Events Archives - European Chips Diversity Alliance

Join the European MentorChip Exchange Programme as a Mentee

Anisa Billingslea — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:09:24 +0000

The European MentorChip Exchange Programme by the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) connects students and early-career professionals with experienced mentors across Europe’s microelectronics ecosystem. The programme is designed to support learning, confidence-building, and career development through flexible, community-driven mentorship.

Who can apply as a mentee?
We welcome:

Students, interns, and PhD candidates interested in microelectronics and semiconductors
Early-career professionals (typically with less than 10 years of experience)
Individuals seeking guidance on career paths, skills, and opportunities in industry, research, or academia

The programme places a special emphasis on supporting individuals from underrepresented groups and communities facing barriers to participation, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable microelectronics sector.

Benefits for mentees

Gain guidance, advice, and fresh perspectives from experienced professionals
Build confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills
Expand your professional network across Europe
Better understand industry expectations, career pathways, and opportunities
Be part of a safe, inclusive, and supportive community

Mentorship relationships are flexible and self-driven, allowing you to engage at your own pace through online interactions and in-person flash mentoring at ECDA events.

👉 Take the next step in your journey and apply to join the MentorChip Exchange Programme as a mentee.

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ECDA Launches Its First Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group Meeting

Anisa Billingslea — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:13:56 +0000

The European Chips Diversity Alliance successfully hosted the first meeting of its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Working Group on 2 December 2025, marking an important milestone in the Alliance’s mission to strengthen inclusion across Europe’s semiconductor talent pipeline.

This meeting brought together partners from industry, academia, and research organisations. As the semiconductor sector faces significant workforce and skills shortages, DEI is a critical component for building a larger, more diverse, and future-ready talent pool.

How This Fits Into the European Chips Skills Alliance

The DEI Working Group is part of the wider structure of the European Chips Skills Alliance, an EU-wide initiative coordinated to strengthen the skills pipeline for the semiconductor and microelectronics sector.

ECSA brings together industry, universities, VET providers, research organisations, clusters, and public authorities to:

map skills needs across the value chain,
develop training and upskilling pathways,
coordinate national and regional efforts, and
build a long-term, diverse talent pipeline.

ECDA operates within this framework, ensuring that inclusion, equity, and representation remain integral to Europe’s skills and workforce strategies.

Purpose of the DEI Working Group

The working group will meet quarterly and serves as a collaborative advisory body, without formal deliverables, designed to enable open discussion and shared learning. It offers a space for partners to:

present their ongoing DEI initiatives,
exchange best practices and external perspectives,
explore cross-sector opportunities, and
receive peer feedback on challenges and new ideas.

Participation is open not only to semiconductor stakeholders but also to organisations from other industries who can contribute valuable DEI insights. If you would like to join, get in touch with Kartikey Srivastava at ksrivastava@semi.org.

Looking Ahead

As the Alliance continues to grow, SEMI Europe is working toward a long-term association model to ensure sustainability beyond EU project cycles. The DEI Working Group will play an important role in shaping this direction by helping define inclusive practices that can scale across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.

ECDA looks forward to continued collaboration with partners as we work together to build a more inclusive, diverse, and globally competitive European microelectronics industry.

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Interview with Cassandra Melvin on Diversity and the Future of Europe’s Semiconductor Workforce

Anisa Billingslea — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:53:29 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Cassandra Melvin, Senior Director at SEMI Europe and Chair of the Board at the European Chips Diversity Alliance, featured in an exclusive interview with THE EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT.

In this conversation, Cassandra shares her perspectives on several critical topics shaping the semiconductor ecosystem, including:

The importance of diversity and inclusion in building a resilient and innovative industry
The evolving talent landscape and the future of Europe’s semiconductor workforce
Strategies for strengthening education pathways and talent pipelines
The impact of cross-sector collaboration on driving sustainable growth
How the European Chips Diversity Alliance is working to create long-term, industry-wide change

This interview offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead as Europe accelerates its ambitions in the global semiconductor landscape.

Hear the full interview here.

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Spark Excellence Award was awarded to Cassandra Melvin

Anisa Billingslea — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:03:11 +0000

We are pleased to share that the first-ever Spark Excellence Award was awarded to Cassandra Melvin during the CxO Summit at SEMICON Europa, and presented by Isabella Drolz.

Chosen from a strong pool of seven outstanding nominees, Cassandra was recognized by the Diversity in Chips Leadership Board as the standout candidate for this year’s award.

A passionate advocate for DEI, Cassandra has designed and led impactful initiatives across the ecosystem—including the SEMI Talent Forum, ChipQuest Challenge, NextGen Talent, and the PAS Gender Diversity Survey—creating equitable pathways into the industry and elevating DEI principles across Europe’s semiconductor landscape. She has also driven SEMI Europe’s efforts to make the industry more diverse and inclusive, while championing platforms where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.

Cassandra has played a pivotal role in guiding European Chips Diversity Alliance‘s strategic efforts to foster inclusive practices and strengthen Europe’s microelectronics talent pipeline. She continues to lead with a people-centered approach grounded in inclusivity, empowerment, and the belief that “when you prioritize people, they take care of the business.”

We are proud to celebrate Cassandra’s inspiring contributions and her well-deserved recognition as the first Spark Excellence Award winner!

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Inclusive Employer Branding Training at SEMICON Europa

Anisa Billingslea — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:47:10 +0000

📅 Date: 19 November
⏰ Time: 10:00 – 16:00 CET
📍 Location: ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
1st Floor, Room 11
Messegelände
81823 Munich, Germany

🪙 Cost: Free!

About the Training

Attracting and retaining diverse talent is one of the greatest challenges facing Europe’s semiconductor industry. Employer branding is no longer just about visibility—it’s about authenticity, inclusion, and delivering on the promises made to employees.

This interactive, in-person training- designed for middle managers and HR leaders, and many more – will equip participants with:

Practical strategies to make employee experiences more inclusive and appealing.
Insights into what young and diverse talent (Gen Z, women) value in an employer.
Tools to plan authentic, credible employer branding that reflects your organisation’s real strengths and culture.
Hands-on exercises using real employee stories, reflection activities, and collaborative planning.

By the end of the day, you will leave with concrete tools to strengthen your organisation’s brand as a place where all talent can thrive.

👉 Seats are limited – secure your spot now!

Who Should Attend?

Industry professionals shaping the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors
HR, Middle Managers and DEI practitioners seeking practical tools and approaches

Seats are limited – we will confirm your place by email after registration.

Agenda

Registration is currently closed

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Empowering Inclusion in Europe’s Microelectronics Ecosystem

Anisa Billingslea — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:37:51 +0000

📅 Date: 23 October
⏰ Time: 10:00 – 11:30 CET
📍 Online

About the Webinar

The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) brings together academia, industry, and policymakers to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across Europe’s microelectronics sector. By lowering barriers for underrepresented groups, ECDA helps unlock the missing talent crucial for Europe’s growth, competitiveness, and innovation.

This webinar will showcase the Alliance’s progress, highlight new insights, and share practical tools for building inclusive learning and working environments. It is designed to engage stakeholders across the ecosystem and inspire actionable steps toward a more diverse and equitable future in microelectronics.

Who Should Attend?

Industry professionals shaping the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors
Educators and learners interested in inclusive education and training practices
HR and DEI practitioners seeking practical tools and approaches
Policymakers and public stakeholders supporting Europe’s skills agenda

Whether you are a researcher, an employer, or simply curious about DEI in technology, you’ll gain valuable insights and resources to apply in your own context.

What to Expect

Participants will:

Hear about the latest DEI Report on trends and challenges
Learn from September’s PTvT Event highlights
Discover strategies for inclusive learning environments
Explore ECDA’s DEI Training Suite aligned with EU standards
Engage in an open Q&A session with speakers

Register now to reserve your place, connect with expert panelists, and help shape a more inclusive, innovative, and powerful future for Europe’s semiconductor industry.

