Welcome Remarks

Laith Altimime
President
SEMI Europe

Abstract
Welcome Remarks

Biography
Laith Altimime, as President of SEMI Europe, leads SEMI’s activities in Europe and the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Altimime has P&L responsibility as well as ownership of all Europe region programs and events, including SEMICON Europa. He is responsible for establishing industry standards, advocacy, community development, expositions, and programs. He provides support and services to SEMI members worldwide that have supply chain interests in Europe. He manages and nurtures relationships with SEMI members in the region and globally as well as with local associations and constituents in industry, government, and academia. Altimime has more than 30 years of international experience in the semiconductor industry. Prior to joining SEMI in 2015, He held senior leadership positions at NEC, KLA-Tencor, Infineon, Qimonda, and imec. Altimime holds an MSc from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.

Laith Altimime
President
SEMI Europe

Biography
Laith Altimime, as President of SEMI Europe, leads SEMI’s activities in Europe and the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Altimime has P&L responsibility as well as ownership of all Europe region programs and events, including SEMICON Europa. He is responsible for establishing industry standards, advocacy, community development, expositions, and programs. He provides support and services to SEMI members worldwide that have supply chain interests in Europe. He manages and nurtures relationships with SEMI members in the region and globally as well as with local associations and constituents in industry, government, and academia. Altimime has more than 30 years of international experience in the semiconductor industry. Prior to joining SEMI in 2015, He held senior leadership positions at NEC, KLA-Tencor, Infineon, Qimonda, and imec. Altimime holds an MSc from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.

Designing Secure and Agile Microsystems Supply Chains: X-FAB’s Approach to MEMS, SiP and SoC Localisation

Volker Herbig
Vice-President, BU MEMS
X-fab

Abstract
X-FAB Microsystems is playing an active role in shaping the future of semiconductor integration. We are doing this by establishing robust, application-specific supply chains for MEMS sensors, SiPs and SoCs. As the global demand for advanced sensing and integration solutions increases, we are collaborating with our customers to localise critical elements of the supply chain, thereby supporting European innovation and security. At the same time, a dedicated supply chain is emerging in China to serve regional market needs and ensure strategic flexibility in areas where X-FAB can contribute. Attendees will gain insights into how X-FAB’s microsystems strategy navigates complexity and contributes to a more secure and agile semiconductor ecosystem.

Biography
Volker Herbig, VP BU MEMS at X-FAB, oversees all MEMS activities within the X-FAB Group. Before assuming his current role, Volker worked as Director Product Marketing at X-FAB. Previously he held also engineering, marketing and management positions at Siemens, Inkjet Technologies and Carl Zeiss where, among other activities, he developed MEMS inkjet print heads and was responsible for setting up a manufacturing facility for those. Volker Herbig holds a master’s degree in physics from Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.

MEMS & Imaging Outlook: Consolidation and Regional Strategies

Jean-Christophe Eloy
President & Chairman
YOLE GROUP

Abstract
In recent years, the semiconductor supply chain has shown its vulnerability to disruptions caused by COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and the China–US trade war, largely due to monopolies and regional specialization. In response, governments and corporations have launched initiatives such as the “chip acts” launched since 2022.These measures have reshaped both MEMS and imaging markets, but in different ways. The MEMS market, valued at $15.4B in 2024 and expected to reach $19.2B by 2030, has returned to growth from 2024, driven by the end of inventories, ongoing company consolidation (e.g., STMicroelectronics’ acquisition of NXP’s MEMS assets), and the expansion of China’s MEMS domestic ecosystem. The imaging market, worth $23.2B in 2024 and projected at $30.1B by 2030, has been less affected, thanks to its reliance on mature nodes. Sony remains dominant, while Chinese firms gain ground. In the thermal imaging segment, export restrictions of devices and raw materials are fostering the emergence of distinct regional ecosystems.This presentation will outline the evolving MEMS and imaging industry landscapes within the current geopolitical context.

