The Future of Semiconductors in a Global Market

October 22nd 2025 - 3pm BST

In association with

Free Online Panel Discussion | The Future of Semiconductors in a Global Market

Semiconductors power the technologies that define our modern world – from smartphones and electric vehicles to renewable energy systems, advanced medical devices, and the most powerful AI supercomputers. Optical solutions play a critical role in semiconductor manufacturing - from high accuracy wafer stages to laser control for lithography systems, optical metrology and inspection.

As chip performance increases, the demands on semiconductor equipment rise accordingly. This brings additional challenges on optical components performance, supply chain resilience and efficiency. This online panel discussion will explore how the semiconductor industry is evolving to meet these demands – with expansive product portfolios and consultative processes to ensure that customers’ needs are met. Industry experts will examine innovations in materials science, strategies for scaling production, the collaborations needed to maintain global competitiveness and how to choose the right supplier.

 

Who should attend

This online panel discussion is designed for:

• Procurement and supply chain leaders in opto-electronics and high-tech industries (OEMs) and anyone integrating optical components into their products
• Systems engineers  (e.g. vision systems developers) and optical designers
• R&D teams focused on advanced materials and device performance
• Business leaders in consumer electronics, automotive, energy, aerospace, and defense sectors
   

What you will learn

• The current state of the global semiconductor equipment supply chain – opportunities and risks
• How advanced materials are enabling smaller, faster, and more accurate devices
• Strategies for ensuring quality and reliability in high-volume production
• The role of sustainability and responsible sourcing in semiconductor manufacturing
• Innovations that will define the next decade of semiconductor performance
• Strategies for picking the right supplier
   

Why you should attend

• Gain a clear picture of semiconductor industry trends and challenges
• Learn how leading-edge materials and processes can give your products a competitive edge
• Understand how to mitigate supply chain risks while scaling for global demand
• Discover how sustainability and innovation intersect in the next wave of semiconductor development
• Network (virtually) with peers and industry experts shaping the future of semiconductors
  
   

Speakers

Simon Gubser Commercial Head, Semiconductor Market, Materion Balzers Optics   Simon Gubser brings over a decade of experience in the optics industry, spanning from semiconductor chips packaging to integrated optical systems. He holds multiple patents in optics manufacturing and has been at the forefront of optical technology innovation—driving advancements from consumer electronics to semiconductor equipment. Simon is the driving force to tailor Materion Balzers Optics’ high performance optical coatings and prism assemblies to the needs of the major semiconductor equipment manufacturers.

Andy Sellars Director of Strategy at CORNERSTONE, University of Southampton   Dr Andy Sellars focuses on developing and implementing strategies to maximise the commercial application of photonic integrated circuits. He is co-chair of the Semiconductor Expert Working Group for the UK Telecom Innovation Network (UKTIN) and serves on the Government’s Semiconductor Advisory Panel. Andy has given expert evidence to Parliamentary inquiries including the National Security and Investment Act, the Telecom Security Act and the select committee on semiconductors.

Join this online panel discussion and fulfil solutions and curiosities around PIC manufacturing and deployment. Reserve your spot today to stay at the forefront of mid-IR PIC innovation.


Having trouble registering? For any technical queries, get in touch at webcast@europascience.com.