JETRO Announcements[Event Report] Dresden Gains Prominence as a Semiconductor Cluster Networking Hub; Silicon Saxony Days Held

Silicon Saxony, one of Europe's largest semiconductor clusters, held its business networking event "Silicon Saxony Days" in Dresden, Saxony, eastern Germany, from June 15 to 17. This year marked the landmark 20th edition, which was held over three days for the first time. More than 2,100 participants from over 800 companies attended. The event was the largest ever, featuring exhibitions by over 210 exhibitors, 10 stage sessions, and more than 800 pre-arranged business meetings.

Approximately 30% of attendees were international participants, with Taiwan participating as a special partner. Furthermore, against the backdrop of progress in major investment projects centered on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the event demonstrated Dresden's growing prominence as a networking hub connecting semiconductor clusters not only in Europe but worldwide. The venue attracted companies, research institutions, and startups not only from the semiconductor sector but also from the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, advanced manufacturing, and software. Additionally, the "Saxon Innovation Summit," one of the state's largest innovation events, was held on June 17, highlighting Saxony's expanding role as an innovation hub.

In Saxony, employment in the microelectronics and information and communication technology (ICT) industries reached approximately 82,500 as of September 2025, an increase of about 2% from the previous year. Beyond semiconductor manufacturing, Saxony is also developing a broader industrial ecosystem encompassing AI, software, manufacturing equipment, and materials. Regarding Silicon Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of Saxony, explained, "It has grown from a regional project into one of Europe's leading microelectronics and IT clusters. It encompasses nearly the entire semiconductor ecosystem, from manufacturing and research to software development." Furthermore, Dirk Panter, Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy, and Climate Protection, expressed his intention to further develop the cluster through fostering startups and securing highly skilled talent.

The next "Silicon Saxony Days" is scheduled to be held in June 2027.