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

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

Walk-ins are welcome, but we cannot guarantee a spot due to limited capacity. Cash payments will not be accepted on-site.

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

Breakfast and Registration

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Welcome Address

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM

Tim Thomas, Chief Academic Officer, Griffiss Institute

Keynote Speaker

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

Michael Hutchinson, Former Green Beret supporting the semiconductor industry | PMP | Founder, Hadron LLC | Founder, Army Special Operations Command AI Division

What’s Missing Between the Lab and the Fab: Fully Leveraging American Innovation

America’s challenge is commercialization—not innovation.
Bridging the “valley of death” for microelectronics startups.
Why the Northeast is positioned to lead.
The value of distributed prototyping facilities.
Investing in the infrastructure that turns ideas into industry.

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

Strategies for building a defense- and microelectronics-ready workforce
Collaboration between industry, higher education, workforce development, and government
Creating scalable talent pipelines for high-demand careers
Strengthening the defense industrial base and microelectronics ecosystem
Supporting national security, economic competitiveness, and regional economic growth

Moderator: Jennifer McCullough, CenterState CEO
Nick Bruno, MACNY
Michelle Downes, NORDTECH PMO, IBM Research
Libby Murphy, Syracuse University
Tim Thomas, Griffiss Institute

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

Moderator: Jennifer Waters, Empire State Development
Michelle A. Duquette, 3 MAD Air
Philip J. Zaleski, Air Force Research Laboratory
Greg Flewelling, BAE Systems Inc.

Panel #3

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

The Next Great Microelectronics Product Is Already Down Your Hallway: Pathways to Intrapreneurship and Entrepreneurship in Microelectronics Innovation