Boosting New York's Semiconductor Supply Chain: Bridging the Gap

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Bridging the Gap Conference: Elevating New York’s Semiconductor Supply Chain

Date: July 16, 2025

The University at Buffalo recently hosted the "Bridging the Gap: Activating the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network" conference, which brought together industry leaders, manufacturers, and regional stakeholders for an enriching two-day dialogue. This important event, held on July 15-16 at the UB Center for the Arts and the Alfiero Center, focused on enhancing New York's role in the global semiconductor arena through insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and strategic planning.

What Transpired

Throughout the conference, participants had the chance to engage with prominent figures from leading companies such as Micron, Moog, and Edwards Vacuum. Sessions were dedicated to crucial topics including the quality standards for semiconductor suppliers, navigating federal and state purchasing protocols, financing business expansion, and effectively contributing to domestic chip manufacturing.

Organized by UB’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics in collaboration with the NY SMART I-Corridor, the conference underscored the region's burgeoning influence in shaping the future of semiconductor production in America. Ajay Balan, Senior Manager of Silicon Planning at Micron Technology, remarked, "The United States is making a comeback in semiconductor production."

BNP at the Table

A highlight of the conference was Session 2, featuring the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and GO-SEMI. During this session, BNP President and CEO Dottie Gallagher joined other influential regional leaders to showcase the exciting advancements stemming from the Regional Tech Hub initiative.

The panel discussed how collaborative efforts across Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse are fostering infrastructure investment, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing workforce development. Gallagher emphasized the power of regional collaboration and detailed the initiatives underway to connect employers with emerging opportunities.

Benefits for Employers

In addition to the wealth of information shared, the conference included Lightning Round Buyer Needs Talks, personalized supplier meetings, and focused sessions on government contracting. These activities helped businesses gain a clearer understanding of the landscape and forthcoming opportunities. Presentations from Edwards Vacuum, Moog, and GDI offered specific insights into their sourcing requirements.

Edwards Vacuum is on the lookout for materials such as sheet metal, aluminum, iron castings, piping, and tubing. Meanwhile, Moog is in search of suppliers for precision machining and electronic components. GDI highlighted its facility services, particularly contamination control in clean rooms, which are essential for semiconductor manufacturing due to strict cleanliness classifications.

The key takeaway from the conference: the semiconductor supply chain is intricately connected, presenting exciting opportunities for Buffalo Niagara businesses to engage.

Looking Ahead

The Bridging the Gap conference transcended its role as just another event; it marked a pivotal moment in Upstate New York’s emergence as a national leader in the semiconductor industry. The strategies discussed, partnerships formed, and challenges tackled reaffirm that the NY SMART I-Corridor is not waiting for the future; it is actively shaping it.

Get Involved

If you are a supplier, manufacturer, or workforce partner eager to become part of the semiconductor ecosystem, visit the NY SMART I-Corridor’s website for updates on available resources, opportunities, and upcoming events.

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