Welcome Remarks

Laith Altimime
President
SEMI Europe

Abstract
Coming Soon

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.

Opening Remarks

Ajit Manocha
President and Chief Executive Officer
SEMI

Abstract
Coming Soon

Biography
Ajit Manocha is the president and CEO of SEMI, the global industry association serving the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing and design supply chain. Throughout his career, Manocha has been a champion of industry collaboration as a critical means of advancing technology for societal and economic prosperity. In his leadership role at SEMI, Manocha has broadened the association’s scope to fuel industry growth and foster collaboration on challenges such as geopolitical and sustainability concerns, the talent gap and supply chain disruptions. He has driven SEMI to evolve with the global microelectronics ecosystem as it rapidly expands to support smarter, connected applications based on artificial intelligence, machine learning and other disruptive technologies. Manocha was formerly CEO at GlobalFoundries. Prior to this, he held the role of Executive VP of worldwide operations at Spansion and earlier served as Executive VP and chief manufacturing officer (chief operations officer) at Philips Semiconductors. He began his career at AT&T Bell Laboratories as a research scientist and was granted more than a dozen patents related to semiconductor manufacturing processes that served as the foundation for modern microelectronics manufacturing. He has served on the boards of SEMI, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA). Manocha has overseen the formation of more than 20 joint ventures and M&As over his career. Out of these, some of the most noteworthy are the manufacturing JV between AT&T and Cirrus Logic, the foundry JV SSMC between Philips Semiconductors and TSMC, the back-end JV Suzhou ASEN Semiconductors between Philips Semiconductors and ASE, and the spinoff of Philips Semiconductors (now NXP Semiconductors) from Royal Philips Electronics. Manocha served on President Obama’s committees for “Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships” and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science & Technology (PCAST). Manocha holds the rare distinction of being inducted into two Hall of Fames. In 2021, VLSIresearch (now TechInsights) added Manocha to its Semiconductor Industry Hall of Fame for his leadership of SEMI efforts to address geopolitical trade tensions as well as for his initiative in navigating the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting SEMI and the microelectronics industry. In 2020, Manocha was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame, and VLSIresearch named him an “All Star of the Semiconductor Industry” for his visionary leadership in 2019 to restructure SEMI to represent the expanded electronics supply chain.

Orchestrating a scalable AI revolution

Luc Van den hove
Chairman
imec

Abstract
Artificial intelligence is becoming the defining technology of our era, but its long-term impact depends on one critical challenge: scalability. As AI evolves toward complex, agentic systems operating from cloud to edge, demands on compute, memory, and connectivity are growing at an unprecedented pace. This keynote explores how sustaining the AI revolution requires innovation across the entire technology stack, from advanced CMOS and heterogeneous integration to photonic interconnects and system-level co-optimization. Looking further ahead, emerging paradigms such as quantum and brain-inspired computing may unlock new forms of efficient intelligence. Ultimately, scalable AI will not emerge from a single breakthrough, but from orchestrating a global ecosystem of technologies, disciplines, and innovators

Biography
Luc Van den hove is President and CEO of imec since July 1, 2009. Before he was executive vice president and chief operating officer. He joined imec in 1984, starting his research career in the field of silicide and interconnect technologies. In 1988, he became manager of imec’s micro-patterning group (lithography, dry etching); in 1996, department director of unit process step R&D; and in 1998, vice president of the silicon process and device technology division. In January 2007, he was appointed as imec's EVP & COO. Luc Van den hove received his PhD in electrical engineering from the KU Leuven, Belgium.In 2023, he was honored with the Robert N. Noyce medal for his leadership in creating a worldwide research ecosystem in nanoelectronics technology with applications ranging from high-performance computing to health.In 2025, he received an honorary distinction from the Flemish Community in recognition of his impressive role in strengthening Flanders as a leading innovative region. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 publications and conference contributions.Starting in April 2026, he took on a new role as Chair of imec’s Board of Directors.

Navigating the Perfect Storm: Why the Future of AI Depends on Manufacturing Innovation

Berthold Schmidt
CTO
TRUMPF

Abstract
Artificial intelligence is fueling an unprecedented global semiconductor ramp. Around the world, new fabs, pilot lines, research centers and innovation ecosystems are being launched at remarkable speed.At the same time, the industry is entering one of its most significant technological transitions in decades. For years, progress was driven primarily by transistor scaling and shrinking feature sizes. Today, a fundamental question is emerging: What will ultimately enable the next generation of AI?[From Scaling to Systems]The industry's attention is widening from compute alone toward broader system architectures.Advanced Packaging, including hybrid bonding, co-packaged optics, new materials and increasingly complex manufacturing processes, is becoming a decisive differentiator. The future will not be determined solely by how small we can make transistors, but by how effectively we connect chips, move data, manage heat and integrate entirely new system architectures. This transition represents one of the most profound shifts the semiconductor industry has experienced in decades.[Europe's Opportunity in the Age of AI]For Europe, this transformation creates a unique opportunity. Europe holds world-class positions in many of the technologies that make next-generation semiconductors possible: optics, photonics, laser and plasma technologies, metrology, materials engineering, power electronics and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Across industrial clusters such as Leuven, Dresden and Eindhoven, Europe has built capabilities that are deeply embedded in the global semiconductor ecosystem. The opportunity is not only to contribute technologies, but to help shape how future semiconductor systems are designed and manufactured.[With Speed and Collaboration to Industrial Impact]The challenge is not a lack of innovation. The challenge is transforming innovation into industrial impact at the speed required by a rapidly changing market.At the same time, global competition is intensifying. New semiconductor research centers, pilot lines and innovation ecosystems are emerging around the world. Europe's success will increasingly depend on how effectively we connect research and industry, accelerate technology transfer, shorten innovation cycles and build industrial momentum.EUV has demonstrated that breakthrough innovation emerges when complementary capabilities are connected through trust, long-term commitment and shared ambition. Replicating this success in the next wave of semiconductor innovation will require strong public-private partnerships that create trusted environments for collaboration, accelerate technology transfer and bridge the gap between research excellence and industrial deployment.Success will also require Europe to rediscover some of the entrepreneurial strengths that once defined its industrial leadership: the willingness to act decisively, move quickly and embrace calculated risk. In an increasingly competitive global environment, research institutions and industry must work together with greater urgency and shared purpose, as has become common practice in several Asian innovation ecosystems.[Creating the Conditions for Indispensability]Europe's greatest opportunity in the age of AI is not to achieve technological independence, but to remain technologically indispensable. Governments must take a more entrepreneurial approach to enabling industrial progress. Beyond funding, Europe will need faster decision-making, more agile regulatory frameworks and a reduction in administrative barriers. In a race defined by speed of execution, the ability to create competitive framework conditions quickly may become as important as technological excellence itself.

