Keynote speakers

Biography

Hubert Bruls (1966) has been Mayor of Nijmegen since May 2012. In this role, he is responsible for public order and safety, civic services, external relations, communication and research. Bruls studied Political Science and Economics at Radboud University Nijmegen and began his career at the civil service union NOVON/ABVAKABO.Before becoming mayor, he served as a member of the Dutch House of Representatives for the CDA (2002–2005) and as mayor of Venlo (2005–2012). Earlier in his career, he was a city council member and alderman in Nijmegen.We are proud to welcome Mayor Bruls to open the first edition of the Lifeport Semicon Event in his city; the beating heart of the Dutch semiconductor and innovation ecosystem.

Biography

Mr. Paul de Bot is President of TSMC Europe. He joined TSMC in 2015, and after roles in account management, was appointed General Manager EMEA in 2022 and President in 2024, responsible for the TSMC business in Europe and Israel.Paul started his career at Philips in the area of video technology, reaching the position of Chief Strategy Officer of the digital TV systems division of Philips. In 2003 he joined Philips Semiconductors (which later became NXP Semiconductors) as Vice President Strategy & Business Development for their consumer, automotive and identification businesses, respectively. Prior to joining TSMC, Paul had further executive roles in the software industry and in corporate finance.Paul received his M.S. in EE and Engineering Doctorate in Telecommunications from Eindhoven University of Technology of The Netherlands, and his M.S. in Business Valuation from TIAS Business School of The Netherlands.

Title

Advanced chip design drives semiconductor value creation

Abstract

Semiconductors have become indispensable enablers of modern society, ubiquitous in both our personal and professional life. Currently, Artificial Intelligence is further accelerating semiconductor proliferation, initially in the data center space, but soon also in many of the devices surrounding us. While the semiconductor industry is a broad ecosystem with many segments, the fastest market growth is observed in logic chips using advanced CMOS nodes. Most of the value is created by the (often fabless) companies designing such chips. In his talk, Paul will explore how the foundry business model is shaping the semiconductor industry and the revolution of advanced CMOS and packaging technologies that enable today’s AI systems.

Biography

Christelle Le Cam has over 25 years of experience in the semiconductor R&D industry. She began her career at Philips Research, before joining NXP Semiconductors, where she has held a wide range of engineering and leadership roles. Throughout her career she has led international teams, driving innovation across global projects in advanced semiconductor design and development. Today, she plays a key role in shaping NXP’s R&D strategy, ensuring that Europe remains a strong hub for innovation in a globalized industry.

Title

Intelligent Systems at the Edge through successful Collaboration Across the Ecosystem

Abstract

Technology shapes our lives. Semiconductors R&D is the backbone of technology Innovation. Christelle will explore the strategic importance of semiconductors and why the Nijmegen-Arnhem region is a critical hub for this progress. She will highlight an example of cutting-edge innovation: Building systems at the edge and the growing role of robotics in transforming industries. These advancements cannot be achieved by one company alone, they require collaboration across the ecosystem. To remain competitive globally, Europe must invest more in technology and partnerships. And strengthen R&D resilience to ensure long-term leadership in innovation. This means creating robust research networks, securing talent, and fostering collaboration between companies, academia and governments.

Biography

Irene Rompa studied psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her passion for sustainability took her to the United States after graduating in 2011, where she led the international expansion of the Dutch company Dopper from San Francisco.After returning to the Netherlands in 2015, she held various roles in the Dutch tech ecosystem, including running her own company, leading accelerators, facilitating the international expansion of Dutch startups, and organizing major innovation events. Until the end of 2022, she was Head of Communications at Quantum Delta NL, a public-private partnership scaling up the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem.In 2023, she returned to psychology. Irene now works as a mediator, alongside her work as a conference moderator.

Biography

Jesse Robbers serves as VP imec and Managing Director imec the Netherlands, bringing extensive leadership experience in deep-tech, quantum technology, digital infrastructure, and telecommunications.Previously, Jesse co-founded and was on the Executive Board of Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), the Netherlands' National Quantum Initiative. At QDNL, he directed the "Industry & Digital Infrastructure" sector and coordinated national and international developments of the Quantum Network.His international representation includes serving as the National representative on the EuroQCI Board, the European Quantum Declaration, member of the Research and Innovation Advisory Group (RIAG) of EuroHPC JU, and advisory roles in different European quantum initiatives including the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA). He participated also in the development of the Dutch National Technology Strategy (NTS).

Title

Together we build the foundation for chip technology

Abstract

In this keynote, Jesse Robbers emphasizes imec's crucial role in developing global semiconductor roadmaps and the importance of long-term, international collaboration across research and industry to realize these. Imec plays a key role in developing such roadmaps at the crossroads of semiconductor, photonics and quantum technologies. By continuing to invest in research, talent, and collaboration, the Netherlands can secure and further expand its position in the global semiconductor chain, creating both technological and economic impact.