ECS Summer School 2026 Empowers the Next Generation of Microelectronics Talent

ECS Summer School Applications Open for Undergraduate STEM Students in Europe

Brussels, Belgium —February 12, 2026 —The European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA), a European Union (EU)-funded project coordinated by SEMI Europe, in collaboration with industry partners AENEAS, EPoSS, and INSIDE, today announced that applications are open for the ECS Summer School. Taking place from 23 – 28 August 2026 at the University Residential Centre, University of Bologna, Bertinoro, Italy, the programme invites applications from undergraduate STEM students across the EU and associated countries. 

“Programmes such as the ECS Summer School are vital to motivating and developing the next generation of talent that will sustain Europe’s semiconductor workforce,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe.

As Europe accelerates its transition to a digitally enabled future, demand for skilled professionals in microelectronics and semiconductor technologies continues to grow. The ECS Summer School offers a comprehensive, immersive learning experience designed to equip the next generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators with foundational and advanced insights into chip design, semiconductor fabrication, and embedded intelligent systems. 

“The ECS Summer School provides students with a strong entry point to acquire practical skills and form valuable connections with industry and academia,” said Patrick Cogez, Technical Director at AENEAS and ECSA lead partner for the organisation of the Summer School.

Programme Highlights
The curriculum spans four core domains of microelectronics:

• Semiconductor Technology
• Integrated Circuit Design
• Digital Systems and Embedded Intelligence
• Integration of Electronic Systems

This year’s summer school will be co-organized by ABGi and IPCEI ME/CT. Lectures, demonstrations, and interactive activities will be delivered by experts from leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners, complemented by career testimonies from engineers working in the field. 

Eligibility & Application Details
The Summer School is open to undergraduate students who will have completed at least two years of university study by the time of the event and who will still have at least one year remaining in their degree programme. Participants must be enrolled in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) discipline at a university based in the EU or eligible associated country and possess a good command of English, as all activities will be conducted in English. 

Registration details, application requirements, and the full programme overview are available on the official ECS Summer School 2026 page. There are limited spots available, so the organisers encourage students to apply today.

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 ECSA

Launched in October 2023, the European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA) addresses skills shortages across Europe's semiconductor sector. The initiative collaborates closely with industry, academia, and policymakers to upskill, reskill, and attract new talent to the semiconductor workforce, supporting Europe's digital transition and sustainable growth. Visit https://chipsacademy.eu and connect with ECSA on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more.

About AENEAS

AENEAS, a not-for-profit industry association, aims to enhance the competitiveness of European industries in Electronic Components and Systems (ECS). It allows to influence RD&I policies, facilitates access to funding and offers networking opportunities. With over 550 members, it represents the full ECS value chain. Governed by a 20-member board from major companies, SMEs, and research centres, AENEAS advocates for the sector at the top European level. As a partner of the Chips Joint Undertaking, AENEAS represents the interest of its members in this tri-partite partnership between Industry, the European Commission and the participating states. AENEAS contributes to shaping and co-defining the Electronic Components and Systems Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (ECS-SRIA). AENEAS stimulates and supports collaborative innovation to meet societal and economic challenges in a sustainable way. AENEAS is also operating the EUREKA funded programmes Xecs, PENTA and Euripides. More information: https://aeneas-office.org