As a consortium member of the Microelectronics Agenda, Inova-Ria hosted on November 12 the Thematic Workshop “Semiconductor Materials, Microelectronics and Emerging Technologies – Trends and Applications 2025”. The event, held at the University of Aveiro, brought together national and international experts to discuss opportunities, challenges and trends shaping the future of these critical areas for Portugal’s technological autonomy and industrial competitiveness.
This workshop is part of the activities of the Microelectronics Agenda, contributing to strengthening collaboration between companies, research centers and higher education institutions, with the aim of accelerating knowledge transfer and technological capacity-building across the national ecosystem.
Opening Session highlights the sector’s strategic importance
The opening session featured contributions from three institutional representatives:
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Dr. João Miguel Dias, Director of the Department of Physics, University of Aveiro
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Dr. José Fernando Mendes, Director of i3N/Aveiro
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Eng. Paulo Marques, Executive Manager of Inova-Ria
The speakers highlighted the scientific and technological progress in these fields, the impact of emerging technologies on business competitiveness and the relevance of collaboration between academia, research institutions and industry.
Panel 1: Photonics and Emerging Technologies
The first panel brought together specialists in photonics, nanophotonics, optoelectronics and emerging industrial applications:
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Eng. Miguel Drummond (IT) – Coordinator of the PIXEurope project
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Eng. Paulo Antunes (I3N / UA)
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Eng. Francisco Rodrigues (PICAdvanced) – CEO
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Eng. Joana Martins (Fibersail)
The debate was moderated by Eng. Alcino Lavrador, Coordinator of the Advisory Board of the Microelectronics Agenda, who emphasized the relevance of these technologies as fundamental pillars for new industrial and scientific solutions.
Panel 2: Semiconductors, Microelectronics and Future Applications
The second part of the event featured contributions from experts in applied research, semiconductor materials, microfabrication, electronics and breakthrough technologies:
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Eng. João Pedro Costa (Tekever)
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Eng. Pedro Barquinha (CENIMAT/i3N)
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Dr. Maria do Rosário P. Correia (Dept. of Physics UA / i3N Aveiro)
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Dr. Ivan Prieto (INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory)
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Dr. Tristan Gomes (INESC MN)
The debate was moderated by Dr. Sandra Carvalho (FCTUC / SPM), with the special participation of Eng. António Barny, R&D Senior Manager at Amkor Portugal and Leader of the Microelectronics Agenda, reinforcing the consortium’s role in driving national technological progress.
Closing Session
The event concluded with an address by Professor Dr. João Veloso, Vice-Rector for University–Society Cooperation at the University of Aveiro, who highlighted the strategic importance of the Microelectronics Agenda and the contribution of its consortium members to strengthening national technological sovereignty.
