The third edition of the Valencia Silicon Forum has consolidated Valencia’s position within the European semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem. Over the course of two days, more than 400 professionals from companies, universities, research centres, public administrations and international organisations took part in an event that has established itself as one of Europe’s leading forums for discussion on the continent’s technological and industrial future.

Organised by Valencia Silicon Cluster (VaSiC) and Valencia City Council through Valencia Innovation Capital, the event has once again brought together some of Europe’s leading players in the fields of semiconductors, microelectronics and deep tech, cementing its position as one of the sector’s leading forums.

Valencia, the setting for the European debate on semiconductors

One of the most significant highlights of this year’s event was the participation of Arian Zwegers, Deputy Head of the Microelectronics and Photonics Unit at the European Commission, who outlined the main areas of focus that will shape the next phase of European policy on semiconductors.

The European Commission’s presence at the forum and the choice of Valencia as the venue to publicly unveil these initiatives reinforce the role the city is playing within the European innovation and microelectronics ecosystem.

The event also featured Jean-Luc Di Paola-Galloni, Chair of the Chips Joint Undertaking and Executive Vice-President of the Valeo Group, who analysed the implications of the forthcoming European Semiconductors Act 2.0 and the opportunities it offers for European industry.

Talent, investment and cooperation to boost European competitiveness

Under the slogan “Boosting Talent, Investment and Defence in the European Chips Act 2.0 Era”, the forum highlighted the need to strengthen the training of specialised professionals, drive new industrial investment and accelerate collaboration between universities, research centres, businesses and public authorities.

The various sessions all agreed that the availability of qualified talent will be one of the key factors determining the growth of European industry over the coming years, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, the automotive industry, defence, telecommunications, healthcare and the aerospace industry.

Businesses, universities and institutions are linking up the European ecosystem

The programme brought together representatives from some of the sector’s leading international companies, including Analog Devices, Bosch, GlobalFoundries, MaxLinear, ams OSRAM, Nokia, VLC Photonics-Hitachi and Infineon, alongside universities, technology centres and public bodies from various countries.

Among the participants was Juan Diego Velásquez, Global Director of the Strategic Office at Purdue University (Indiana, USA), one of the world’s leading academic institutions for research and specialised training in semiconductors.

The presence of business leaders, institutional representatives and international experts enabled the sharing of experiences, the identification of opportunities for collaboration and the strengthening of links between the various stakeholders that make up the European microelectronics ecosystem.

Recognition of Valencian talent and research

As part of the Valencia Silicon Forum, the 3rd VLC ChipCity Award was presented, jointly awarded to the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University of Valencia in recognition of their contribution to the development of talent, research and innovation in the field of microelectronics.

The award highlights the track record of both institutions and their role in training highly qualified professionals, as well as their contribution to the growth of the Valencian semiconductor ecosystem.

A platform for the future of European industry

The Valencia Silicon Forum has also served as a platform to foster new opportunities for collaboration between businesses, universities and institutions, reinforcing Valencia’s position as an attractive environment for innovation and the development of high value-added technology projects.

Now in its third year, the forum has established itself as one of Europe’s leading platforms for dialogue on the future of semiconductors, helping to strengthen the links between industry, knowledge and technology policy at a crucial moment for Europe’s industrial development.

The third edition of the Valencia Silicon Forum was supported by the University of Valencia, the Technical University of Valencia, the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), the Regional Ministry of Education, Culture and Universities of the Valencian Regional Government, the Regional Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade of the Valencian Regional Government, MicroNanoSpain and Analog Devices.