Tuesday, November 10, 2026
 

Skills and Workforce Development

16:00
Opening Remarks & The Future Semiconductor Workforce: Skills, Inclusion and Retention
  Kartikey Srivastava, Manager, EU Projects, SEMI Europe
Opening Remarks & The Future Semiconductor Workforce: Skills, Inclusion and Retention

Kartikey Srivastava
Manager, EU Projects
SEMI Europe

Abstract
Europe’s semiconductor ambitions depend not only on technology and investment, but on having the people and skills needed to support a growing and rapidly changing industry.Drawing on the work of three European initiatives: the European Chips Skills Academy, the European Chips Diversity Alliance and RESCHIP4EU - this opening presentation will explore some of the key workforce challenges facing the semiconductor sector, from developing the right skills and attracting new talent to creating workplaces where people can progress and stay.The presentation will also share findings from ECDA’s latest research on employee retention, highlighting the factors that influence people’s experiences and decisions to remain within the sector. Together, these perspectives will set the scene for the wider discussion on how AI is changing skills, recruitment and the workplace and what this means for the future semiconductor workforce.

Biography
Kartikey Srivastava is EU Projects Manager at SEMI Europe, where he coordinates the European Chips Diversity Alliance, an Erasmus+ project supporting skills and inclusion across Europe's semiconductor ecosystem. He has worked on a range of Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe initiatives in the semiconductor sector, focusing on project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. Kartikey works with partners from industry, academia, research organisations, and public authorities across Europe to deliver collaborative projects with long-term impact. He holds an MBA from ESMT Berlin and a Master's degree in International Political Economy from King's College London.

16:15 Panel discussion

Prompt or Perish? A Panel Discussion on AI, Skills, Hiring & Workplace Ethics

Moderation Irene Da Pont, Senior Coordinator (EU projects), SEMI Europe

Irene Da Pont
Senior Coordinator (EU projects)
SEMI Europe

Biography
Irene is Senior Coordinator for EU Projects at SEMI Europe in Brussels, where she leads initiatives focused on workforce development and talent growth in the semiconductor industry. Her work centers on building stronger links between industry and education through European-funded projects that promote skills development, upskilling, and reskilling across the sector. She coordinates the European Chips Skills Academy project and plays an active role in shaping new talent-focused initiatives and strategic project proposals. Irene holds a degree in European Law and a Master's in EU Policies, Projects and Funding.

Panelists
17:00

Spark Excellence Award to be presented by Cassandra Melvin, Senior Director, Business Development and Operations, SEMI Europe