Biography
Jean-Christophe Eloy is President & Chairman of the Yole Group.Created in 1998, the market research & strategy consulting company has grown to become a group of companies providing marketing, technology and strategy consulting, media in addition to corporate finance services. His mission is to oversee the strategic direction of Yole Group.All year long, Jean-Christophe builds deep relationships with leading semiconductor companies, discussing and sharing information across his global network. His aim is to get a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and guide their success.Jean-Christophe is a graduate from EMLyon Business School (Lyon, France) and has a Ph.D. in Semiconductor Engineering from the National Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble (France).

Backing the Builders: Start-ups, Supply Chains, and Semicon Sovereignty

Michael Engelmann
Principal
Imec.xpand

Abstract
Behind every breakthrough sensor device or imaging chip is a start-up entrenched in real-world supply and value chain decisions—from finding the right fabs and tools to coping with export rules and market access. At imec.xpand, one of the largest semicon-centric venture capital funds, we back founders tackling these challenges head-on, helping them move from breakthrough prototypes to scalable production. Imec plays a unique role as both technology partner and ecosystem hub, opening doors to global networks that deeptech ventures can’t access alone. But innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum: today’s geopolitics and regional tech sovereignty agendas are reshaping how and where these ventures blossom. I’ll share stories of leading start-ups, what indicators we are looking for and what trends we are following.

Biography
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mengelmann/

From Lab to Fab: Strengthening Europe's Electronic Systems Value Chain through R&D Alliances

Elisabeth Steimetz
Director
EPoSS Office / VDI/VDE IT

Abstract
The European electronic systems industry is at the heart of major geopolitical and technological shifts. To reduce dependence on non-European markets research and development cooperation along the entire semiconductor value chain is becoming increasingly vital. The European Chips Act and the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) provide the political and financial framework to foster closer collaboration between public and private stakeholders – from design and manufacturing to packaging and integration technologies. Industry associations such EPoSS play a crucial role in enabling successful R&D collaboration by community building, coordinated R&D road mapping and shaping funding programmes to strengthen the European innovation ecosystems. This talk will highlight current initiatives in the Chips JU, collaborative efforts of the European commission and EU Member States and address key success factors for building a more resilient and competitive European semiconductor landscape through common R&D.

Biography
Elisabeth studied physics at RWTH Aachen, Germany with focus on semiconductor technologies and received her Ph.D. in physics from Technical University Berlin in the field of in-situ metrology of III-V materials. For more than 20 years she was active in the field of compound semiconductors (mainly LED / Laser fabrication and characterisation).As a co-founder of LayTec GmbH, she successfully built up the company and held the position of Director Strategic Marketing & Sales for 13 years. In 2013 Elisabeth joined VDI/VDE Innovation and Technology GmbH as project officer for national and European funded projects in the field of Electronic Components and Systems. Since 2019 she serves as Director for EPoSS – the European Association on Smart Systems Integration – operated by VDI/VDE IT. In this position she was Chairperson for the European Strategic Reserach Agenda for Electronic components and systems (ECS-SRIA). She is lead delegate for EPOSS in the Private members Board and Governing Board of the Chips JU – the Pillar 1 activities of the European Chips Act.

SEMI MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) Update

Paul Carey
Director, SEMI MEMS & Sensors Industry Group
Semi

Abstract
The MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG), a SEMI technology community, continues to drive innovation and collaboration across the global MEMS and sensors ecosystem. In this presentation, MSIG will provide an update on its latest initiatives, strategic priorities, and industry engagement efforts. Highlights will include progress on key working groups and its R&D funding program. Attendees will gain insights into MSIG’s role in shaping the future of sensing technologies, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and supporting emerging applications in automotive, healthcare, industrial, and consumer markets. This update will also outline upcoming opportunities for member involvement and preview MSIG’s roadmap for the coming year.

Biography
Dr. Paul Carey has been the Director of the SEMI MEMS & Sensors Industry Group, MSIG, since 2021. He is responsible for managing MSIG including its US Government funded 2022-2027 (5-year) $25M Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) R&D program, online webinars, member outreach, and promoting MSIG’s mantra, “we help member companies sensorize the world!”Before joining SEMI, he worked at X-Ray imaging backplane supplier, dpiX (now called InnovaFlex Foundry) in process and equipment engineering management roles, Applied Materials, and FlexICs, a start-up company he co-founded. In earlier positions he was a postdoc at Siemens corporate research labs in Munich as well as a staff scientist and program leader at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where his group initially developed the low temperature polysilicon-on-plastic TFT technology.Dr. Carey received a double major BS from UC Berkeley in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). He received his MS in EECS from UC Berkeley and Ph.D. in MSE from Stanford University.

