Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas, at the SEMI Breakfast Forum. Photo courtesy of SEMI Americas
In the heart of the scorching Sonoran Desert, a new frontier of innovation is emerging — one that promises to redefine Arizona’s economic landscape and propel it into the global spotlight as a semiconductor powerhouse. SEMI, an organization that advances the global semiconductor supply chain, held a SEMI Breakfast Forum in May with the theme “Is Silicon Desert the New Innovation Hub?” where industry leaders and visionaries gathered to explore the trajectory of Arizona’s semiconductor sector and its potential to become a nexus of technological advancement.
The forum featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, each offering unique perspectives and insights into Arizona’s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem. Among them were Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas; Kate Dei Cas, executive vice president and head of Delivery Systems & Services, and Kevin Gorman, senior vice president and head of Patterning Solutions — both of EMD Electronics, a business of Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany; Sean Fogarty, vice president of international business development for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; and Spencer Wall, vice president of business development for DSV Inventory Management Solutions.
The discussion was enthusiastic as it centered on Arizona’s rapid evolution into a hub of semiconductor innovation. This transformation, fueled by a convergence of factors that have catalyzed growth and attracted significant investments, is a testament to the state’s potential. Key statistics underscored the state’s impressive semiconductor industry growth: Over the past decade, Arizona has seen a staggering increase in semiconductor-related employment, with thousands of high-quality jobs created in manufacturing, research and development. Moreover, the state has become a magnet for major semiconductor companies, with industry giants like Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung Electronics making multi-billion-dollar investments in Arizona’s semiconductor infrastructure.
“There is a tailwind to our industry, and it’s a good time to be in our industry,” said Stockunas at the forum, as he emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration and partnership in driving Arizona’s semiconductor success story. He highlighted the importance of fostering an ecosystem where industry players, research institutions and government agencies work together to spur innovation and address key semiconductor industry challenges.
Dei Cas expressed her excitement for the event, highlighting the impressive turnout of 170 attendees and emphasizing the significance of Arizona’s burgeoning semiconductor landscape. She stated that Arizona has earned the moniker “the Silicon Desert” to capture the remarkable developments taking place in the region. As EMD’s electronics division plays a pivotal role in semiconductor manufacturing, Dei Cas affirmed, “We’re committed to supporting the momentum of our industry in the Silicon Desert.”
Also, stressing the critical role of advanced patterning solutions in enabling semiconductor innovation and meeting the demands of next-generation technologies, Gorman emphasized the need for continued investment in research and development to stay ahead of the curve and maintain Arizona’s competitive edge in the global semiconductor market and focusing on sustainability. “The industry has a critical need for sustainable product innovation,” he stated.
“Arizona is the buckle in the emerging belt from California to Arizona and Texas,” said Fogarty. He outlined the strategic initiatives to further enhance Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem and attract talent and investment to the region. He highlighted the state’s commitment to infrastructure development, workforce training and fostering a business-friendly environment to support the semiconductor industry’s long-term growth and sustainability.
Wall provided valuable insights into the logistical challenges and opportunities of managing semiconductor supply chains. During his presentation “Transforming Your Supply Chain from a Cost Center to a Competitive Advantage,” he emphasized the importance of efficient inventory management and logistics solutions in ensuring the seamless flow of materials and components, ultimately driving operational efficiency and competitiveness in Arizona’s semiconductor industry.
As the forum ended, one thing became abundantly clear: Arizona’s ascent as a semiconductor innovation hub is no longer a distant possibility but a tangible reality. With its robust ecosystem, strategic investments and unwavering commitment to innovation, the state is poised to lead the charge in shaping the semiconductor industry’s future, paving the way for continued growth, prosperity and technological advancement in the Silicon Desert.
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