Future Of Semiconductors Forum 2024: Charting The Course Of Electronic Chip Manufacturing And Design In Saudi Arabia

The third edition of the Future Semiconductors Forum 2024 is set to take place in Riyadh, hosted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Scheduled for June 5-6, 2024, at the Garage Innovation District, the event aims to enhance domestic electronic chip production and boost Saudi Arabia's digital economy.

The forum will gather esteemed policymakers, industrial pioneers, experts, and scholars in semiconductor technology. Notable participants include Shuji Nakamura, a Nobel laureate in Physics for his development of blue/green LEDs and violet laser diodes. Kang Wang, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at UCLA and Co-Director of the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering, will also attend.

Other distinguished attendees include Steven P. DenBaars from the University of California - Santa Barbara, who holds over 190 US patents and co-founded the Institute of Engineering Electricity and Electronics. Umesh Mishra, Dean of the College of Engineering at UCSB, Ross Jatou, President of Semiconductor at Alat Company, Dr. Naveed Sherwani, Chairman and CEO of Rapid Silicon Company, and Professor Goutam Chattopadhyay from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will also be present.

KACST President Dr. Munir Eldesouki stated that the forum aligns with the goals set by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in research, development, and innovation. He emphasized KACST's role as a national laboratory and innovation hub aimed at enhancing research systems, expediting technological advancements, and promoting technology localization.

KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan praised the forum's accomplishments in its first two editions. He highlighted that the new edition offers promising opportunities to enhance the digital economy, advance research cooperation between various entities, and exchange knowledge about best practices in the electronic chip industry.

Agenda and Activities

The forum aims to raise awareness about localizing the electronic chip industry and its contribution to Saudi Arabia's digital economy. It seeks to explore potential opportunities for making the Kingdom a key player in this sector. The event will promote research collaboration and share best practices in semiconductor development and manufacturing.

Over two days, the forum will delve into various subjects to outline the semiconductor industry's future trajectory in Saudi Arabia. Topics will include exploring the semiconductor value chain from raw materials to finished microchips. The application of advanced technology in areas like space exploration, quantum technologies, 6G communications, electric vehicles, and integrated sensors for smart cities will also be examined.

Strategic Partnerships and Sponsorships

The third edition of the forum has strategic partnerships with the Research, Development, and Innovation Development Authority and Alat Company. It is sponsored by leading local and international institutions such as Ajlan & Brothers Holding, Synopsys, Siemens, Rapid Silicon, Oxford Instruments, Trysl Tech, Joule, EpicSemi, and International Semiconductor Executive Summits.

Significant Initiatives

This year's forum follows successful first and second editions that led to collaborative research advancements in semiconductor manufacturing. This includes launching the Saudi Semiconductors Program (SSP), a regional initiative supporting research and development while qualifying cadres in designing and localizing electronic chips.

The forum will announce significant initiatives aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia's standing in the global semiconductor arena. These initiatives are expected to drive transformation in the Middle East, cultivate talent in this vital sector, and address industry challenges to spur economic growth.

Scientific Activities

The agenda includes various scientific activities such as lectures, panel discussions, research posters, and an accompanying exhibition where global companies can showcase their latest developments in semiconductor technology.

For more information about the event or to register for participation, visit: https://semiconductors.kacst.gov.sa.

With inputs from SPA