Inertial and Beyond – High performance for location and navigation

Emma Abel
VP Engineering
Robert Bosch GmbH

Abstract
Inertial and magnetic sensors are essential pillars of a wide range of location and navigation applications. MEMS has conquered most of the inertial sensors market with good spec values at continuingly competitive prices and form factors thanks to CE synergies – where are the limits and how does this approach compare to other solutions? Leveraging increased accuracy of innovative magnetic sensors based on TMR and quantum technologies has the potential to open new navigation use cases and more.

Biography
Emma is VP Engineering at Robert Bosch GmbH in Reutlingen Germany and heads R&D for MEMS Sensors there. She joined the Bosch Group in 2002, and has since held various positions in field of MEMS, semiconductors and sensor R&D within various business units within BoschShe is a MEMS enthusiast, with previous roles including inertial sensor development, functional safety and MEMS Sensor industrialization for consumer electronics. Her current focus is on diversification in MEMS Sensors and their use in intelligent systems.Emma received her Masters Degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, in UK

Is ultrahigh-vacuum technology potential to develop surface passivation for imaging sensors?

Elmira Zahra Jahanshah Rad
CTO
SisuSemi Ltd

Abstract
Even if high-vacuum (HV, 5‧10^-8 - 1‧10^-4 mbar) technology has been used in the current silicon technology, ultrahigh vacuum environment (UHV, 1‧10^-12 - 5‧10^-8 mbar) is still rare in the Si industry. So far UHV has been utilized, particularly, in industrial UHV-CVD (chemical vapor deposition) instruments to grow SiGe transistors and highly doped source/drain contact areas. However, UHV methods have been often considered complex for large scale Si industry. On the other hand, a problem with HV is that time for adsorbing impurity (or contamination) atoms from HV environment on a solid surface to cover it completely is very short: e.g. about 1 s when the background pressure is 1‧10^-6 mbar. In other words, it is very difficult in practice to avoid the incorporation of impurity atoms into Si-device surfaces and to prepare atomically clean Si surfaces with the current industrial methods. In contrast, UHV provides ultraclean environment to modify well-defined Si surfaces or interfaces before they become contaminated by environment impurities. For example, if the background pressure is 1‧10^-10 mbar in UHV instrument, then surfaces remain clean for 10 000 s during a fabrication process. When an atomic level control of Si device surfaces and interfaces is considered, UHV environment could provide a clear benefit to the Si technology. For instance, performance of the CMOS-based imaging sensors depends strongly on atomic level point defects at Si interfaces [1-4] because defect levels increase the dark (or leakage) current of sensors via increased thermal generation of carriers via defect levels. Thus, durable passivation of these defects is relevant to development of the devices. Here we present a feasible route to integrate benefits of UHV technology with industrial methods to develop the surface passivation. Our results show that applying UHV-based treatments reduces defect density, leakage current, and power consumption in Si based devices. [1] M. Bigas, et al. Review of CMOS image sensors, Microelectronics Journal 37 (2006) 433.[2] J. L. Regolini, et al. Passivation issues in active pixel CMOS image sensors, Microelectronics Reliability 47 (2007) 739.[3] J.-P. Carrère, et al. CMOS Image Sensor: Process impact on Dark current, IEEE International Reliability Physics Symposium (2014).[4] A. S. Alj, et al. Dark Current and Clock-Induced Charges in a Fully Depleted Charge Domain CDTI-Based CCD-on-CMOS Image Sensor, IEEE Sensors Journal 24 (2024) 25652.

Biography
Zahra (Elmira) Jahanshah Rad has a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Turku with over eight years of experience in high and ultrahigh vacuum systems, semiconductor device structures, and surface science. She has authored more than 26 peer-reviewed publications and is the inventor of six patents in semiconductor technology. Zahra is the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of SisuSemi Ltd., a Finnish startup developing energy-efficient semiconductor solutions. Her work focuses on improving the power efficiency and operational lifespan of silicon-based devices through advanced surface and vacuum engineering. She is committed to translating scientific research into sustainable technologies with real-world impact.

