Flanders Semiconductors launched at double tech conference

On March 28, 29 and 30, Bruges welcomed over 300 specialized international tech players at the first-ever niche conference combo, connecting the Smart Systems Integration Conference and Exhibition (SSI) and the European Advanced Process Control and Manufacturing Conference (apc|m).

There, experts from research, development and commercial organizations feasted their eyes on the latest insights, applications and trends in microelectronics, nanotech, smart systems, wireless communication technology, sensors, system integrations, advanced manufacturing and a plethora of related niches.

Through presentations, discussion forums and networking opportunities, they shared their experiences with like-minded people while forging close ties to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience in the semiconductor industry.

Recent global semiconductor chip shortages have continued to severely affect a multitude of industrial value chains. From ICT, automotive and manufacturing to life sciences & health, food and cleantech, chips are everywhere and their demand will only grow in the future.

To avoid future shortages and bolster Europe’s technological leadership in the global semiconductor market, the European Commission is mobilizing large investments and measures through the European Chips Act.

It’s no secret that imec, Flanders’ strategic research center for nanotech, is at the heart of the EU’s Chip Act, Europe’s ambitious plans to boost its chip production and innovation.

While imec puts Flanders on the map in the field of new semiconductor technology developments, the region is also home to strong research institutes excelling in micro- and nanotech, supportive cluster organizations and companies specializing in high-tech fields. Fostering innovation through multidisciplinary collaboration, Flanders’ close-knit semiconductor ecosystem is a European hotspot for chip design, image sensor development, power electronics, automotive semiconductors and more.

To give the region’s semiconductor ecosystem a seat at the table of Silicon Europe, Europe’s largest semiconductor alliance, and join Europe’s strategic discussions for the industry, some of Flanders’ leading semiconductor companies have joined forces via Flanders Semiconductors. This overarching organization aims to promote Flanders’ exceptional expertise in the field while responding to the needs of every player and supporting their growth.

Flanders Semiconductors is a non-profit organization that acts as a hub and promoter of Flanders’ semiconductor industry, but it also welcomes members outside the region.

Flanders’ semiconductor success story was made possible in part by the impressive work of specialized companies in the region, including:

• BelGaN, which is building a European GaN Valley in Flanders;
• Caeleste, which designs custom complementary metal-oxide semiconductor sensors;
• easics, market leader in ASIC and SoC design and supply services,
• Pharrowtech, which develops hardware and software for next-generation wireless applications;
• SOFICS, world leader in on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electrical overstress (EOS) solutions for IC;
• Spectricity, a spin-off of imec that develops integrated spectral sensing solutions in the visible and near-infrared spectral range;
• ICsence, an independent subsidiary of the TDK group and Europe’s largest fab-independent designer and manufacturer of analog, mixed-signal and digital IC,
• NXP Semiconductors, the former semiconductor division of Philips – now the world leader in secure connectivity solutions;
• Cochlear, a leader in implantable hearing devices.

Besides the introduction of Flanders Semiconductors, FIT hosted a networking dinner for semiconductor players from Flanders and abroad – mainly from Germany, and worked on strengthening the relationship with Silicon Saxony, one of Europe’s largest microelectronics and IT networks.

Many companies in Saxony and Flanders are likely to complement each other. By boosting collaborations between Silicon Saxony and Flanders Semiconductors, other innovators can benefit from and be encouraged to invest in Flanders’ recognized expertise. To highlight just a few examples:

• sensors for space applications;
• custom CMOs;
• advanced sensor design;
• automotive semiconductor design;
• image sensor design.

Furthermore, FIT arranged for some of Flanders’ most inspiring semiconductor specialists to share their knowledge and best practices with the European community during two speaker sessions: