TECHCON 2025: Driving Innovation Through Dialogue and Discovery

TECHCON 2025, a unique celebration of innovation and excellence, took place from September 7-10, 2025, at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin, Texas and brought together a vibrant community of semiconductor industry leaders, students, and technical recruiters. This year’s conference emphasized the power of collaboration, mentorship, and visionary thinking in shaping the future of microelectronics.

The event opened with a keynote address by Dr. Tom Caulfield, Executive Chairman of the GlobalFoundries Board of Directors. Following his remarks, Dr. Caulfield joined Dr. Todd Younkin, CEO of SRC, for an engaging fireside chat that explored the evolving landscape of semiconductor manufacturing, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the role of talent development in sustaining innovation.

“The secrets to my career and whatever success I've had, is the ability to tap into all your colleagues. If you think you're always going to be the person that knows the most at the table, you're going to fail. The people that do the best are the ones that go around the table and can recognize the best idea.”

Their conversation offered attendees a rare glimpse into the strategic thinking behind one of the world’s leading semiconductor foundries and the collaborative efforts driving the industry forward.

Throughout Monday and Tuesday, the conference showcased the work of more than 150 graduate students—including master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers—and over 100 undergraduate students. These presentations and poster sessions reflected the depth and diversity of research being conducted across SRC’s programs. Students shared breakthroughs in materials science, systems security, computational chemistry, and architecture optimization, among many other fields. The energy in the room was palpable as scholars engaged with industry experts, exchanged ideas, and built connections that will shape their careers for years to come.

Tuesday morning featured a compelling panel discussion titled “My Why: Journeys into Semiconductor R&D and Its Impact.” Moderated by Charles Murphy, the session explored how careers in semiconductor research shape lives—and how personal experiences, in turn, influence professional paths. Panelists Andrea Kells of ARM, Carl Naylor of Intel, and David Fried of LAM Research shared personal stories that highlighted the human side of innovation. Their reflections on purpose, resilience, and growth resonated deeply with the audience, especially the students preparing to embark on their own journeys.

Tuesday evening incluced CareerConnections, an energizing recruiting event that brought students face-to-face with representatives from SRC member companies. This was followed by the Scholar Dinner, a celebratory gathering that honored student achievements and fostered deeper connections between scholars and industry leaders. The evening culminated in the presentation of the TECHCON 2025 Top 10 Best Student Presenter Awards and , recognizing excellence in research, presentation, and impact. It was a fitting cap to a conference that celebrated not only technological advancement but also the people and stories behind it.

 On Wednesday, TECHCON 2025 continued with a special session focused on “Transitioning from Academia to Industry.” The morning began with a presentation by Dennis Pretti of Micron, who offered practical insights into navigating the shift from academic research to corporate innovation. Following him, Andrea Mohamed of Quantum Bloom addressed the critical issue of retention, emphasizing the importance of durable skills for continued career success. The session concluded with a panel moderated by Ty Middleton of SMART USA, featuring Ryan Burns of TEL, Ben Eckermann of NXP Semiconductors, Emma Pawliczak of IBM, and Zachary Zelinski of GlobalFoundries. Together, they explored the challenges and opportunities that arise during career transitions, offering advice and encouragement to students preparing to take their next steps.

TECHCON 2025 was more than a conference—it was a convergence of ideas, mentorship, and momentum. It reaffirmed the strength of the SRC community and its commitment to shaping the future of semiconductor research through collaboration, innovation, and the cultivation of emerging talent.