News Summary
The SEMICON West conference is currently taking place in Phoenix, showcasing Arizona’s booming semiconductor industry. Prominent leaders, including Governor Katie Hobbs, emphasized the sector’s growth, with significant increases in exhibitor booths and registrations. The conference not only highlights Arizona’s technological advancements but also attracts international partners, projecting a substantial economic impact for the region. This event marks a historic shift from Silicon Valley, establishing Phoenix as a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.
Phoenix Hosts SEMICON West 2025, Highlighting Arizona’s Semiconductor Industry
SEMICON West 2025, a significant microelectronics conference, commenced on October 7 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The event is set to extend until October 9, 2025, with an anticipated attendance of approximately 40,000 individuals, reflecting the growing significance of the semiconductor industry in Arizona.
Arizona’s Governor, Katie Hobbs, underscored the state’s pivotal role in innovation and advanced manufacturing during her opening remarks at the CEO Summit, describing the semiconductor sector as undergoing a unique renaissance within the state. According to leadership from SEMI, the organization that hosts the conference, Arizona has seen remarkable growth, including a 45% increase in exhibitor booths and over a 60% spike in registrations compared to the previous year.
Future Conferences and Economic Growth
SEMICON West is scheduled to return to Arizona in 2027 and 2029, further solidifying the state’s status as a central hub for semiconductor developments. Since 2020, Arizona has successfully attracted over 60 industry expansions, resulting in more than $205 billion in announced semiconductor investment. This economic influx has established Arizona as home to North America’s most advanced chip processing technology, bolstered by strong research and development initiatives in collaboration with local universities and community colleges.
To celebrate this growth, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council held an Arizona Semiconductor Leadership Day, welcoming over 600 ecosystem partners from 17 countries. The conference aims to enhance international trade relations, particularly focusing on partnerships with Asia and Europe. The economic impact generated from SEMICON West is projected to exceed $80 million for the local economy.
Historic Significance of Semiconductor Industry in Arizona
Traditionally hosted in Silicon Valley, SEMICON West is taking place in Phoenix for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the city. Phoenix’s Mayor, Kate Gallego, emphasized the event as a notable achievement, highlighting the city’s strengths in fostering innovative talent and workforce capabilities. The City of Phoenix also manages Foreign-Trade Zone No. 75, which aids businesses in reducing costs related to imported goods.
Arizona’s involvement in semiconductor production can be traced back to 1947, when Motorola established a facility in the area. Today, the state is home to major semiconductor companies, including Intel, TSMC, and Amkor, illustrating its transformation into a key player in the industry.
Conference Programming and Resources
The SEMICON West conference features a range of activities, including CEO keynotes, industry panels, and tech-focused sessions designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among industry leaders. Panelists at the event have addressed concerns regarding drought in the western United States, assuring attendees that Arizona possesses sufficient water resources for sustained semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, the state boasts over 300 sunny days a year, which is promoted as a valuable asset for the semiconductor manufacturing process.
With its young population contributing to a vibrant workforce and its progressive infrastructure appealing to newcomers, Arizona continues to position itself as a leading state in the semiconductor industry, translating vision into tangible opportunities and actions.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Phoenix Hosting Annual Semiconductor Conference
- Axios: Arizona Chips Industry Pitch
- ABC15: Mayor Gallego Semicon Showcases Phoenix’s Tech Leadership
- Digitimes: Intel TSMC Competition Arizona CEO
- Wikipedia: Semiconductor Industry
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
