ICN2 Participates in the Semi Impact Forum 2024, Focused on Advancing the Catalan Semiconductor Industry

by Chema Arcos

The event brought together industry leaders, investors, policymakers and researchers. It highlighted the importance of strategic cooperation between Catalonia and Taiwan, two key players in the sector.

On 9 December, the Semi Impact Forum - Catalonia Chapter was held, an event highlighting Catalonia (and Europe)’s role in the strategic field of semiconductor technology and innovation. The day focused on several key topics, including the 'Lab-to-Fab' transition, market strategies for Catalan companies working with Taiwan and talent attraction.

Semi Ventures, an organisation dedicated to connecting Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem with EMEA's diverse industries, was the organiser, together with the Catalan government (through the ACCIÓ agency) and Barcelona & Partners. The event consisted of several presentations, roundtables and panel discussions. The special guest speaker was Prof. Konrad Young, former head of R&D at TSMC (a Taiwanese leading semiconductor company), professor at National Taiwan University and a key figure in the industry. In a session moderated by ICREA Prof. Jose Antonio Garrido, Prof. Young shared his view on how to move from the lab to prototyping and to large-scale production, also highlighting how Catalan companies can take advantage of Taiwan's expertise in advanced manufacturing.

The role of ICN2

The conference also served as a platform to highlight and discuss how advances in semiconductors can impact key areas such as artificial intelligence and supercomputing. The Semiconductors Innovation in AI and Supercomputing roundtable offered the vision of several leading institutions in innovation, such as ICN2 or NARLabs (National Applied Research Laboratories, Taiwan), INESC TEC or Barcelona Supercomputing Center. ICN2 was represented by its Director, Prof. Pablo Ordejón, who presented the Institute's main projects and research lines in this area.

Among the conclusions of the conference was undoubtedly the key role that Catalan companies and research centres can play in this industry. Catalonia can potentially position itself as one of the strategic European hubs in the semiconductor sector. To this end, it is essential to develop and promote projects that help to reduce the gap between the laboratory and large-scale production.

Dr Nuria Montserrat, Catalonia's Minister for Research and Universities, closed the event, highlighting the impact of semiconductor advances not only on the economy but also on Catalonia's position at the forefront of global technology.