Spa City to host semiconductor conference

This first-of-its-kind event, hosted by the Center for Economic Growth, is called the 87/90 Semiconductor Summit.

It will showcase the area’s history of semiconductor investment, confirming its prominence and positioning the greater Capital Region for the industry’s future.

While the region has hosted many focused semiconductor industry events in the past, 87/90 Semiconductor Summit will be a unique opportunity for area business leaders to learn more about this innovative industry and for semiconductor industry officials to learn more about New York’s capabilities to propel growth.

“For over 30 years, the Capital Region has made a concentrated effort to develop as a hub for the global semiconductor industry,” said Center for Economic Growth President Andrew S. Kennedy. “This event will be an exciting opportunity for our investors and area business leaders to build a broader knowledge base of the industry. In addition, by bringing semiconductor experts, site selectors, and industry leaders to the area, we continue to promote the Capital Region as a leader in research and development, manufacturing, and innovation.”

The lineup of speakers includes Empire State Development President Howard Zemsky, Semico Research President Jim Feldhan, SUNY POLY Interim President Bahgat Sammakia, GlobalFoundries executive Gary Patton, Silicon Catalyst partner Rich Goldman and Fab Owners Association Executive Director Tom Salmon.

The day-long event will focus on outlining New York’s history of investment and future opportunities, economic forecasts for the industry, the future of innovation and technology and a variety of niche industry areas of focus, including integrated circuit design.

Several specific tracks are planned. They are:

Excelsior: The Empire State has a strong history of investment and the future continues to offer opportunities for partnering to drive innovation, technology advancement and public private partnerships.

Economics, Forecast and End Markets: Financial insight from top financial analysts on the industry and region, including a specific focus on the forecast ahead.

Technology, Innovation and R&D: Innovation and R&D drive advancements and growth in the semiconductor industry, and New York has been at the forefront for decades. How will innovation such as the leap to 7nm nodes impact the industry, supply chain and the end market.

MacGyvers of the Industry: The Fab Owners Association represents the unsung heroes of the industry, with companies and fab managers that operate in a stunningly efficient manner due to razor-thin margins. As IoT becomes more of a reality and consolidation continues, these “small” companies are becoming bigger and much more important. How are they innovating with older technology and smaller plants?

Innovation Before Copper Touches Silicon: Design and mask are some of the most vital components of the semiconductor industry. In many cases, the functionality, performance, efficiency and value of a chip is determined long before anyone puts a bunny suit on.

Preparing for and Supporting the Industry: Throughout the Northeast semiconductor cluster, regional economic developers have tackled and managed various challenges and opportunities in site development, project management, workforce development and regional engagement in support of the industry. This Panel Discussion will focus on outlining best practices and lessons learned with regional economic development leaders and moderator Andrew Kennedy from CEG.