TEL Engages in Fourth UPWARDS Workshop at Boise State University

In April 2025, Tokyo Electron (TEL) as well as university, industry and government partners from the United States and Japan came together at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho to advance semiconductor and microelectronics education.

TEL and Micron launched the U.S.-Japan University Partnership for Workforce Advancement and Research and Development in Semiconductors (UPWARDS) for the Future Network in 2023 alongside 11 university partners. The intent behind this partnership is to create a robust and highly skilled talent pipeline for the semiconductor workforce and increase the pipeline of students studying semiconductors.

“The future of innovation in our industry is on a deep partnership with academia – where universities fuel the talent pipeline and fundamental research, while industry drives real-world applications,” said Hanna Paddubrouskaya, Senior Research Scientist at Tokyo Electron America. At the event, Hanna spoke to graduate students about what equipment supplier companies are all about: service, expectations, collaboration, and project management.

A fundamental aspect of ensuring the success of the next-generation workforce is diversity in thought. Historically, women have constituted a relatively modest segment of the workforce within the semiconductor industry. During the event, discussions aimed at the female demographic, such as “Chips & Salsa: Women Brewing Innovation in Semiconductors,” were organized to offer women interested in the semiconductor industry an opportunity to not only gain insights into semiconductors but also to recognize the potential career opportunities available to them in this field.

"Through this program, one of the key elements we aim to address is the increased representation of women in the science and engineering workforce.,” said Alex Oscilowski, President of TEL Technology Center, America, who gave the welcome remarks at the event. “This is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for thriving in a competitive landscape. The global shortage of semiconductor workers makes it imperative that we invest in a diverse talent pool, propelling innovation and progress."

This UPWARDS for the Future event was the fourth workshop of its kind and the first held in Boise. The event included a tour of the Micron facilities and a full-day conference with representatives from each university. The week also included graduate student presentations, activities, and networking opportunities.

“Collaboration is essential in the semiconductor space, where innovation, scale, and speed are driven by the collective expertise and coordination of many partners,” said Swanie Saccente, Senior HR Business Partner at Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings who helped organize the event. “The UPWARDS program reflects that same spirit of partnership. Boise State’s faculty and staff played an instrumental role in its success, designing impactful workshops, facilitating engaging student presentations, and creating a welcoming environment that fostered real learning and connection.”

Partnerships between TEL and universities like Boise State are critical to developing semiconductor talent, cross-collaboration and expanding cutting-edge research. For more information about UPWARDS, visit https://www.upwardsforthefuture.com/