Symposium “Microelectronics Research in Germany: From the Basics to Applications” 2026
© Hauke Dressler
This year’s symposium “Microelectronics Research in Germany: From the Basics to Applications” (FTME) took place in Bochum in March 2026.
From March 4 to 6, 2026, representatives of microelectronics research from German universities and industry gathered in Bochum to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges in supporting young researchers.
The active networking of German universities with other network initiatives in microelectronics was a key focus alongside the promotion of young talent, societal aspects, and technical topics.
We—the ForLab consortium—used the symposium to highlight the importance of cooperation among universities focused on microelectronics research as well as the training of highly qualified specialists for the semiconductor industry. Stakeholders from research and industry came together to identify needs and ideas for future developments and to explore potential synergies.
As always, the spotlight was also on technologies, especially since those responsible for cleanrooms from the ForLab member institutions were able to meet and exchange ideas. In addition, the current status of all projects under the “For Mikro 2” (Research for New Microelectronics) funding line of the BMFTR was presented.
On March 4, workshops for members of the ForLab network took place in Building ID at Ruhr University. On March 5 and 6, the public portion of the FTME took place at the German Mining Museum in Bochum.
Date: March 4–6, 2026
Location: Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia