A word from past participants
Participating in the Startups for Semiconductor Sustainability events has been second to none in terms of exposure—not only to end-user decision makers, but also to second- and third-tier organizations that enable strategic partnerships. From Aqua Membranes' experience, these events consistently deliver highly targeted engagement and industry credibility, surpassing the impact of traditional attendance and less focused conference events.
The Startups for Semiconductor Sustainability (S3) was a very successful program for me. By participating as a startup in this program, we met a wide range of venture capitalists with deep experience in the semiconductor market, which is not very common with venture investors. Through the S3 program, we built a stronger network within our industry, got multiple customer contracts, and even got a Series A venture investment from one of the sponsors!
The Startups for Semiconductor Sustainability (S3) program proved to be a strong source of deal flow for us as a semiconductor investor. In 2025, we met a new startup at the S3 pitch event and, just two months later, invested in the company’s Series A round.
Timeline for 2026
If you wish to hear more about this opportunity, either as a startup with solutions for sustainability, or as a potential investor, click here to let us know.
S3 - Startups for Sustainable Semiconductors Initiative
The S3 program is organized and mentored by semiconductor industry Corporate Venture Capitalists CVCs.
Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Value Proposition - How poised is the applicant to bring significant value?
- Relevance to Semiconductor – is it applicable to a challenge in our industry?
- Does the technology currently have traction in the semiconductor space?
- Strength of IP - Is the IP unique and defensible?
- Team - How qualified is the team to execute to plan?
- Commercial Viability - Is there a clear go-to-market path with a large market opportunity?
- Sustainability Impact to Semiconductor - Is there a clear sustainability impact?
Why Apply?
Gain mentorship from industry experts on how to translate and apply your tech to the semiconductor industry
Gain access to potential PoC and pilot partnerships with visibility across all major semiconductor players
Gain mentorship from CVCs for advice on pitching your tech to the semiconductor industry/VCs, Gain access to investment from both CVCs and VCs during the program and from the final pitch event
PR & other exposure opportunities associated with the program. Finalists are invited to present live to the industry at SEMICON West.
Listen to these Podcasts to Hear About the Program
Program Sponsors
We are looking for innovative startups to help solve these problems faster!
Further Information on Initiative
- Learn more from perusing articles and podcasts:
- General information on semiconductor sustainability challenges & opportunities: