Interview conducted by Mychealla RiceJul 7 2016What new activities will be incorporated into the schedule at SEMICON West 2016 that appeal to a younger entrepreneurial crowd?
The world’s best companies from across the electronics supply chain gather for SEMICON West. This year SEMI is offering a wide range of new activities, forums, summits, and pavilions. Including, but not limited to: Advanced Packaging Forum, Flexible Hybrid Electronics Forum, IC Design Summit, and Hackathon occurring during the World of IoT Forum
With the growing demand for smaller form, faster production, lower power consumption, and more flexible designs, tomorrow’s electronics will demand totally new solutions. At the Advanced Packaging Forum, attendees will learn about the latest assembly and packaging technologies- wafer-level packaging (WLP), fan out, and system in a package (SiP) -- and how they will enable next-generation devices. The Flexible Hybrid Electronics Forum introduces a new variety of electronics: ultra-thin silicon components and flexible substrates fit for IoT. The IC Design Summit will discuss the growing semiconductor demand in relation to the automotive electronics industry and the implications of trusted IC and other products across the value chain on security. Last, but definitely not least, is the Hackathon, a two-day event that challenges the registered teams to solve unique challenges in IoT, as decided by the SEMICON West corporate sponsors ─ Applied Materials and Lam Research. On the final day of SEMICON West 2016, the winners will be announced and there will be prizes distributed to audience members.
Last year, we discussed “the next growth engine for the semiconductor industry – the IoT” with you. How has the semiconductor industry been impacted during the past year with the emerging IoT?
The Internet of Things has been a pivotal developmental point for the semiconductor industry that allows new opportunities to evolve and grow every day. The growth has rapidly increased in the last year and the demand is great enough that SEMICON West 2016 has added an entire forum entitled “The World of IoT Forum.” Business leaders who tackle obstacles to implement new systems and invest in new capabilities early will gain the most competitive advantage. The future of IoT is surfacing between technology, design, and data science all presented at SEMICON West 2016.
Could you tell us about the World of IoT agenda on July 14?
The agenda on July 14th for the IoT Forum includes three sessions: Session 1 focuses on sensors and automation while Session 2 focuses on how to get your business ready to compete in the world of IoT. Speakers address the drive toward “Big Data” and Analytics and the platforms and applications needed for an IoT business strategy. Session 3 features the IoT startups and “Hackathon” with eight companies showcasing their startups, closing with the competition and exciting Hackathon event results.
Could you discuss the idea and excitement circulating about the Hackathon?
The World of IoT Forum will feature eight amazing IoT startup pitches with the first-ever Industrial IoT Hackathon panel, awards, and design team presentations. Hackathons attract a wide range of top-tier developers and engineers showcasing their innovation, entrepreneurship and technical skills aimed at solving corporate sponsored industrial and technological challenges. This event will allow new startups to experience the competitive side of the micro-electronics supply chain, while simultaneously marketing their products. The Hackathon will also provide a fun environment for industry peers and corporate sponsors to view, advise, and congratulate presentations by the Industrial IoT Hackathon teams. After the two days of work, the awards will be presented, and the audience will have a chance to win a Quadcopter Drone, an Apple Watch Sport, and V-Moda Headphones on Thursday, July 15 at 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
What are some highlights of Silicon Innovation Forum that differ from the previous year?
Just like last year, SEMICON West 2016 (July 12-14) will split the two-day conference: one day focusing on the Start Up Forum (July 12) and the other focusing on the Silicon Innovation Research Forum (July 13). Examples of new technologies featured at SIF include:
- Human Body Communication Technology by using NFC with electric field coupling
- Single-transistor FeFET solution based on ferroelectric hafnia for embedded memory
- Multiple parallel scanning probe microscopy for atomic-scale resolution metrology
There will be new presenters in the Silicon Innovation Research Forum discussing advanced research solutions impacting electronics. Also, one of the new keynote speakers, Connor Madigan, president and co-founder of Kateeva, will discuss his experience in leading development and commercialization initiatives at Kateeva that has helped grow his company and team while helping secure multiple financing rounds to support growth.
Where can our readers find out more about what’s happening?
The 46th annual SEMICON West 2016 has over 700 exhibitors, connection to over 26,000 professionals from across the entire electronics supply chain, and 250 total hours of programming and events presented by industry leaders. No other event in North America connects you to innovation, opportunity, technology, and information like SEMICON West. The Schedule at a Glance gives details of time, location and subjects that will be covered over all three days of this event.
About Ray Morgan
Ray Morgan, Director of Outreach & Membership, is responsible for industry outreach and SEMI member services for the America's market which includes activities focused on the creation of new programs and communities that enhance industry and SEMI Member value. This includes, most recently, the formation of the Silicon Innovation Forum, a strategic partnering and investment forum for early / growth stage companies.
Prior to joining SEMI in 2009, Morgan spent 19 years in engineering, sales and marketing roles with leading semiconductor equipment and software companies including Applied Materials, Canon, and Synopsys. .jpg)
Ray holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Masters in Business from Chaminade University, Hawaii.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited (T/A) AZoNetwork, the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and Conditions of use of this website.