Lassonde collaborates with industry partners to celebrate CHIPS Month
Earlier this month, York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering celebrated CHIPS Month – and not the popular snack food – but the powerful semiconductors that drive some of the world’s most innovative technologies. In collaboration with Research & Innovation at York, VentureLAB and CHIPS Month Canada, the event brought together faculty, staff, students and industry leaders to celebrate the key role that semiconductors play in shaping the future.
CHIPS Month is an initiative designed to spotlight the semiconductor sector and its importance to the Canadian economy. Running from October 7 to November 7, this month-long celebration sparks discussions about the industry’s impact, future potential and the changes needed to strengthen and grow it.
The event kicked off with a dynamic networking session, setting the stage for idea-sharing and forging new connections. One highlight of the afternoon was an engaging panel discussion featuring Lassonde Dean Jane Goodyer and leaders in the semiconductor industry including: Chris Smith, corporate vice president at Advanced Micro Devices; Saman Sadr, president and CEO of Neuron IP Inc.; Robert Wang, senior director, rambus and co-founder of AnalogX Inc.; and Martin Koolhaas, senior director, analog mixed signal IP at Intel Corporation.
The panel delved into a wide range of topics, all centered on the theme of bridging the gap between academia and the semiconductor industry. Panelists emphasized the need for increased collaboration between both sectors to inspire the next generation of engineers and researchers. They agreed that fostering public understanding of technological advancements is key to attracting talent and building excitement among students.
Panelists engaging in a discussion at Lassonde’s CHIPS event
Attendees also had the opportunity to explore some of Lassonde’s cutting-edge research and facilities through informative presentations and guided lab tours. This experience offered a firsthand look at the innovative technologies being developed by Lassonde professors and students, from seizure-detection systems to heart-monitoring devices.
External events like CHIPS Month not only celebrate current achievements, but also lay groundwork for future technological breakthroughs. The collaboration with industry leaders during this event highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing both real-world applications and academic research. Connections like these provide students with invaluable opportunities, while enabling Lassonde faculty members to develop solutions for emerging challenges across the globe.