GAIA, together with the EXCITE consortium as well as 16 SMEs and cluster organizations, embarked on a captivating journey to Dresden from 19 to 22 June 2023.

GAIA joined this expedition aimed to delve into the local high-tech ecosystem of Saxony, renowned as Europe's microelectronics powerhouse. With over 40 participants from ten European countries, this exchange of knowledge and ideas fostered collaboration and innovation in the dynamic realm of microelectronics, IoT, and smart systems.

GAIA has been working closely with Silicon Saxony for the last 8 years, partnering in the Silicon Europe Alliance.

Unleashing Saxony's Technological Prowess:

Silicon Saxony hosts an extraordinary concentration of companies and research institutions at the forefront of microelectronics and nanoelectronics. This vibrant region encompasses diverse sectors, ranging from nanotechnology to energy-efficient systems, demonstrating its broad expertise. Approximately 80,000 highly skilled individuals contribute to the development, manufacturing, and distribution of integrated circuits (ICs), making Saxony a pivotal hub in the European microelectronics landscape. Moreover, Saxony proudly holds the distinction of producing every third microchip in Europe, with industry giants such as Infineon, GlobalFoundries, Bosch, and X-FAB spearheading technological advancements.

A great Exchange for GAIA

Over the course of three eventful days, GAIA had the opportunity to engage with prominent Saxonian companies, witness cutting-edge facilities, and immerse themselves in the region's vibrant innovation ecosystem. The mission's carefully curated program included an array of activities, from captivating company pitches to enlightening presentations and inspiring site visits. The focus on smart systems, IoT, and semiconductor technology ensured that every participant gained invaluable insights and experiences.

Day 1: Pitches, Presentations, and Engaging with Industry Leaders

The journey commenced with a captivating series of pitches by Saxonian companies at the esteemed Smart Systems Hub. These engaging presentations showcased the region's depth of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, leaving participants captivated by the breadth of ideas and solutions. The subsequent visit to the IoT lab delved into cutting-edge research and development in the realm of connected devices, unveiling state-of-the-art prototypes and inspiring possibilities for IoT technologies. The day continued with visits to renowned institutions, including Fraunhofer, Bosch, and the Volkswagen Transparent Factory, where groundbreaking research and industry-leading innovations were unveiled.

We also finalized with a networking dinner with other European projects

Day 2: Silicon Saxony Day – Fostering Collaboration and International Exchange

The second day witnessed the highly anticipated Silicon Saxony Day, an annual event dedicated to fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking. B2match sessions facilitated one-on-one meetings between participants and Saxonian companies, creating a vibrant platform for exploring potential partnerships and collaborations. Throughout the day, insightful pitches and demonstrations showcased the expertise and achievements of local companies across various sectors, highlighting Silicon Saxony's global appeal as an innovation hub. From GAIA we had the opportunity to meet several companies from Europe and learn from local stakeholders with the interesting parallel session organized about different technologies.

Day 3: Learning and Exploring Cutting-Edge Facilities and Pioneering Technologies

The final day offered visits to prominent industry players, unveiling the intricate processes behind cutting-edge microchip production. Infineon's Window Tour provided an exclusive glimpse into advanced semiconductor fabrication, emphasizing precision, reliability, and scalability. At Fabmatics, participants were captivated by the company's expertise in automated material handling and robotics, witnessing how they optimize production efficiency in cleanroom environments. The day culminated with a visit to the GlobalFoundries facility, where a fortunate subset of the group experienced the captivating world of semiconductor fabrication firsthand in the cleanroom.

It was a great opportunity for GAIA to learn from forefront companies and highest level facilities for the production of microelectronics.  

The business mission to Silicon Saxony facilitated an enriching exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovation, strengthening the ties between European SMEs and cluster organizations. The region's unparalleled ecosystem, comprised of industry leaders, cutting-edge research institutions, and a thriving network.

Thank you to Silicon Saxony for the organisation and hospitality!

About EXCITE

EXCITE aims to strengthen cluster management and facilitate exchange and strategic partnership between cluster staff and cluster members by using the ClusterXchange system. ClusterXchange is a new pilot project to promote short-term exchanges to better connect industrial ecosystems in Europe. The project will focus on skills, processes and services related to digital transformation - both in terms of the cluster organisation itself and its members, to be able to support them in successfully accessing global markets.

Your advantage as company, cluster or scale-up organisation: As a participant in the organised business delegations, you will not only get to know innovative regions, take part in renowned events and individual B2B meetings free of charge, but also receive financial support to offset your travel costs.

Project Duration: 01.02.2022 – 31.01.2024

Project partners:

• Silicon Saxony (Project Coordinator)
• Cluster for Digital Transformation and Innovations
• Business Hive Vilnius Cluster
• GAIA.-Association of Knowledge and Applied Technologies industries in the Basque Country
• Mazovia Cluster ICT
• Pôle SCS