Boosting New York's Semiconductor Supply Chain: Key Conference Insights

Bridging the Gap Conference Bolsters New York’s Semiconductor Supply Chain

Date: July 16, 2025

The University at Buffalo hosted the Bridging the Gap: Activating the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network conference, which brought together leaders, manufacturers, and stakeholders for two days of in-depth discussions on enhancing New York's role in the global semiconductor market. Taking place on July 15-16 at the UB Center for the Arts and the Alfiero Center, the event served as a platform for valuable insights, networking, and strategic planning focused on activating the supply chain and ensuring industry readiness.

Event Highlights

Throughout the conference, participants had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders from prominent companies like Micron, Moog, and Edwards Vacuum. Sessions addressed essential topics such as the quality standards needed for semiconductor suppliers, navigating federal and state procurement processes, financing business expansions, and the requirements for 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 increasing influence in shaping the future of semiconductor production in the United States. As Ajay Balan, Senior Manager of Silicon Planning at Micron, noted, “The United States is making a comeback in semiconductor production.”

BNP's Role

A standout moment during the conference was the second session focused on the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and GO-SEMI, featuring BNP President and CEO Dottie Gallagher. She joined fellow regional leaders to highlight the significant advancements stemming from the Regional Tech Hub initiative.

The panel discussed how collaborative efforts across Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse are fostering infrastructure investments, industry partnerships, and workforce development. Gallagher emphasized the strength of regional cooperation and the ongoing efforts to connect employers with available opportunities.

Employer Benefits

In addition to the wealth of information shared, the Lightning Round Buyer Needs Talks, one-on-one supplier meetings, and specialized sessions on government contracting empowered businesses to better understand the landscape and upcoming opportunities. Presentations from Edwards Vacuum, Moog, and GDI provided direct insights into their sourcing needs:

• Edwards Vacuum: Seeking materials like sheet metal, aluminum, iron castings, piping, and tubing.
• Moog: Looking for suppliers of precision machining and electronic components.
• GDI: Highlighting their facility services, especially contamination control in clean rooms critical for semiconductor production.

The overarching theme was clear: the semiconductor supply chain is intricately connected, offering exciting opportunities for businesses in Buffalo Niagara to engage.

Future Prospects

The Bridging the Gap conference represented more than just an event; it symbolized a pivotal moment in Upstate New York's emergence as a national leader in semiconductor technology. The shared strategies, formed partnerships, and addressed challenges indicate that the NY SMART I-Corridor is proactively shaping the future.

Get Involved

If you are a supplier, manufacturer, or workforce partner looking to connect with the semiconductor ecosystem, visit the NY SMART I-Corridor website for updates on resources, opportunities, and upcoming events.