The 2026 HBCU CHIPS Network Conference, held April 1-2 at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, brought together students, faculty, researchers, industry leaders, and federal partners to advance innovation and workforce development in the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. By pairing technical programming with a dedicated career fair, the event emphasized both learning and direct access to opportunities.

Now in its second year, the conference continues to grow as a national platform for collaboration across more than 30 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), all working to strengthen diversity and talent pipelines in microelectronics and semiconductor industries. Centered on the theme of Championing New Approaches to Reestablishing U.S. Dominance in Semiconductors and Microelectronics, the event featured technical sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities. 

“This conference provides a national platform to showcase the depth of talent within the HBCU community, including leading edge research and innovation,” said George White, executive director of strategic partnerships and chief CHIPS strategy officer at Georgia Tech. “It also raises awareness of public and private funding opportunities and promotes collaboration across academia, industry, and government.” 

Attendance reflected strong interest across the network. The conference drew approximately 180 participants, including representatives from 26 HBCUs, 17 industry and nonprofit organizations, five government agencies, and the Technical College System of Georgia. The career fair attracted 231 students from the same 26 institutions.

The addition of the career fair this year, which created space for more focused interaction between students and employers, gave students opportunities to speak one-on-one with recruiters and industry professionals. These conversations gave them a clearer understanding of career pathways, available roles, and how to enter the field.

“This experience strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in the semiconductor industry, particularly in fabrication, validation, and reliability,” said Mustafa Ali, a student at Prairie View A&M University and a Student Achievement in Microelectronics Award recipient. “Engaging with both industry professionals and the academic community showed me the importance of connecting research with real-world applications.”

The addition of the career fair also reflects the broader mission of the HBCU CHIPS Network: not only to advance research, but also to build a robust, diverse talent pipeline ready to meet the nation’s growing demand for semiconductor professionals. With the U.S. projected to need tens of thousands of new workers in this sector in the coming years, integrating a career fair directly into the conference experience ensures that students are not just participants in conversations, but active candidates in the future workforce. 

Six employers participated in the career fair: Savannah River National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Teradyne, GlobalFoundries, Synopsys, and Micron. They offered internships and full-time positions, while also connecting with students interested in long-term career development. Graduate programs from Clark Atlanta University, Norfolk State University, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina A&T State University were also represented, highlighting academic pathways alongside industry roles.

“At Teradyne, we believe that innovation thrives when our teams reflect the full spectrum of talent and perspectives that exist across the engineering landscape,” said Danielle S. Ferguson-Macklin, talent communities program manager at Teradyne. “HBCUs have a proven legacy of cultivating exceptional STEM talent, and partnering with these institutions allows us to connect with students who bring both technical rigor and a deep sense of purpose to their work. Strengthening our HBCU recruiting pipeline is not a diversity initiative; it is a strategic investment in the future of our workforce and the semiconductor industry.”

“We look for students with strong technical foundations, intellectual curiosity, and the adaptability to thrive in fast-moving, complex environments,” added Armond Duncan, staff program manager, MSI network collaboration, at Micron. “Collaboration, communication, and a willingness to continuously learn are just as critical as technical acumen. Students who demonstrate hands-on experience and a clear sense of purpose are best positioned to make an immediate and lasting impact.”

Beyond recruitment, the event placed a strong emphasis on mentorship and networking. Many students sought guidance in addition to job opportunities, and the format of the career fair, supported by shared meals and informal spaces, encouraged natural conversations and relationship-building. For some students, the experience highlighted the value of connecting research to industry trends. 

“Attending the conference was an extremely enriching experience,” said Roshan Padhan, a student at Jackson State University and another Student Achievement in Microelectronics Award recipient. “It further motivated me toward the advancement of next-generation semiconductor devices and provided a broader understanding of how academic research translates into real-world technological innovations.”

Sustained engagement throughout the event highlighted the demand for career-focused programming within the HBCU CHIPS Network. Organizers expect that demand to continue growing. “In the coming years, we expect the conference to expand in scope and impact,” White said. “Ultimately, our goal is for many — if not all — HBCUs to have awareness of, representation at, and meaningful participation in the conference.”