Agenda

Time	Session Speaker
10:05–10:15	Opening & Video Explainer, Kartikey Srivastava Senior Specialist – Communications, SEMI Europe
10:15–10:30	DEI Report, Nessa Maguire- Founder of EudaOrg
10:30–10:45	Inclusive Chips Forum, Matthew Coates -Project Manager for European Education Development from Platform Talent voor Technologie
10:45–11:00	Inclusive Learning Environments, Richard Harte- User Experience Specialist at Learnovate
11:00–11:15	DEI Training Suite, Stephan Schmuck -Lecturer in Liberal Arts & Management at ESCP Business School
11:15–11:30	Q&A Session Kartikey, Senior Specialist – Communications, SEMI Europe

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Why Inclusion Fuels Better Chips: An ECDA Panel Discussion

Anisa Billingslea — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:39:19 +0000

The semiconductor industry is the engine of Europe’s digital transformation – but achieving truly exceptional chip design and manufacturing requires more than advanced technology. It requires teams that include every perspective and talent. Join us for a compelling online panel discussion hosted by the European Chips Diversity Alliance as we explore why inclusion is not just the right thing to do – it’s a strategic advantage.

This conversation brings together voices from across the chip ecosystem who are unlocking new ways for people to enter and thrive in microelectronics. We’ll show how inclusive practices are shaping stronger and more creative chip initiatives.

Whether you’re in industry, academia, or policy, this webinar aims to equip you with actionable insights to support a more inclusive semiconductor ecosystem – one that helps Europe meet its goals under the Chips Act and fills critical talent needs.

EVENT INFORMATION:

Date: September 8th, 2025

Time: 16:00 CEST

Location: Online (registration link)

Register now to reserve your place, connect with expert panelists, and help shape a more inclusive, innovative, and powerful future for Europe’s semiconductor industry.

Panelists:

Martina Wolfgruber

Head of Talent & Skills Funding, Infineon Technologies Austria

Martina is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience across various domains, including talent marketing, development and project management. Currently, she serves as the Head of Skills & Innovation Funding, where she is responsible for overseeing funded projects focused on talent attainment and promoting careers in the microelectronics sector. Her expertise also extends to advancing science and education initiatives in this field.

She is accountable for overseeing funded projects focused on cultivating and developing rising talents, ultimately contributing to the growth of a skilled future workforce for the microelectronics industry.

Catherine Le Lan

European University Program Manager

Catherine’s experience focuses on global customer success management, specializing in technical support, training, project execution, and team management at LSI-Logic, Synopsys, and Texas Instruments in both France and the United States.

After a stint in the academic world as a professor in high schools and universities, Catherine returned to the industry . She rejoined Synopsys in 2022 to create collaborations opportunities for Workforce development and to foster innovation.

Kartikey Srivastava

Senior Specialist, Communications at SEMI Europe

Senior Specialist – Communications at SEMI Europe, where he focuses on strategic dissemination and exploitation efforts for several high-impact Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe projects, including HiCONNECTS, the European Chips Skills Academy, the European Chips Diversity Alliance, and METIS4Skills.

His work has a strong emphasis on increasing the visibility, outreach, and long-term impact of EU-funded initiatives in the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors.  At SEMI Europe, Kartikey develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies, creates compelling narratives for stakeholder engagement, and ensures alignment with project objectives and European Commission guidelines. He holds an MBA from ESMT Berlin, and a Master’s degree in International Political Economy from King’s College London.

Dr Suzanne LESECQ, HDR

Research Director, Fellow EU programmes manager at Leti/DSYS

Suzanne Lesecq is currently European Programme Manager at CEA-Leti/DSYS. She has been with CEA since July 2009, conducting research on data fusion and advanced control. Before 2009, she was full-time Professor at Université Grenoble Alpes, teaching various subjects in the field of Electrical Engineering. Suzanne has been student at École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay. Her topics of interest are data fusion algorithms and their robust implementation.

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Inclusive Chips Forum – Designing the Difference

Anisa Billingslea — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:53:09 +0000

This event has ended. This page exists for archival purposes.

PTvP as part of the European Chips Diversity Alliance, will host the Inclusive Chips Forum – Designing the Difference this September at High Tech Campus Eindhoven, bringing together stakeholders from across the semiconductor sector to explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can drive innovation and resilience in the Dutch and European chip ecosystem.

