Meet Ajit
Hear his vision for SEMI to inspire greater connection, collaboration and innovation across the microelectronics industry.
Throughout his career, Ajit Manocha has been a champion of semiconductor industry collaboration as a critical means of advancing technology for societal and economic prosperity. His four decades of industry experience gives him unique insights into the evolution of key trends and the concerns and priorities of member companies and their executives.
In his role as the president and CEO of SEMI, Manocha has broadened the association’s scope to serve the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing and design supply chain with an expanded range of offerings and member value. He has driven SEMI to fuel industry growth and foster collaboration on challenges such as geopolitical and sustainability concerns, the talent gap, and supply chain disruptions.
Semiconductor Industry Career Highlights
- CEO at GlobalFoundries guiding its rise to a top 3 pure-play foundry
- EVP and Chief Manufacturing Officer (COO) at Philips/NXP
- Research Scientist and Senior Executive at the legendary Bell Laboratories
- “Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships”
- President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)
SEMI Transformation Highlights
- Expanded the association’s membership scope and benefits to serve the global electronics supply chain while maintaining core focus on the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
- Established Board of Industry Leaders to expand governance and vet priorities with broader electronics supply chain.
- Smart Initiatives foster smarter technology collaboration directly with end customers across fast-growing vertical market segments (Data-AI, Manufacturing, MedTech and Mobility).
- The refinement of Technology Communities, Market Data and Standards offerings, SEMICON expositions and in-person and virtual events to better serve member needs and offer increased value.
- American Semiconductor Academy partnership, Mentoring & University Connections creates formal partnerships with universities to provide industry access to emerging talent in STEM fields.
- SEMI Career & Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) connects students and adult workers to industry and manufacturing careers.
- SEMI VetWorks helps bring transitioning military veterans to our industry.
- The launch of the SEMI University online learning platform helps workers strengthen skills and minimizes the need for member companies to acquire or develop their own education and training.
- The Sustainability Initiative brings members together from across the semiconductor value chain to find solutions to common issues and share best practices.
- The Semiconductor Climate Consortium aligns industry goals and approaches to continuously improve and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industry value chain.
- SEMI and the Global Advocacy program moved quickly to help ensure “essential business” status with governments during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The program is now helping members navigate increasing geopolitical tensions and export control barriers, supporting the approval of incentives legislation such as the S. CHIPS Act, and providing resources to guide member companies on incentives applications.
- The Supply Chain Management Initiative boosts agility and resiliency with enhanced collaboration and transparency.
- The Initiative’s Industry Advisory Council guides priorities to improve the end-to-end electronics supply chain collectively.
