Semiconductors: Opportunities and Challenges

17 March 2025 | INL, Braga, Portugal 

Thank you!

Press Contact: communication@inl.int

The Semiconductors: Opportunities and Challenges event was a unique opportunity to explore the latest scientific and technological advancements driving progress in this critical sector. With 26 posters from 15 entities, the initiative showcased cutting-edge research and innovation, while the demo exhibition highlighted real-world products and solutions developed through R&D efforts by key stakeholders.

More than just a technical discussion, the event underscored the strategic importance of semiconductors—not only as a key industry but as the backbone of modern innovation, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. From geostrategic challenges to technological breakthroughs and policy strategies, it is clear that Portugal, alongside European and international partners, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of this field. Strengthening research, fostering industry growth, and building a more secure and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem remain top priorities.

With over 200 participants, the event sparked insightful conversations, encouraged new collaborations, and reinforced the collective ambition to drive innovation forward. Your engagement and contributions were instrumental in making this gathering a success.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to continuing the conversation, strengthening partnerships, and advancing semiconductor research and development.

Programme Overview

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 Morning Session   

09:00 - 09:30 Check-in

09:30 - 10:00 Opening Session

  • Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, Director General of International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

  • João Rui Ferreira, Secretary of State for Economy

  • Eva Ortega Paíno, Spanish Secretary General for Research

10:00 - 11:15 The Geostrategic Importance of Semiconductors

Panel Discussion
Moderator: Pedro Saraiva, Centre for Planning and Evaluation of Public Policies (PLANAPP)

  • Arian Zwegers, Microelectronics and Photonics Unit (DG-CONNECT)

  • Augusto Gadelha Vieira, CEITEC (Brasil)

  • Anna Wilson, Department of Science Technology and Innovation (UK)

  • José María García, SETT (Sociedad Española para la Transformación Tecnológica)

11:15 -11:45 Coffee Break

11:45-13:00 Opportunities and Challenges in Semiconductors (Part I)

  • Keynote: Jari Kinaret, Chips JU Executive Director

Panel Discussion
Moderator: Rui Oliveira, Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Tecnologia e Ciência (INESC TEC)

  • Elvira Fortunato, Centro de Investigação de Materiais do Instituto de Nanoestruturas,
    Nanomodelação e Nanofabricação (CENIMAT|i3N)

  • Paulo Freitas, Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores em Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC-MN)

  • Helena Braga, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP)

  • Célio Albuquerque, Synopsys 

13:00-14:15 Network lunch – INL Lobby

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17 March, 2025

Afternoon session

14:15- 14:45 Afternoon Keynote

  • NanoSystems: Lab-to-Fab, Tathagata Srimani, College of Engineering, Carnegie Melon University

  • Afonso Teles da Cunha, Intel Foundry

14:45- 16:00 Opportunities and Challenges in Semiconductors (Part II)

  • Keynote: Deji Akinwande, University of Texas at Austin

Panel Discussion
Moderator: Pedro Almeida, Fraunhofer Portugal

  • Ricardo Ferreira, Research Group Leader, INL

  • José Moreira da Silva, Amkor Technology Portugal

  • Henrique de Oliveira Miguel, CEITEC

  • Francisco Rodrigues, PICAdvanced

16:00 - 16:30 Coffee Break

16:30 - 17:30 Portuguese Strategy for Semiconductors

Panel Discussion
Moderator: Madalena Alves, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)

  • António Grilo, Agência Nacional de Inovação (ANI)

  • Alcino Lavrador, Rede de Inovação de Aveiro, Inova-RIA

  • Paula Galvão, INL (Competence Centre)

  • António Cunha, Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte (CCDR-N)

17:30 - 17:45 Closing remarks

  • Fernando Alexandre, Portuguese Minister of Education, Science and Innovation

17:45 - 18:30 Cocktail – INL Lobby

Venue

INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is an Intergovernmental Organization headquartered in Braga, Portugal created under an international legal status to foster cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in Nanotechnology and Nanoscience.

The spacious common areas of INL are designed to set a friendly atmosphere, allowing abundant natural lighting to promote informal, spontaneous meetings and networking.

Getting to INL

Address: Avenida Mestre José Veiga, S/N | 4715-330 Braga | Portugal

  • Arrival at Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport

    This airport is a central hub in Northwest Iberia, and it’s about a 30‑minute drive to Braga via a direct highway.

From the airport to Braga

  • By Car | Braga is accessible via several highways:

    • North: A3

    • South: A3 and A1 (from Lisbon)

    • East: A11 and A7

    • West: A28

  • By Bus | A GetBus transfer operates from the airport arrivals area. The fare is around €9 one way.

  • By Taxi | Taxis are available right in front of the airport arrivals. Expect a fare of about €60 one way. , ~€60 one way.

  • By Train | Trains arrive daily from different cities in Portugal and Spain. To reach Porto train station, use the airport subway station (Metro do Porto).

Parking: Since parking is not allowed in the INL premises, make sure to allow extra time for drop-off and finding suitable parking nearby.

If you have any questions, please contact us at conference.office@inl.int