Saxony Economic Development Agency: Silicon Saxony Days: WFS Strengthens Global Networking for the Semiconductor Industry

The focus was not only on the well-attended International Evening with delegations from Europe, Japan, Taiwan, and Canada, but also on targeted discussions aimed at intensifying cooperation with Ireland and Japan.

Dirk Panter, Saxon Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy, and Climate Protection: “Microelectronics is a key industry of the 21st century, and Silicon Saxony is the leading semiconductor hub in Europe. That makes us proud—but we’re not resting on our laurels. The Free State of Saxony intends to further develop the cluster, with a particular focus on strengthening research, design, and the integration of multiple specialized microchips into a single module—known as advanced packaging. The measures in our Future Package I will help reduce bureaucracy and accelerate the launch of new companies—including among suppliers. And with an eye toward demographic trends, we are acutely aware of how crucial it is now to attract and retain highly qualified workers for the Free State of Saxony. We are working on this and value the Silicon Saxony network as a strong and reliable partner.”

Widespread International Interest in Networking

“International interest in Saxony as a leading European semiconductor cluster and its key players continues to grow. Both the International Evening with the various delegations and the events with Ireland and Japan clearly demonstrated this. For us, these events were once again an excellent opportunity to act as bridge-builders and bring the various stakeholders together in a targeted manner. International participants gained comprehensive insight into the diverse high-tech ecosystem and the broad expertise available in the region. Saxon companies had the chance to make personal contact with a wide variety of firms and explore opportunities for collaboration—an opportunity that was taken full advantage of and resulted in a win-win situation for both sides,” explains WFS Managing Director Thomas Horn.

Tobias Runte of the Dresden Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and Chair of the EEN Sector Group Electronics adds: “The International Evening at the modern Stadtforum impressively demonstrated how strongly Dresden is perceived as a European and increasingly global platform for exchange, collaboration, and successful business in the semiconductor industry. In a relaxed atmosphere, companies and guests from all over the world were able to network, make new contacts, and experience Dresden as a vibrant hub for the international semiconductor community. We were particularly pleased that the numerous guests felt at home and made full use of the opportunity for personal exchange.”

The International Evening on June 15, organized by WFS in collaboration with the Dresden Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and the City of Dresden, brought together over 120 participants at the Stadtforum Dresden. The delegations came from Taiwan (partner country), Japan, and Canada, as well as the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Flanders, and Switzerland. Representatives from the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) were also in attendance.

Irish Companies Forge Contacts in Saxony

At the Business Breakfast on June 16, more than 20 Irish companies took the opportunity to meet Saxon firms from the microelectronics industry in person. The guests from Ireland were interested in acquiring new customers in Saxony, exploring potential partnerships in the supply chain sector, and learning about the framework conditions for investment in Saxony. 

Ireland is also of interest due to its “Silicon Island” strategy, launched last year. By 2040, the country aims to massively expand its semiconductor industry and become a leading hub for design, manufacturing, and research in the semiconductor sector. 

Saxony-Japan Networking Event

“Saxony meets Japan”—this was the title of a networking event organized by the WFS in collaboration with JETRO, the Japanese foreign trade organization, which drew over 50 participants on June 17. It specifically brought Japanese companies together with Saxon companies and relevant stakeholders from the innovation and semiconductor ecosystem to explore new opportunities for cooperation. 

“In microelectronics, Japan and Saxony have always been an excellent fit. Japanese companies are among the leading suppliers of semiconductor equipment and materials and account for about 30 percent of global sales in this sector. In addition, Japan is currently investing heavily in rebuilding its chip industry to catch up with the leading producers again. For Saxon companies, this growing market environment and the exchange with such innovative companies are important for their own further development and for securing future sales opportunities,” explains Thomas Horn.

Shigeki Okamoto, Director General, JETRO Berlin Office, adds: “In parallel with the Silicon Saxony Days and the Saxon Innovation Summit, the JETRO office in Berlin is organizing a program to showcase Japanese innovations in one of Europe’s leading semiconductor hubs. The event aims to foster new partnerships between Japanese companies and the European industry and research sectors through pitches and networking. JETRO and WFS are working closely together to promote collaboration between Japanese and German companies, and this event continues our partnership following our joint activities at SEMICON Japan in Tokyo in December 2025.”

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