The one-day forum on September 16 will feature the Beethoven project, with an opening presentation on its DEI objectives and public-private collaboration model to strengthen the Netherlands’ semiconductor capacity. The event will also highlight ECDA-led initiatives, such as training modules being made available on fostering inclusion in industry.

KEY MOMENTS

The forum will include a panel discussion on navigating DEI backlash across policy, education, and industry, best practices in industry, and a presentation of initial DEI research.

The program aims to foster practical dialogue between industry professionals, policymakers, and underrepresented student groups, reinforcing the importance of inclusive approaches in a rapidly evolving high-tech landscape.

The day will close with a networking opportunity, with plans underway for a follow-up industry tour of the Brainport region’s semiconductor ecosystem.

EVENT INFORMATION:

LOCATION: High Tech Campus 1 –The Strip 5656 AE Eindhoven The Netherlands

DATE: September 16th, 2025

TIME: 9:30-17:00

The Eindhoven forum marks another step forward in creating a more inclusive and future-ready semiconductor industry.

Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 Coffee

10:00 – 10:15 Welcoming Remarks

Beatrice Boots, Director of Platform Talent voor Technologie

10:15 – 10:30 Introduction to SEMI Europe and ECDA

Kartikey Srivastava, Senior Specialist – Communications, SEMI Europe

10:30 – 11:00 Beethoven Projects and DEI

Nicole Zwetsloot, Program Manager Talent Attraction Program at Brainport Development

11:00 – 11:30 Best Practices

Nicole Zwetsloot, Program Manager Talent Attraction Program at Brainport Development
Jasper Preijde, Manager Engineering at DEMCON high-tech systems Delft

11:30 – 12:00 Beta & Tech Mentality Model (PTvT)

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch

13:00 – 13:45 Panel Discussion on DEI Backlash (moderated by Victoria Cummings, SEMI)

Peter-Jan Hendrikx from hightech.nl
Christopher Frieling, Advocacy Director of SEMI Europe
Pooja Bhardwaj, founder of Catalyst Learning Solutions

13:45 – 14:10 Insights from the ECDA DEI Report

Nessa Maguire, Founder of EudaOrg

14:10 – 14:30 The ECDA Training Suite

Janka Kottulová, Researcher and project manager of Comenius University in Bratislava (UNIBA)

14:30 – 14:55 Introduction to the High Tech Campus

14:55 – 15:55 Tour of the High Tech Campus

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ECDA Highlights Industry Commitment to Inclusion at Dublin Event and Consortium Meeting

Kartikey Srivastava — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:48:43 +0000

The European Chips Diversity Alliance marked a significant milestone last week with a dynamic event at Dublin City University, followed by its latest consortium meeting. The two-day program brought together stakeholders from across Europe to reaffirm their collective commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive semiconductor ecosystem.

The public-facing event titled “Future Proofing Access to Diverse Talent in the Semiconductor Industry“, hosted in collaboration with Learnovate Centre, EudaOrg, MIDAS Ireland, and SEMI Europe, featured keynote speeches, a panel discussion, and networking aimed at fostering cross-sector dialogue. Discussions centered on practical approaches to attracting and retaining underrepresented talent, the role of inclusive workplace culture, and how the industry can support equitable growth.

Attendees noted the value of meeting peers and professionals committed to creating a more welcoming semiconductor ecosystem – particularly at a time when Europe is scaling its capacity through the Chips Act.

The second day brought ECDA partners together for a strategic consortium meeting focused on project progress, knowledge exchange, and planning for the months ahead. Partners shared updates across work packages and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration, align efforts, and maximize impact across the Alliance’s activities.

The Dublin event marked the beginning of a packed year for ECDA, with additional stakeholder events scheduled throughout 2025. More information will be shared via ECDA’s website, LinkedIn, Instagram and newsletter.

This event has now ended. The information below is provided for archival purposes. For a recap of the event, please visit this page.

The European Chips Diversity Alliance is excited to invite industry leaders, researchers, and professionals to a full-day event, organized by our partners Learnovate, MIDAS Ireland and EudaOrg, focused on DEI in the semiconductor industry on March 27th, 2025.