Capture Images with Perfect Vision - Breaking Through the Color Filter Limits with Color Splitting

Jeroen Hoet
CEO
Eyeo

Abstract
For over five decades, the core mechanism behind color photography has remained largely unchanged. At the heart of nearly every CMOS image sensor lies the Bayer color filter array—a grid of red, green, and blue filters that allows silicon-based sensors to interpret color. Using this mosaic of RGB filters to capture color, each pixel is covered by a red, green, or blue filter, meaning that only one-third of the incoming light contributes to any given pixel’s signal. As a result, roughly 70% of photons are discarded before ever reaching the photodetector. This inefficiency leads to lower signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), a perpetual Achilles’ heel for smartphone and compact camera users.Now, a new frontier in imaging is emerging. New nanophotonic color splitting technology guides, rather than filters, light into sub-diffraction-limited waveguides. This innovative solution eliminates the inefficiencies of Bayer-based systems and unlocks a new era of ultra-compact, high-resolution, and light-hungry cameras across smartphones, XR, industrial inspection, and medical diagnostics.This session will discuss this innovation that replaces the Bayer filter entirely with a nanophotonic waveguide layer that splits light based on its wavelength and directs it to the appropriate pixel. Rather than absorbing unwanted wavelengths, this system uses vertical waveguides designed to separate colors, guiding photons with minimal loss and maximal resolution.

Biography
Jeroen Hoet is co-founder and CEO of the disruptive image sensor startup, eyeo, which develops a breakthrough imaging approach to unlock maximum light sensitivity and unprecedented native color fidelity for image sensors used in mobile devices, industrial systems, XR and more. As former entrepreneur in residence at imec, he successfully led the transition of a research-stage photonics technology into a compelling vision and business opportunity, paving the way for the launch of eyeo in 2024. Jeroen has extensive technical and business experience in the imaging and semiconductor industries with roles in engineering, marketing and executive management at companies such as Caeleste, KLA, and ICsense. He earned a master’s degree in engineering with a focus on microelectronics at Ghent University and an executive MBA from Vlerick Business School.

Leveraging hardware enabled AI image analysis for rapid 3D X-ray

Joscha Malin
Senior Director Software Product Marketing
Comet AG

Abstract
The global demand for high-end computing power driven by AI, smartphones, IoT applications, high-performance computing, and new mobility applications is constantly rising while facing miniaturization demands. The semiconductor industry is focused on solving this challenge – for example with innovation in advanced packaging. As a consequence, yield and process control as well as the speed of new product introduction continue to gain importance as prototyping and verification costs increase while node sizes decrease. Typical inspection methods like optical or FIB-SEM are, therefore, complemented by advanced non-destructive inspection techniques like 3D X-ray inspection. Ultimately, advanced packaging companies seek non-destructive automated inspection tools which are fast enough to provide value within their production processes, increase yield and reduce waste at an early stage. The speech will show how combining innovation in X-ray hardware with cutting edge AI software can achieve rapid 3D inspection of advanced packaging and highlight how this combination increases the range of application "sweet spots".

Biography
Joscha Malin is the Director of Product Marketing for Software Solutions at the Systems Division of Comet that specializes in supplying X-ray and CT inspection solutions with a particular focus on the Semiconductor R&D and production sectors. In his role, Joscha oversees the division's software product portfolio, with the goal to enhance customer productivity by automation and empower them by data-driven insights derived from X-ray and CT image data. Joscha started his career with an Engineering diploma in Microelectronics from the Technical University Hamburg-Harburg. Over the years, he has worked in multiple roles within R&D in Semiconductor frontend design and system architecture, and within product management, with a consistent focus on image processing solutions.Bernhard Schläppi has a background in experimental physics with a focus on space-born mass spectrometers. He completed his PhD at the University of Bern before conducting research stays in Canada and at ETH Zürich, where he combined table-top XUV lasers with mass spectrometry to study aerosol formation. After joining a startup involved in producing flexible solar cells, he gained exposure to XRF as an analytical tool for semiconductors. In 2017, Bernhard joined Comet X-ray and transitioned into various roles, including Director Testing and Director of Product Development for Comet’s X-ray Module Division. Currently, he serves as a Program Manager for Microfocus X-ray modules, driving new solutions for the semiconductor and electronics markets at the international headquarters in Switzerland.