Biography
Dr. rer. nat. Berthold SchmidtChief Technology Officer (CTO)Member of the Managing Board of TRUMPF SE + Co. KGHead of Corporate Technology & New Business, Electronics Division, EUV Division, and New Sectors.Born in 1968 in Würzburg. Studied physics at the University of Würzburg and earned his doctorate at the Technical University of Munich.In 2013, joined TRUMPF Laser Marking Systems in Grüsch, Switzerland, in the Research and Development department.2015: Director of the Central Department of Corporate Research at TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG, Ditzingen.2016: CEO of TRUMPF Photonics Inc. in Cranbury, NJ (USA).2017: Also CTO of TRUMPF Laser Technologie GmbH, Ditzingen.From 2020 to 2023, CEO of TRUMPF Photonic Components GmbH, Ulm.Member of the Executive Board since July 2023.

Beyond Performance: How the Semiconductor Industry and Ericsson Can Accelerate Decarbonization

Genevieve Pozza
Networks Sales Strategy Manager & Sustainability Lead
Ericsson AB

Abstract
Artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of infrastructure investment, increasing demand for semiconductors and communications networks.As telecom networks become more energy efficient and operational emissions decline, a larger share of the carbon footprint will come from materials, components, and manufacturing. This makes the semiconductor supply chain an increasingly important part of telecom decarbonization.How can the semiconductor industry and Ericsson work together to reduce these emissions?This session explores practical opportunities how the semiconductor ecosystem can help accelerate decarbonization —from renewable energy and cleaner manufacturing to reliable product-level carbon data and innovation in materials and processes.Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across the entire ecosystem, from semiconductor manufacturers and technology suppliers to telecommunications providers and end customers.

Biography
Genevieve Pozza is a Strategy Manager & Sustainability Lead at Ericsson, where she drives the Business Area Networks environmental sustainability agenda and supports the company's ambition to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040. Responsible for sustainability strategy execution, governance, performance management, and cross-functional transformation initiatives. With extensive leadership experience spanning strategy, product development, operational transformation, and commercial excellence, Genevieve helps drive the integration of sustainability, technology innovation, and business value creation across Ericsson's Networks operations.

Semiconductor & Electronics Opportunities in India

Sanjeev Keskar
CEO
Arvind Consultancy

Abstract
Coming Soon

Biography
Sanjeev Keskar is Chief Executive Officer of Arvind Consultancy. After his successful stint of 35 years in corporate world, out of which about 29 years in semiconductor industry, Mr. Keskar incorporated Arvind Consultancy, an advisory firm in the field of developing High Value-Added Eco- System for Semiconductor and Electronics Industry in India in Nov. 2020.Prior to this, Mr. Keskar was Managing Director India at Arrow Electronics for India, a leading electronic component global distribution company for five and half years. Earlier he was Managing Director Sales at PMC-Sierra for India and SEA.He was also elected Chairman of IESA (India Electronics and Semiconductor Association) for year 2013-14 and in current year he is part of Executive Council of IESA.Prior to PMC Sierra, he was Country Manager, Sales, at Freescale Semiconductor ( Motorola ) for 5 years and Country Manager, India, for AMD Far East Ltd., where he started AMD India operations as the first Country Manager and established AMD India.Mr. Keskar has also worked at National Semiconductor as Country Manager and at Max India Ltd. as Regional Manager.Mr. Keskar is Professor of Practice at IIT Roorkee. Mr. Keskar is also Executive Director at EPIC Foundation.Mr. Keskar received a master’s degree in management science in Marketing and a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering and Technology, from Pune University.

The Future of Europe's Industrial Policy

Narjiss Haddaoui
Managing Director
european economics

Abstract
Europe is entering a new industrial cycle shaped by AI, computing power and strategic technologies. As globalisation gives way to resilience and sovereignty, semiconductors are becoming a foundation of Europe’s future competitiveness.This keynote will explore how Europe’s industrial policy is evolving to reduce dependencies, accelerate industrial scale-up and open new opportunities for ambitious technology leaders.

Biography
Narjiss Haddaoui is Managing Director at european economics, a leading consultancy specialised in State aid and European funding.A graduate of Paris Dauphine University with a Master’s in International Business, she has worked across aeronautics and nuclear industries before joining european economics in 2018.At european economics, Narjiss leads the firm’s strategic development and international expansion, strengthening its role as a bridge between public policy, finance, and industry.She brings a forward-looking perspective on how Europe can turn public funding into a driver of industrial competitiveness, decarbonisation and sovereignty.