Microelectronics Forum

August 25, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Innovare Advancement Center
Griffiss Institute
592 Hangar Rd
Rome, NY 13441 

Advancing America’s Microelectronics in Upstate New York

Join industry leaders, manufacturers, innovators, researchers, startups, workforce partners, and defense stakeholders for the 2026 Microelectronics Forum — a one-day event focused on strengthening the future of U.S. microelectronics, semiconductor manufacturing, and national security.

Hosted by Upstate Defense, this forum brings together organizations driving innovation across New York’s rapidly growing microelectronics ecosystem. This event is designed to help companies and communities connect to the opportunities emerging across the supply chain. 

Whether you are a manufacturer looking to enter the semiconductor ecosystem, a startup building next-generation technologies, or a workforce and economic development leader supporting regional growth, the Microelectronics Forum offers practical insights, strategic connections, and actionable opportunities.

Why Attend?

Connect with Industry and Defense Leaders

Meet executives, manufacturers, researchers, government representatives, and ecosystem partners shaping the future of microelectronics and defense manufacturing.

Explore Supply Chain Opportunities

Learn how New York companies can participate in the growing domestic semiconductor and advanced packaging supply chain.

Gain Market and Technology Insights

Hear from experts on emerging trends in microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, quantum technologies, AI hardware, and national security.

Discover Funding and Procurement Pathways

Get guidance on available state and federal funding programs, commercialization resources, and opportunities to engage with defense and government procurement.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Develop relationships with organizations supporting innovation, manufacturing scale-up, workforce training, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of microelectronics in New York State. Register now to secure your spot and take advantage of all the valuable resources and connections this event has to offer! 

Who Should Attend

  • Manufacturers and suppliers
  • Semiconductor and microelectronics companies
  • Defense contractors and technology providers
  • Startups and entrepreneurs
  • Workforce and economic development organizations
  • University and research institution representatives
  • Investors and ecosystem partners
  • Government and public-sector stakeholders

Event Agenda

Welcome and Keynote 

8:30 AM – 9:15 AM

Panel #1

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Building a Defense- and Microelectronics-Ready Workforce: Creating the Talent Pipeline for National Security and Economic Growth

Explore how industry, higher education, workforce development, government, and regional partnerships are working together to build a skilled workforce that supports both the defense industrial base and the rapidly expanding microelectronics ecosystem. Highlight how collaboration creates scalable talent pathways that strengthen national security, economic competitiveness, and regional growth.

Break

10:15 AM- 10:30 AM

Panel #2

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 

Microelectronics Powering the Future Battlespace: Drones, Autonomy, and the Warfighter

  • How microelectronics are transforming autonomous systems and drones
  • AI at the edge and real-time decision-making
  • Electronic warfare, sensing, and communications
  • Trusted and secure electronics for defense applications
  • Domestic manufacturing and supply chain security
  • Emerging opportunities for New York manufacturers

Panel #3

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Lunch 

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

Tours of Quantum Laboratories 

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM  

Glass4Chips Partner Meeting

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM  

Doing Business with Defense Workshop with TDO

2:00 PM – 4:30 PM 

EVENT SPEAKERS

Michelle A. Duquette

Founder & CEO
3 MAD Air

Gregory A. Albers

Systems Architect for Microelectronics
BAE Systems, Inc.

Mike Frame

Executive Vice President
MACNY

Michelle Downes

Project Manager
NORDTECH

Libby Murphy

Assistant Director of Academic Partnerships
Syracuse University

Mike Frame

Executive Vice President
MACNY

EVENT SPEAKERS

Jeff Fitzgerald

Technology Development Manager FAST Labs™, BAE Systems

Jennifer Waters

Senior Director of Industry Development, Go-SEMI, Empire State Development

Laura Welch

Director of Innovation Ecosystem Development, Empire State Development

Nicholas Fahrenkopf

Nicholas Fahrenkopf

NY CREATES Director and NORDTECH Technical Director

Saptarsi Bandyopadhyay

National Security | Defense Innovation

Dan Cochran

Daniel Cochran

Program Manager for Workforce Development, NY CREATES

Seth Mulligan

Chief Operating Officer, Griffiss Institute

Alejandro Cortese

CEO, Co-founder of OWiC Technologies

Cainaan Web

Surge Career Navigator and Network Manager, CenterState CEO

Amy Stage

Director of Apprenticeship & Workforce Development., MACNY

Franca Armstrong

Executive Director, Apprenticeship Programs at Mohawk Valley Community College

Aimee Durfee

Vice President of Workforce Innovation, CenterState CEO

Kara Jones

Director of Programs & Engagement for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Centerstate CEO

Don Lynch

Senior Project Manager, TDO

Michael Feng

Sr. Director, Innovation & Partnerships,
The Griffiss Institute

Patty Rechberger

Innovation Fund Manager, FuzeHub

James D’Agostino

MEP Center Director, TDO

John Liddy

Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, CenterState CEO

PARTNERS

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