Bridging the Gap: Activating the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network
July 15–16
University at Buffalo Center for the Arts and Alfiero Center; North Campus, Amherst, N.Y.
More than 150 professionals from industry, academia and government gathered for Bridging the Gap: Activating the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network, hosted by the UB School of Management’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics and the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub.
The conference highlighted efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and foster collaborative partnerships across the supply chain. Experts from Micron, GO SEMI, Buffalo Niagara Partnership and others shared insights on supply chain development, growth of the regional workforce, government incentives and the role of education in advancing New York’s semiconductor industry. Attendees left with strategies for driving innovation and building a resilient semiconductor ecosystem.
Day 1
University at Buffalo Center for the Arts Screening Room and Atrium
Gain invaluable insights into the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing resurgence; explore national, state and regional initiatives; and discover what it takes to become a supplier in this rapidly growing industry. Engage with top industry leaders, government officials, tech hub experts and peers to understand the landscape and opportunities ahead.
8 a.m.
Registration and continental breakfast
9–9:15 a.m.
Welcome remarks
Venu Govindaraju, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, University at Buffalo
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Session 1: Keynote Address
Ajay Balan, Senior Manager, Silicon Planning, Micron Technology
10:15–10:45 a.m.
Morning Coffee break/ networking
10:45–11:45 a.m.
Session 2: NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion Management and Integration (GO-SEMI)
Hear from the SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and GO SEMI initiatives’ leadership. What groundwork has been laid, and what opportunities lie ahead?
- Merideth Andreucci, SVP & Executive Director, GO-SEMI
- Joseph Stefko, President and CEO, OneROC
- Benjamin Sio, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Policy and Planning, CenterState CEO
- Dottie Gallagher, President and CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Moderator: Ananth Iyer, Dean, UB School of Management
11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
Lunch
1–2 p.m.
Session 3: The Semiconductor Optics Supply Chain
What is the optics supply chain, where does it fit into the semiconductor supply chain, and where are opportunities for suppliers?
- Jonathan Sydor, President, Sydor Optics
- Glenn Jackling, Owner, Applied Image
- Leah Lagacé, Manager, Culture and Organizational Effectiveness, Optimax Systems Inc.
- Moderator: Alexis Vogt, Endowed Chair & Professor of Optics, Monroe Community College
2–2:30 p.m.
Afternoon Coffee Break/Networking
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Session 4: Quality, Certifications, Standards and Manufacturing Practices
The semiconductor industry has exceptionally high supplier standards. Learn what businesses need to know about supplier requirements and gain resources and insights to help firms meet and exceed standards.
- Inder Paul Saini, Manager, Supply Chain Planning, GlobalFoundries
- Rupa Shanmugam, President and CEO, SoPark Corporation
- Brian Weed, GDI Ainsworth
- Jim D’Agostino, CEO/MEP Center Director, TDO
- Jonathan David, Senior Director of Marketing, Inficon
Moderator: Benjamin Rand, President, Insyte Consulting
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Session 5: NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub Component Projects
Learn about the Tech Hub component projects: C3, STEP UP and SCAN. What do the acronyms mean, and what can these projects offer firms expanding within or entering the semiconductor industry?
- Robin Cole Jr., Vice President, Economic & Workforce Development and Career Technical Education, Monroe Community College
- Duncan Brown, Vice President for Research, Syracuse University
- Jennifer Flagg, Director, Center for Supply Chain Analytics, UB School of Management
- Moderator: Joseph Stefko, President and CEO, OneROC
4:30–5 p.m.
Day One Recap and Thank You
Ananth Iyer, Dean, UB School of Management
5–6 p.m.
Reception
Day 2
University at Buffalo Alfiero Center
Expand your network as you meet with fabrication and tier-one buyers, as well as regional resource providers ready to equip your business with the tools, funding and insights needed to break into the semiconductor supply chain network.
8 a.m.
Registration and continental breakfast
Sign up for one-on-one meetings, visit resource tables and network.
8 a.m.–Noon
Scheduled one-on-one meetings between buyers and suppliers; and resource providers available for discussion at booths.
8:30–8:45 a.m.
Welcome remarks
Jennifer Flagg, Director, Center for Supply Chain Analytics, UB School of Management
8:45–10 a.m.
Lightening Round Buyer Needs Talks
Speakers have 5 to 10 minutes to identify opportunities for suppliers from the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse region to support their businesses. Topics include:
- Specific buying needs: what would buyers like to source from this region
- What it takes to become a supplier (i.e. qualification, certification)
- The process for becoming a supplier
- Potential barriers to supplier qualification and recommendations for overcoming challenges
Featuring presentations from the following organizations:
- Edwards Vacuum
- GlobalFoundries
- GDI Ainsworth
- Moog Inc
10–10:15 a.m.
Coffee Break
10:15–11 a.m.
Preparing to Sell to the Government and Large Government Prime Contractors
APEX Accelerators serve existing and new business to strengthen the defense industrial base. Learn how the APEX Accelerators can support your business to become capable of participating in DoD, federal, state, and local contracts.
- Anna Vulaj, Program Director, Monroe County Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator
- Lenora Leasure, Program Manager, Empire APEX Accelerator
11 a.m.–Noon
Facilitating and Financing Growth
Hear from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Empire State Development, and local lenders ready to help the region’s companies expand and thrive.
- Victoria Reynolds, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Buffalo District Office
- Rafael Salaberrios, Senior Vice President Small Business Capital Access, Empire State Development
- Kevin Britt, Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Key Bank
- Jerry Manhard, Chief Lending Officer, Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA)
Moderator: Rob Leteste, Director, Sector Strategy, Invest Buffalo Niagara
Speakers were featured from the following organizations:
- CenterState CEO
- Micron Technology
- INFICON
- GlobalFoundries
- SoPark Industries
- GDI Integrated Facility Services
- OneROC
- Buffalo Niagara Partnership
- Invest Buffalo Niagara
- Insyte Consulting
- Syracuse University
- Monroe Community College
- Governor's Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration
- Small Business Administration
- APEX Accelerators
- Erie County Industrial Development Agency