Austria’s high-tech network
for electronic and software based systems
SILICON ALPS
Crossroads. Decide. Disrupt. Deliver
EBSCON 6.0 brings together leading figures from business, research, industry, politics and the start-up ecosystem to discuss the crucial questions for the future concerning key technologies, innovation and Europe’s competitiveness.
Under the motto “Crossroads. Decide. Disrupt. Deliver.”, the conference marks a moment of transformation: technological developments such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor technologies, defence tech and deep tech are transforming markets, value chains and business models at a rapid pace. At the same time, companies and institutions face the challenge of making the right decisions today for tomorrow.
The programme is therefore deliberately structured as a journey through the subject matter:
from contextualising current developments, through specific fields of application, to success stories in innovation and new collaborations.
EBSCON kicks off with an open and energetic networking event: the Coffee Rave brings together coffee, music and socialising, providing a relaxed start to the conference day.
Even before the official programme begins, the Coffee Rave brings participants, partners, exhibitors and speakers together in a relaxed atmosphere. A coffee van, music and the open exhibition area provide the setting for initial conversations, spontaneous encounters and new contacts. This is deliberately not a traditional business breakfast, but a modern, lively start to the day – in keeping with EBSCON’s aim of bringing together new perspectives and challenging existing ways of thinking.
The official opening marks the start of the EBSCON 6.0 conference day and introduces this year’s main theme. At the same time, exhibitors are given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the audience in short pitches.
The opening sets the thematic tone for the event and highlights why Europe is currently at a decisive turning point. It provides a framework for the sessions that follow and defines the key questions that will run through the entire day.
Immediately afterwards, EBSCON exhibitors will present themselves as part of a one-minute ‘queue pitching’ session. These brief presentations provide a concise overview of the companies, technologies and projects represented, and establish initial points of contact for discussions during the exhibition, the networking breaks and the B2B meetings. This ensures that the exhibition is actively integrated into the conference programme right from the start.
by Hideki Chou, General Manager of NIL R&D Division, Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) and
Jonas Jütting | Europäischen Kommission
The Opening Keynote sets the tone for EBSCON’s thematic focus and links future technological trends with Europe’s strategic role in the global semiconductor market.
The keynote is designed as a two-part session and brings together two perspectives that are closely intertwined with regard to Europe’s position in the semiconductor industry.
It begins with a look at emerging technologies in semiconductor manufacturing. The focus is on current technological trends and innovative approaches for the next generation of chip production, ranging from advanced photomasks to nanoimprint lithography (NIL). The session will also address the further development and evaluation of NIL as a promising approach for future manufacturing technologies.
Together, these two presentations provide the thematic framework for the subsequent sessions at EBSCON: they link technological innovation with European industrial policy and demonstrate that Europe’s future in the semiconductor industry depends on both technological breakthroughs and the right strategic decisions.
Dual Use
Semiconductor Future Lab
The Labs provide a forum for professional exchange on two key future-oriented topics at EBSCON. Experts from industry, research, politics and start-ups will discuss current developments, technological challenges and future opportunities in their respective fields.
Following the strategic insights of the morning, the Labs will explore selected key areas in greater depth and create space for open dialogue between different perspectives. The focus will be on current issues, new technological developments and their impact on the economy, research and society.
The ‘Lab – Dual Use’ explores the growing importance of defence technologies as drivers of innovation. The focus is on dual-use technologies, technological sovereignty and collaboration between industry, research and public institutions, with a view to sustainably strengthening Europe’s resilience and innovative capacity.
The Semiconductor Future Lab focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing the European semiconductor industry. Discussions centre on future technologies, new chip architectures, more resilient supply chains, securing a skilled workforce, and how Europe can strengthen its position in global competition in the long term.
To deepen discussions and forge new partnerships.
The lunch break provides an opportunity for structured matchmaking and informal exchanges between companies, research institutions, start-ups, investors and policy-makers.
To overcome the post-lunch slump and recharge for the afternoon.
A 15-minute power-up session that brings movement and energy to the conference day and gets participants in the right frame of mind for the upcoming keynote speech.
“Europe is well on its way to becoming the global market leader in chip technologies. The technological expertise is there – in research, industry and start-ups,” reports Robert Gfrerer, Managing Director of the Silicon Alps Cluster and President of the Silicon Europe Alliance.
Graz/Villach, 9 October 2026. Europe is at a turning point when it comes to semiconductors, AI and strategic technologies. EBSCON, the leading trade fair for the European semiconductor and electronics industry, held in Graz on 7 October 2026, was therefore themed ‘Crossroads – Europe at a Turning Point’. The central question – how quickly, and […]