Hosted at Dublin City University, this gathering will feature engaging discussions, industry insights, and interactive workshops designed to advance workforce diversity and strengthen talent pipelines across Europe.

This event isn’t just about discussion—it’s about action. By participating, you will be part of the movement shaping the future of a more inclusive semiconductor industry.

📅 Date: March 27th, 2025
📍 Location: Dublin City University
🔗 Register now: Sign up here

Morning Sessions

10:00 – Registration
10:30 – Welcome & Introduction – John Blake, General Manager, MIDAS Ireland
10:35 – Introduction to Midas
10:45 – Introduction to SEMI Europe – Laith Altimime, President, SEMI Europe
11:00 – European Chips Diversity Alliance Overview – Reviliani Gani, Senior Manager of Diversity and Workforce Development, SEMI Europe
11:20 – Empowering Progress: DEI in Tech
- Aileen Kelly O’ Sullivan, Staff Engineering Ops and Culture Ambassador, Qualcomm
- Caroline Sasia, Executive VP Comms and Marketing, Soitec
- Rachel O’ Neill, Associate Manager for DEI, Regeneron
- Louis Cheng, Rewards, Analytics & Talent Solutions Partner at Merck Group
12:00 – Expert Panel Discussion
12:40 – Lunch Break

Afternoon Sessions

1:40 – Industry Research Insights – Nessa Maguire, Founder, EudaOrg
2:05 – Upskilling for Inclusion: Introducing DEI Talent Suite – Janka Kottulová, Researcher and Project Manager, Comenius University Bratislava and Stephan Schmuck, Senior Lecturer Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, ESCP Europe
2:30 – Chip In! From Research to Reality – Richard Harte, UX Specialist and Janet Benson, Learning Lead & Senior Researcher, Learnovate
3:00 – Spotlight on Irish Initiatives
- DCU STEM Teacher Internship Programme – Eilish McLoughlin, Associate Professor, Dublin City University
- Jeanne McDonagh, CEO, Open Doors Initiative
- WEI Transition Year Programme Initiative – Margaret Spillane, onsemi
- WE Step Up – Krystyna Dimtchev, Council and Executive Board Member, Engineers Ireland
- TrailblazeHER – Claire MacNamee, Head of Enterprise Engagement, VP Partnerships and Engagement, TU Dublin
3:50 – Closing Remarks – Isabella Drolz, Vice President of Marketing & Product Strategy, Comet AG’s X-Ray Systems Division
4:00 – Reception & Networking

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ECDA at ISS Europe

Kartikey Srivastava — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:35:54 +0000

We are just one week away from SEMI Europe’s ISS Europe. Among the many crucial discussions happening at the event, “Shaping Europe’s Future Workforce” stands out as a must-attend. This is because building a strong, diverse, and future-ready workforce is key to Europe’s semiconductor ambitions.

Victoria Cummings from SEMI Europe will present on “Addressing the Talent Gap through Education and Inclusion.” As a driving force behind the European Chips Skills Academy, Victoria has been instrumental in taking this initiative from strength to strength, ensuring Europe is equipped in the coming years with the talent needed to solve the workforce riddle. She will also speak about ECDA and the role our project is playing to promote a workforce that is inclusive of the world that we live in.

Maria Daniela Perez will lead a panel discussion on “Empowering Europe’s Workforce: Addressing Talent Gaps for Sustainable Growth.” Joining her on the panel are some of the brightest minds shaping the future of Europe’s workforce:

🔹Andreas SCHLEICHER, Director for Education and Skills, OECD – OCDE
🔹Meike Boekelmann, Chief Human Resources Officer, Comet
🔹Thomas Kralinski, Saxon State Secretary of Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy, and Climate
🔹Catherine Le Lan de Franssu, European University Program Manager, Synopsys Inc

This discussion will tackle the critical talent shortages in microelectronics and explore how Europe can attract, retain, and upskill talent for long-term, sustainable industry growth. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion must be at the heart of this transformation. A thriving workforce is an inclusive workforce, and the steps we take today will define Europe’s position in the global semiconductor race.

🔗 We’ll be there! Will you https://lnkd.in/eipzhcTe

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