From Apprentice to a 2025 SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 Award Winner: Vincent Riedrich

From Apprentice to Award Winner

Last November, Vincent was named a 2025 SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 Award winner. Recognizing rising talent across the microelectronics supply chain, this award honors individuals under the age of 30 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and inclusion across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Congratulations on being named a SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 winner! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to this achievement?

“My path into the semiconductor industry began around ten years ago with an apprenticeship* as a mechatronics technician at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany. After being taken on in 2019, I mainly worked with metrology systems and dry etching machines, gaining my first in-depth insights into process and equipment technology. In 2022, I moved to TEL Europe to further expand my knowledge in the field of plasma etch. I initially worked as a startup engineer before increasingly taking on responsibilities in customer training, troubleshooting, and direct customer support. This combination of technical expertise, hands-on experience, and close collaboration with customers has shaped me."

• The German apprentice system, called the "dual education system," combines practical on-the-job training with classroom learning to provide young people with the skills and theoretical knowledge needed for their careers.

What specific project or innovation helped you secure the SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 recognition?

“There wasn’t a single ‘key moment' for me — it was the combination of several projects and my continuous commitment that ultimately led to the 20 Under 30 recognition.

One major factor was my work on dry etching systems. Over the past years, I supported numerous tool startups, troubleshooting cases, and optimization projects, all aimed at stabilizing systems more quickly, improving process quality, and helping customers tackle complex technical challenges. Another important contribution was my involvement in knowledge transfer. I developed and delivered trainings for customers and new colleagues, helping to communicate know-how more efficiently and in a practical, hands-on way — something that is incredibly important in the semiconductor industry.

Lastly, my part-time training to become a state-certified electrical engineering technician also played a role, as it shows my commitment to long-term development and continuously strengthening my technical foundation. This combination of technical dedication, customer focus, eagerness to learn, and willingness to take responsibility was likely the key factor behind being recognized by the SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 program."

How do you think your work is impacting the semiconductor industry or technology sector as a whole?

“I see my contribution in making processes more robust, knowledge more accessible, and the entire value chain a bit more capable.

I believe that my work has an impact primarily in two areas: equipment reliability and knowledge transfer. Through my work on dry etching systems—both during the startup process and in troubleshooting—I help ensure that highly complex production machines run more stably, efficiently, and reproducibly.

Every optimized tool that experiences less downtime or operates with greater precision directly affects the yield and quality of chip manufacturing. In an industry where nanometers determine success or failure, this is a real lever.

The second point is knowledge exchange: through customer trainings, close collaboration with on-site engineers, and joint problem-solving, I help bring know-how into manufacturing quickly and in a practical way. This transfer of knowledge accelerates innovation and ensures that new technologies can be put into productive use faster."

How do you stay motivated and innovative in such a fast-evolving industry?

“What motivates me in this fast-paced industry is the constant development. Every week brings new challenges and technologies, and this dynamism keeps my work exciting.

The work environment itself inspires me. The semiconductor industry is incredibly dynamic and technologically demanding. Seeing how quickly innovations emerge and how much we can contribute as a team is a strong driving force for me. And finally, my own curiosity plays a major role. It drives me to truly understand processes and try out new solutions. I’ve always wanted to understand how things work – this desire to get to the bottom of things has guided me through every new topic and every new challenge."

Curiosity, Connections and Challenges

What advice would you give to young professionals who aspire to make an impact in the semiconductor field?

“Stay curious — don’t be afraid of complex topics. If you’re willing to keep learning and ask questions, you’ll make fast progress.

Seek exchange — actively connect with colleagues. Engaging with other young talents like in the 20 Under 30 program brings new ideas and is incredibly motivating.

Make use of opportunities — take advantage of training, new tasks, and projects. Every additional experience strengthens your profile and opens doors.

And most importantly: enjoy it — if you enjoy technology and challenges, you’ll stay motivated in the long run and grow with every task.

With a willingness to learn, openness, commitment — and enjoyment of what you do — you can make a real impact in this industry.”

Beyond work and studies, Vincent enjoys being outdoors
and spending peaceful evenings surrounded by nature and wildlife.