A Strong Sign for the Automation Community

The 22nd Innovation Forum for Automation was a resounding success! Over two days (January 30-31, 2025), experts, industry leaders, and specialists came together for insightful presentations, in-depth discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. As one of the organizing companies, Fabmatics played a key role in shaping and delivering this premier event, fostering collaboration and innovation within the automation industry.

Key Highlights and Industry Insights

This year’s forum featured a diverse program with high-profile keynotes and expert panels. Industry leaders from Applied Materials, Infineon, Siltronic, Fraunhofer, Weiss Technik, and Sunfire shared cutting-edge insights and strategies.

Key topics in 2025 included:

  • Artificial Intelligence in the Semiconductor Industry, presented by Applied Materials and Fraunhofer ENAS.
  • Cyber Resilience and Regulatory Requirements, discussed by Fraunhofer IEM.
  • Automation and Innovation in 300mm Wafer Manufacturing, showcased by Siltronic.
  • Efficient Data Processing for AI & Analytics, explored by Sunfire.
  • Challenges & Opportunities in the Semiconductor Industry, highlighted in an expert panel discussion featuring representatives from Applied Materials, Silicon Saxony, X-Fab, Fabmatics USA, and AMTC.

A special highlight was the keynote by Dr. Christian Koitzsch, Managing Director of ESMC, who provided an update on the new European chip manufacturing facility. This 300mm wafer fab, currently under construction, will produce 12-28 nanometer technology nodes for applications in automotive, industrial automation, and communication technologies, with an annual production capacity of nearly 500,000 wafers.

Fabmatics Breakout Session: “Test wafers – the hidden gems in your fab”

A standout feature of this year’s forum was the introduction of deep-dive breakout sessions, allowing participants to explore specific topics in greater depth and discuss practical solutions.

As Fabmatics, we hosted the session “Test Wafers – The Hidden Gems in Your Fab”, where Jan Klinger, Thomas Beeg, Martin Däumler, and Karl-Benedikt Reith engaged with around 80 attendees to examine the challenges and opportunities in test wafer management. A special highlight was the live simulation at the Test Wafer Center, demonstrating actionable strategies to enhance fab efficiency and automation.

The high number of participants, positive feedback, and the many follow-up questions and discussions reaffirmed the value of this format – encouraging us to further expand it in the future.

Celebrating Innovation: The 2025 Innovation Award

A special highlight of the forum was the presentation of the Innovation Award 2025. Each year, the Automation Network Dresden (AND) honors a selected company for outstanding innovations, projects, or advancements in the field of industrial automation.

This year’s award went to Siltronic AG, recognizing their exceptional achievements in automation. We extend our congratulations to Daniel Ingelsberger, Senior Manager IT Factory Automation, who accepted the award on behalf of his team.

Siltronic was specifically honored for the successful automation of their new 300mm wafer fab in Singapore.  Within just 1.5 years, they achieved an 80% automation level, working towards their ambitious vision of operating a lights-out fab in the near future. On the first day of the conference, Daniel Ingelsberger provided fascinating insights into the implementation of this groundbreaking project.

A Community That Drives Innovation

With 350 in-person attendees and 50 online participants, this year’s forum once again saw a growing interest in automation. The guest list included a diverse mix of industry players, from automation solution providers to semiconductor manufacturers, highlighting the broad engagement and shared commitment to advancing automation technologies. The event’s combination of keynotes, an exhibition, and an evening networking session provided the perfect setting for meaningful exchanges – both professional and personal.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and our co-organizers Kontron AIS GmbH, SYSTEMA, and XENON Automation who contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for the 23rd Innovation Forum for Automation!

 

www.innovation-forum-automation.com

📸 Check out some of our favorite moments from the event below!