30.09. - 01.10.2026, Berlin New European conference on microelectronic trends, roadmaps and strategic alignment

FIRST is a high-level European conference focused on semiconductor strategy, technology roadmaps and industrial innovation in microelectronics. The event brings together leaders from industry, research and policy to discuss the future of Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, including initiatives such as the EU Chips Act, advanced packaging, chiplet technologies and pilot lines. By connecting technological developments with industrial strategy, FIRST serves as a platform for strategic alignment across Europe’s semiconductor value chain.

FIRST provides a strategic forum to discuss the implementation of the EU Chips Act and its impact on the European semiconductor ecosystem. The conference brings together decision-makers from industry, research and policy to explore how initiatives such as European pilot lines, advanced packaging and design infrastructure can strengthen technological sovereignty and supply-chain resilience.

By connecting technology roadmaps with industrial strategy, FIRST supports the dialogue needed to translate the EU Chips Act into concrete innovation and investment pathways. The conference also reflects Germany’s High-Tech Agenda, which aims to strengthen innovation capacity and industrial competitiveness in key technologies such as microelectronics.

FIRST brings together decision-makers from industry, research and policy shaping the European semiconductor industry. The conference offers strategic orientation on technology trends, semiconductor roadmaps and innovation priorities in microelectronics.

Industry leaders gain early insight into emerging technologies and faster pathways from research to market, while policymakers and research leaders discuss funding strategies, skills and innovation frameworks for Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Pilot lines are specialized semiconductor facilities that validate new technologies and manufacturing processes before large-scale industrial production. Within the EU Chips Act, they bridge the gap between research and industrial deployment by enabling prototyping, technology transfer and collaboration across the semiconductor value chain.

The APECS pilot line, implemented through the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) together with European partners, supports innovation in advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration while strengthening Europe’s technological resilience and global competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.

The APECS pilot line (Advanced Packaging and Integration for Electronic Components and Systems) is a European semiconductor pilot line established under the EU Chips Act. Coordinated by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and implemented by the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD), APECS provides companies and research organizations with access to advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration and chiplet technologies.

By enabling design, prototyping and pilot production, the pilot line helps transfer semiconductor innovations from research to industrial manufacturing and strengthens the European semiconductor ecosystem.

FIRST is organized by the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany, FMD for its German acronym. FMD is a cross-location and cross-technology collaboration between 13 Fraunhofer Institutes and 2 Leibniz Institutes in micro- and nanoelectronics. The idea behind it: a one-stop shop for a customized range of services combining the individual expertise of R&D institutes collaborating across Germany. As a pioneer in cross-location and cross-technology collaboration, FMD actively addresses current and future challenges in electronics research, thereby ensuring that Germany and Europe maintain and expand their technological resilience.

The organizer of the event is:

Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) / Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2
10178 Berlin
Germany

The FIRST Program Committee is composed of leading institute directors of the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD). Bringing together outstanding scientific excellence, technological leadership and decades of experience in industrial collaboration, the committee ensures a program that is strategically relevant, technologically cutting-edge and industry-driven.

The event will take place in the Gasometer at the EUREF-Campus in Berlin, a leading hub for innovation, energy and technology. The campus is conveniently accessible via Berlin Südkreuz station as well as BER Airport, ensuring efficient travel connections for international and national participants.

EUREF-Campus Gasometer
EUREF-Campus 17
10829 Berlin

Getting there:

• By train: Berlin Südkreuz is one of the city’s major railway hubs with high-speed (ICE) and regional connections. The EUREF-Campus can be reached from there within a short distance by public transport or taxi.
• By air: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is approximately 20–25 minutes away by taxi or public transport.
• By public transport: The campus is well connected via S-Bahn and bus services, with nearby stations including S Südkreuz and S Schöneberg.
• By car: On-site parking is available. We recommend allowing extra time for traffic in Berlin.

Registration takes place online via a corresponding registration form. After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail which will include your purchased tickets in digital form.

The organizers cannot guarantee ticket availability on-site. Prior registration is strongly advised.

The early bird rate for the conference ticket is 299 € for both days. Standard rate for the conference ticket is 449 € for both days. There are no tickets for one conference day only.

Early bird rates apply until the 22nd of June 2026; afterwards, standard rates apply.

Student rate conference tickets are limited and cost 49 € for both days. The early bird deadline does not apply to student tickets.

Students must provide valid enrollment information during registration to receive student ticket rates and must present an active student ID together with their student ticket code at the conference check-in.

Student rates apply to conference tickets only.

No, when purchasing the conference ticket, you are automatically granted access to both conference days, including the get-together evening on Day 1.

If you wish to participate only on one of the conference days, you still need to book a regular ticket.

Payments can be made by credit card or bank transfer. You will receive a digital invoice per email upon registration.

Cash payments are not permitted on-site. If you plan to add registration items during the conference, please bring a credit card.

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to:

For cancellations up to four months before the start event, 90% of the participation fees will be refunded. For cancellations up to two months before the start event, 50% of the participation fees will be refunded. For cancellations less than two months before the start of the event, the financial obligations remain in full.

For further details, please refer to the general terms and conditions.

Registrations may be transferred to another person from the same organization free of charge by sending a written request to . Name change requests will be accepted until the 25th of September 2026.

The catering during the event is completely meatless; vegetarian and vegan options only will be provided. Further information regarding allergy specifications can be found directly at the buffet.

If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact our organizing team at