Budapest, 25–29 August 2025 – The latest edition of the ECS Summer School brought together 40 exceptional students from across Europe for an intensive week of learning, hands-on experimentation, and international exchange in the field of microelectronics and embedded systems.
Organised by AENEAS, ECSA (European Chips Skills Academy Project), EPoSS, and INSIDE Industry Association, and hosted by the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the 2025 edition delivered a unique programme focused on building critical skills for the future of the European Chips sector.
A Week of Immersion in ECS Technologies
Over the course of five days, students had the opportunity to engage directly with leading experts from academia and industry. Each day focused on a key theme in the ECS value chain.
Technology Day
Kicking off with a welcome by Sándor Imre (BME) and a scene-setting keynote by Patrick Cogez (AENEAS), the students explored core technological topics with speakers such as:
- Frans List (ASML) – Moore’s Law and scaling challenges
- Yannick Le Tiec (CEA-LETI) – Semiconductor nanofabrication
- Mikael Östling (KTH) – Net-zero strategies in microelectronics
- Laurent Rubaldo (Lynred) – Infrared detection technologies
- Giselle Elbaz (Quobly) – Building a silicon quantum computer
IC Design Day
The spotlight turned to design with:
- Nicola Moschini (STMicroelectronics) – Sensor interfaces
- Andrea Mariconti & Federico Lusardi (Infineon) – Power IC
- Valentina Nardone (STMicroelectronics) – Digital design
- Arthur Gaudron (Mines ParisTech) – Semiconductor supply chain
Students also visited Semilab, cleanrooms, and BME labs, getting first-hand insight into the industrial environment.
Integration Day
Topics on system integration and application were covered by:
- Oliver Lauer (Bosch) – MEMS technologies
- Ole Hölck (Fraunhofer IZM) – Advanced packaging
- Anna Krzyżanowska (DTI) – Printed electronics
- Sophie Emperhoff (Infineon) – MEMS sensors for hydrogen safety
- Xavier Muñoz (IMB-CNM-CSIC) – Integrated Microsystems for One Health
Students continued this day with inspiring demo sessions and inspiring career testimonies.
Systems Day
Led by Paolo Azzoni (INSIDE) and Markus Tauber (RSA FG), students explored:
- Cyber-Physical Systems of Systems
- Design toolchains with Luigi Capogrosso (IT:U)
- Continued hands-on work with Pal Varga (BME) and Jan van Deventer (LTU) on IoT data connectivity
A cruise on the Danube offered a relaxing moment to reflect and connect.
Wrap-Up Day
The final day focused on responsible innovation:
- A debate on AI ethics moderated by Patricia Jaspers (TU Eindhoven)
- Closing remarks from Patrick Cogez (AENEAS)
- A graduation ceremony and heartfelt student feedback session
Beyond the Curriculum: Collaboration, Culture, and Community
More than just a learning experience, the ECS Summer School fosters personal and professional growth. Students took part in sports, games, social events, and collaborative workshops that sparked meaningful discussions and friendships.
For many, this was their first opportunity to interact directly with ECS professionals, explore research careers, or understand the industrial landscape beyond their studies.
A Talent Catalyst for Europe’s Chips Act
As Europe invests in building a robust, sovereign semiconductor value chain through the Chips Act, developing a highly skilled workforce is essential.
The ECS Summer School plays a crucial role in this effort by:
- Inspiring and equipping future engineers and researchers
- Building bridges between students, academia and industry
- Creating a network of young ECS ambassadors across Europe
As co-organiser, AENEAS is proud to contribute to initiatives like the ECS Summer School that strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem. We warmly thank all our partners, speakers, and especially the students who made this 2025 edition a resounding success.
For more information, visit the ECS Summer School website: https://chipsacademy.eu/summer-school-2025/