Challenges and technological solutions for advanced 3D flash imaging

Pierre Castelein
Parternship manager for visible imaging
CEA/Leti

Abstract
CEA-Leti is the French technology research institute recognized as a global leader focused on miniaturization technologies enabling energy-efficient and secure solutions. Leti’s mission is to pioneer new technologies, enabling innovative solutions to strengthen Leti’s industrial partner’s competitiveness while creating a better future.More especially, CEA-Leti develops high-performance imaging technologies, going from visible to longwave Infrared spectral bands, for high-end and/or high-volume markets an designed for fast industrial transfer to its partners . Three dimensional (3D) or depth sensing has been introduced in mobile devices for mass-market applications such as facial or gesture recognition. Such solutions are mainly based on structured light and time of flight active imaging. These technologies enable good operating in darkness. Nevertheless, ocular security constraints limit the accessible power of the illuminant and consequently outdoor range especially in sunlight conditions. Further developments at CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) and optical system level are necessary to increase sensitivity or mitigate parasitic lighting. Future generation of these depth mapping imager technologies should also be able to combine both color and depth mapping capability to increase compactness, but without any compromise on image quality and depth resolution. This presentation highlights some on-going developments at CEA-Leti to tackle these technological challenges, especially regarding FMCW based scanless 3D flash imaging solutions, providing both high spatial and temporal resolution for depth mapping, associated to low power consumption and high video rate.

Biography
Pierre Castelein obtained his engineering degree in electronics from the Institut Supérieur d'Electronique du Numerique (ISEN, France) in 1992 and a PhD in electronics from the Institut d'Electronique et Micro-électronique du Nord (IEMN, France) in 1997. Then he joined CEA-Leti, French technology research institute, global leader in miniaturization technologies enabling smart, energy-efficient and secure solutions for industry, as a characterization and modeling engineer for quantum IR imagers. Starting from 2004, he managed several R&D projects with the French Defense Procurement Agency) involving the design of advanced IR imagers. In 2012, he became coordinator of the joint laboratory between Lynred (global industry leader for advanced infrared imagers covering the entire infrared spectrum). From 2015 onwards, he was in charge of CEA-Leti's strategic partnership in infrared imaging . Since 2021, he is partnership manager for Visible Imaging technologies at CEA-Leti in interaction with STmicrolectronics and several international partners.

EYE2DRIVE: Redefining Vision Sensors for Dynamic Environments with Native HDR Technology

Monica Vatteroni
CEO
EYE-TECH srl

Abstract
Vision sensors are at the heart of automotive, industrial, and mobility applications — yet they often face a critical trade-off between dynamic range, image quality, and robustness under non-ideal lighting. Traditional High Dynamic Range (HDR) approaches, based on multi-exposure fusion or logarithmic pixels, suffer from inherent limitations such as motion artifacts, flickering, and degraded signal-to-noise performance.EYE2DRIVE introduces a paradigm shift in vision sensing through an innovative, patented pixel-level technology that enables native single-frame global shutter HDR. At the core of the sensor is a linear pixel architecture combined with a smart conditioning circuitry, capable of adjusting the charge discharge and pixel sensitivity dynamically in response to real-world light conditions. This behavior mimics the adaptability of the human eye — without requiring multiple exposures or multi-gain architectures, dedicated processing, or non-standard CMOS processes.The result is a sensor that delivers:- High-quality HDR images with no post-processing- No flickering or motion-induced artifacts- Full compatibility with existing global shutter architectures- Ease of integration using standard CMOS flowsThis talk will provide a technical insight into the sensing principle, alongside a broader perspective on applications, integration roadmap, and market relevance. From autonomous driving to in-cabin monitoring and beyond, EYE2DRIVE is designed to address the most critical challenges of vision under extreme and variable lighting — enabling new levels of safety, performance, and flexibility in embedded vision systems.

Biography
Monica Vatteroni is CEO and CTO of EYE-TECH, the company behind the EYE2DRIVE brand — an innovative vision sensing solution that delivers native high dynamic range (HDR) imaging with unmatched adaptability under challenging and fast-changing lighting conditions.She holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering and a PhD in Physics, and brings over 20 years of experience in CMOS image sensor design, microelectronics, and innovation leadership. Monica is the primary inventor of the patented technology that powers EYE2DRIVE — a novel architecture enabling single-frame, real-time HDR at the pixel level, overcoming the limitations of traditional HDR approaches such as motion artifacts, flicker, and post-processing needs.Her career spans both academic research and industrial development, with positions across the medical, industrial, and semiconductor sectors. From 2015 to 2016, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Université Claude Bernard in Lyon, working on a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Starting Grant project. Prior to that, she spent several years at the Biorobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, contributing to image sensors, vision systems, and sensorized platforms for biomedical applications. During the same period, she also collaborated with Eurotech S.p.A. and STMicroelectronics on CMOS image sensing technologies.From 2002 to 2008, Monica worked at NeuriCam, an SME in Trento, where she was responsible for the analog design and later the full development of intelligent CMOS cameras.She is the author or co-author of over 30 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, and holds nine international patents in the field of image sensing.At EYE-TECH, she leads a multidisciplinary team committed to developing bio-inspired, highly adaptive vision systems for automotive, industrial, and embedded applications — transforming research-driven innovation into scalable, real-world solutions.

Precision Pixels: Advanced ROIC Solutions for Visual and NIR Sensing

Ran Ruby Yan
Director - IoT Display Sensor Security
GlobalFoundries

Abstract
Coming Soon

Biography
Ruby Yan is an accomplished Product Line Executive at GlobalFoundries, where she spearheads the technology innovation and strategic growth of the Display, Sensor, Security divisions in IOT. With over 14 years of tenure at the company, she has built a distinguished career spanning leadership roles in technology development, product commercialization, and global business strategy. A recognized technical leader, Ruby holds the title of Master Inventor at GlobalFoundries, with nearly 30 patents granted and over 70 peer-reviewed publications advancing semiconductor technologies.Renowned for her commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces , Ruby founded GlobalFoundries’ ASIA@Europe ERG Group, which has expanded to support over 100 members. A vocal advocate for equitable leadership, Ruby was named to “Women Engineers You Should Know” list by Society of Women Engineers (2023) and frequently speaks at industry forums on bridging the gender gap in semiconductor innovation.Ruby’s leadership extends beyond corporate strategy; she is a sought-after advisor for startups and academic institutions, collaborating with organizations like Fraunhofer Institute and SEMI. A firm believer in “innovation through diversity,” Ruby continues to shape the future of technology while inspiring a more inclusive and dynamic industry landscape.

High Performance Audio Enabling the Future of AI Assistants: Advances in Intelligent Multi-Speaker Processing

Manuela Heiss
Head of System Application Engineering MEMS Sensors
Infineon Technologies AG

Abstract
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants has transformed the way we interact with technology. However their ability to accurately process and understand multi-speaker environments remains a significant challenge. High performance microphones provide a crucial foundation for enabling complex machine learning use cases such as speaker diarization, speech separation, and speaker localization. By leveraging highest audio performance, AI assistants will be able to transcribe, translate, compile and understand human interactions, revolutionizing the way we work, communicate and collaborate.

Biography
Manuela Heiss is heading the system application engineering group for MEMS sensors at Infineon Technologies. Manuela joined Infineon in 2018 as a software engineer, followed by positions as system architect for IoT solutions at Infineon, Singapore. In 2022 Manuela established the system application engineering group for MEMS sensors at Infineon. Manuela and her team are focusing on enabling high performance acoustic solutions for consumer, industrial and automotive applications and thereby bridging the gab between technical innovation and customer-centric solutions.

