scale, and impact in semiconductor education and research. Purdue leads the 33-university SCALE network, which is developing a semiconductor workforce for the defense sector. Purdue’s Semiconductor Degrees Program, guided by 40 senior semiconductor leaders, is developing the semiconductor workforce for the commercial sector. A strong, critical mass of researchers spans the full stack of semiconductors R&D, from materials and devices, to circuits, systems, architecture, and advanced packaging integration. Led by the Atalla Institute for Advanced System Integration and Packaging, the Birck Nanotechnology Center, the Center for Secure Microelectronics Ecosystems, the Institute for CHIPS and AI, and supported by the nanoHUB infrastructure for data services and AI, Purdue plays an active role in many national R&D programs.
Association Contact
Sherrie Gutierrez/SEMI Corporate
Phone: 1.831.889.3800
Email: [email protected]
“While the first quarter of 2025 did not see a direct impact from new tariffs on electronics and IC sales, the uncertainty around global trade policies is prompting some companies to accelerate shipments and others to pause investments,” said Clark Tseng, Senior Director of Market Intelligence at SEMI. “This push-pull dynamic could lead to atypical seasonality for the remainder of the year as the industry adapts to shifting supply chain and tariff landscapes.”
The Board appointment took effect on April 14, 2025. Members serve a three-year term. The principal advocate for member companies located in North America, the NAAB provides guidance on SEMI Americas programs designed to advance their business interests and address significant challenges in the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain. 
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