The symposium "Microelectronics research in Germany: from the basics to application" 2025 was a complete success. For two days, experts from science, industry and politics came together at TU Ilmenau to discuss key topics in microelectronics. In addition to technological innovations, the focus was also on strategies for promoting young talent and securing skilled workers - an area that was the subject of lively and sometimes controversial discussions.
As an important forum for the ForLab network, the event provided a platform for exchange with partner networks such as Chipdesign Germany as well as with stakeholders from research, industry, education and funding. In view of the dynamic developments in the semiconductor industry, the importance of close cooperation became clear - from the joint use of infrastructures to the strategic pooling of expertise.
The workshop sessions facilitated intensive technical discussions on current projects and new initiatives. One example is the competence atlas presented by Stefan Helmerich (TU Ilmenau). In future, this digital platform will provide a central point of contact for information on research focuses, laboratories and technical resources of the ForLab partners. Innovative concepts for recruiting young talent were also discussed: Experts from universities and qualification initiatives presented, among other things, a new Instagram channel and virtual cleanrooms as interactive learning opportunities for young engineers.
The highlights of the conference were the specialist presentations by high-ranking speakers. Apollonia Pane (BMBF) provided insights into current funding measures to strengthen microelectronics in Germany, while a delegation from the JSTC presented the Japanese Chips Act. In his closing keynote, futurologist Klaus Burmeister (foresightlab) highlighted the long-term prospects of the industry and emphasized the need for European cooperation.
The successful realization of this event would not have been possible without the commitment of the event management of the TU Ilmenau and the close cooperation with the central project office of the TU Dresden. Their professional management contributed significantly to an inspiring and productive conference.