Embedded AI for Ultra Low Power Always-on Smart Imagers

Gilles Sicard
Researcher
CEA Leti

Abstract
Current megapixel smart imagers, which incorporate computer vision capabilities, exhibit both high acquisition performance and complex real-time image processing at the expense of power consumption incompatible with battery-powered systems because preventing always-on usage. Based on results of two silicon demonstrators, this talk presents our architecture solutions to address this power issue to obtain ultra-low power always-on smart Image sensors. We will focus on our architectural choices to manage the trade-off between power consumption and object recognition capability in term of complexity, versatility and quality. We will discuss also the imager characteristics that have to be upgraded to reach a good algorithmic robustness with respect low power constraints.

Biography
Gilles SICARD received the PhD degree from the Grenoble Institute of technology in 1999. From 1999 to 2014, he was an associate professor with the Joseph Fourier University and he was a researcher with TIMA Laboratory (Grenoble-France). His research work was mainly focused on smart CMOS image sensors. In 2014, he joined CEA-LETI (Grenoble, France) as senior expert in the Image sensor and Display laboratory (L3I Lab.). He leads researches on Smart CMOS imagers using emerging technologies. He is author or co-author of more than 100 papers in international conferences and journals.

Smart Sensing with Neuromorphic Solutions: A Game Changer for Edge Applications

KAMEL Ait Mahiout
PRESIDENT & CEO
Novasensing

Abstract
The accelerating demand for IoT, autonomous systems, and secure infrastructures underscores the urgent need for energy-efficient and high-performance sensing platforms. Conventional CPU/GPU-based architectures, despite their computational power, face significant barriers: high power consumption, reliance on advanced silicon nodes, and escalating costs tied to cloud-based data center infrastructures.NOVASENSING presents a disruptive neuromorphic computing approach purpose-built for semiconductor innovation. By eliminating traditional GPUs/CPUs and embedding intelligence directly into an event-driven, massively parallel architecture, our solution achieves sub-100 ns fully parallel processing with power consumption reduced from 1 W to 0.002 W. This design leverages scalable semiconductor nodes (55 nm down to 28 nm) with stackable integration, ensuring both manufacturability and cost-efficiency.The result is a sustainable, ultra-low power platform for smart sensing applications, including predictive maintenance, image and pattern recognition, and security systems. NOVASENSING’s architecture demonstrates how semiconductor design, when inspired by the brain’s efficiency, can drive both next-generation AI performance and eco-friendly scalability, aligning with the semiconductor industry’s roadmap toward energy-efficient, high-ROI solutions.

Biography
Kamel AIT Mahiout, CEO of Novasensing, brings over three decades of leadership in the semiconductor industry, with executive experience at Amkor Technology, Unity SC, and Applied Materials. He is recognized for driving global growth, restructuring organizations, and fostering C-suite collaboration across the ecosystem.

Smart Eyewear and Augmented Reality: State of the Art and Future Challenges

Tommaso Ongarello
Smart Eyewear R&D Manager
EssilorLuxottica

Abstract
Smart eyewear has emerged as a pivotal technology in the evolution of augmented reality (AR), merging advanced optics, sensor integration, AI capabilities, and wearable ergonomics into a single, user-centric platform. This talk will provide an overview of the current state of the art in smart eyewear, including leading-edge developments in display technologies (waveguides, microLEDs, holographic optics), optical combiners and integration into the smart eyewear, as well as the future challenges that must be addressed to fully realize the potential of AR eyewear.

Biography
Tommaso Ongarello is an Italian physicist and researcher specializing in smart eyewear technologies and photonics. He currently serves as the Smart Eyewear R&D Manager at EssilorLuxottica, where he leads research and development initiatives focused on integrating digital technologies, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence into next-generation eyewear. Ongarello holds a Ph.D. in Physics and has a strong academic background, with research contributions in areas such as computer-generated holography and light–matter interactions. He has co-authored several scientific publications, including studies on wearable EEG devices and augmented reality applications. In collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, Ongarello helped establishing the EssilorLuxottica Smart Eyewear Lab in Milan. This joint research center aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering innovation in smart eyewear through interdisciplinary research

Multi-modal low power spatial sensing for XR with Single Photon Active Event Sensors.

