European Chips Diversity Alliance

On October 03, 2025, as part of the European Chips Diversity Alliance, the recent "Why Inclusion Fuels Better Chips" panel discussion, hosted by Kartikey Srivastava, Senior Specialist, Communications at SEMI Europe, brought together three leaders from across the ecosystem to explore how inclusion is not just a social imperative but a strategic advantage.Martina Wolfgruber, Head of Talent Skills Funding at Infineon Technologies Austria: With over 15 years of experience in HR, Wolfgruber is responsible for funded projects aimed at promoting careers and cultivating talent within the microelectronics industry.Catherine Le Lan de Franssu at Synopsys: Le Lan de Franssu brings a wealth of experience in customer success management, training, and team management from her time at companies like LSI-Logic, Synopsys, and Texas Instruments. She now focuses on fostering collaborations for workforce development.Dr. Suzanne Lesecq, Research Director and European Programs Manager at CEA- Leti: A research director and former university professor, Dr. Lesecq focuses on data fusion and advanced control. She currently manages European programs at CEA-Leti/DSYS.The semiconductor industry is the backbone of Europe's digital transformation, but achieving excellence goes beyond technology alone. It's about bringing every perspective and every talent to the table.Inclusion as a Strategic ImperativeThe panelists all agreed that a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is essential for Europe to lead in the semiconductor sector. Wolfgruber posed a compelling question: can Europe truly afford to leave half of its talent pool untapped? She pointed to data from a Boston Consulting Group study showing that companies with diverse leadership are nearly 40% more likely to achieve above-average profitability, and diverse teams are almost twice as likely to be innovative. For Infineon, she noted, "inclusion is not just a value... it's a strategic advantage."Echoing this sentiment, Le Lan de Franssu emphasized that innovation depends on collaboration across institutions, disciplines, regions, and cultures. She believes that "breakthrough moments happen when talented people of every background feel valued, supported to their best self at work." Dr. Lesecq added that inclusion is "a matter of society" that goes beyond a single company's benefit.Fostering a Culture of InclusionThe conversation then moved to practical steps for building a truly inclusive environment. Dr. Lesecq, coming from the academic sector, highlighted the significant gender imbalance and the lack of inclusion for people with special needs. She stressed the need for a major effort to attract untapped talent to the emerging semiconductor domain.One effective solution discussed was mentoring. Le Lan de Franssu shared how a mentoring program can help make diverse talent more visible. She noted that companies working together, such as the collaboration between Synopsys and Infineon on a summer school, helps not only with their own hiring needs but for the broader semiconductor industry. Wolfgruber agreed, stating that a wide range of communities already exists to help companies widen their scope and influence culture; it's simply a matter of companies leveraging them.The Future of a Diverse EcosystemThe panel concluded with a shared vision for the future. The moderator, Srivastava, summarized the key takeaways: a need for greater collaboration between industry and academia, the importance of mentoring, and a continued focus on leveraging research that proves diverse teams produce the best results.Dr. Lesecq shared her hope that Europe will continue to keep this mindset and implement it, seeing inclusion as a societal change that everyone must push for to create a "place for everyone."This panel discussion, along with initiatives like the Spark Excellence Award, serves as a powerful reminder that while technology is at the heart of the semiconductor industry, its true strength lies in the diversity of its people.Learn more about the European Chips Diversity Alliance. For more information, contact Ana Isabel Billingslea at [email protected] or Kartikey Srivastava at [email protected] Isabel Billingslea is Communications Coordinator at SEMI Europe.

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]