Ward van der Tempel
CTO
VoxelSensors SRL

Abstract
Low power perception for XR platforms remains an elusive target using traditional sensing methods, failing to deliver the essential balance of high performance, low latency, and energy efficiency required for all-day wearable devices. VoxelSensors introduces multi-modal spatial sensing powered by our Single Photon Active Event Sensor (SPAES) technology. Leveraging recent advance in MEMS mirror beam steering technology to achieve low power optical beam steering, combined our low power SPAD- & event-based sensor achitecture, we finally unlock low power sensing and perception solutions for XR.

Biography
Ward van der Tempel is co-founder and CTO at VoxelSensors and inventor of the Single Photon Active Event Sensor (SPAES) technology. He has over 15 years of experience in CMOS analog and digital sensor design and sensor fabrication process. He was co-founder and Product Director of Spectricity, developing miniature spectrometer solutions. Before this, he co-founded Optrima (merged with SoftKinetic, then acquired by Sony) to bring to market 3D Time-of-Flight technology. After the acquisition by Sony, Ward was Head of Technology at Sony DepthSensing Solutions, driving its 3D time-of-flight (ToF) development. Ward holds an MSc. Eng. degree and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, both from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.

Topic Coming Soon

Tim Boescke
Director
ams-osram

Abstract
Coming Soon

Biography
Coming Soon

Optimisation of supply chain of high-end optronics/photonics components in small quantities: is it possible in Europe?

Olivier Saint-Pé
Senior Expert
Airbus DS

Abstract
While most European institutions (EU, ESA, national governments...) fully recognize the strategic nature of Space business, it remains difficult in this area to meet the conflicting needs of developing high-performance custom components in very limited quantities at an affordable price. These demands are particularly contradictory for key optronics and photonics components such as image sensors, high data rates transceivers, and Photonics Integrated Circuits (PICs), whose production technologies are optimized for large volumes and require expensive non-recurring investments upstream of any production.After an introduction recalling why Space is an increasingly strategic field for Europe, the authors will explain why Space needs are specific and broad based on the example of photon detectors and why COTS devices are not able to efficiently answer most of the needs. In the last part of the talk, examples of low-volume supply chains of detectors meeting space technical needs will be presented, as well as axes proposed to make such productions more efficient in Europe.

Biography
Technical expert in the field of optical detection, he has been highly involved in Phase 0/A-B1 studies for many TSEIO optical instruments since more than 35 years, successfully codesigning focal planes and corresponding custom detectors for missions such as Huygens, GAIA, GOCI, Sentinel 2, METimage, Trishna and LSTM.As R&T and R&D study manager, he has contributed to passive and active optical instrument innovations in particular by pioneering several new detection technologies for space applications such as CMOS Image Sensors, microbolometers, T2SL, MCT APD and SPAD/SiPM, including the understanding of radiation effects on their performances and the developments of innovative methods and means for their characterizationsHe has technically mentored many internships and young engineers within TSEIO in the field of optical detection and has been co-supervisor for 15 PhD thesis. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 papers in the field of space optical detection and instrumentation.In the frame of internal and institutional R&D/R&T studies, he has set several collaborations with European industrial and academic stakeholders in the field of optical detection.His deep knowledge about the physics and manufacturing processes of optical detectors regularly serves to find out anomalies root causes during projects Phase B2/CD and Phase E.

Emerging technologies for the defence sector

Piia Konstari
Director, Microfabrication services
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Abstract
The defence industry has traditionally been dominated by large integrators providing high-performance and durable solutions with life spans typically ranging from 10 to 40 years. While these capabilities remain relevant for modern warfare, there is also demand for cost-effective, high enough performing solutions that can be mass-produced and easily redesigned. Dual-use technologies are increasingly significant in the defence sector, with a growing number of new dual-use technology companies entering the field. Access to digital and critical technologies is considered important for Europe.

Biography
Piia Konstari is Director of Microfabrication services at VTT. She is responsible for VTT’s pilot line services in microelectronics and quantum technologies and for successful commercialization of those. Previously, as a Lead in Microelectronics and quantum technology at VTT, she was responsible for business development and commercialization activities of those areas. Piia has a background in sales both from VTT as well as from the semicondcutor industry.