The nominations are officially closed for the 2014 3D InCites Awards; and now comes the fun part. This year, while the industry expert judges will determine the winners of each individual category; one Reader’s Choice Award will be decided by you; the registered members of the 3D InCites Community through an Online Public Opinion Poll. In the event of a tie for the individual categories, the winner will be decided by the reader poll. All you need to do to participate in the voting is login (not a member? Sign up here), review the nominees, and cast your vote. You can vote once every 24 hours. We received nominations for 5 out of seven categories: 2.5D/3D Devices, Design Tools, Metrology/Inspection Equipment, Manufacturing Equipment, and Processes. Two categories, Materials and Test Tools and Methodologies, did not have any nominations submitted. As such, those categories are not included on the ballot.
If you’re just joining this party, let me explain. The 3D InCites Awards Program was established in 2013 to recognize achievements to further the commercialization of 2.5D and 3D IC technologies. Awards are presented to companies whose innovative products; processes, tools, and methodologies have contributed significantly to the advancement of 2.5D and 3D integration. Awards will be presented at a breakfast ceremony on Thursday, July 10, 2014, during SEMICON West. The ceremony takes place at the Impress Lounge, above Moscone North.
This year’s breakfast ceremony, sponsored by Micron, will feature a keynote by Bryan Black, AMD, who will talk about the benefits of 3D systems-on-chip (SoC), enabled by 3D ICs. As the proceeds of this year’s 3D InCites Awards will benefit two STEM-related educational funds, we will hear from representatives of each. Jan Vardaman, TechSearch International, Inc., will discuss the Frances B. Hugle Engineering Scholarship, how it came to be, and how it has helped women who plan to pursue a career in engineering fields. Denny McGuirk, president and CEO of SEMI, will talk about the SEMI High Tech U program, and its success in encouraging high school students to follow a career path in science, technology, engineering and math. This year, the newly established 3D InCites Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of SEMI High Tech U. The charitable donations are largely made possible by the sponsors of this year’s 3D InCites Awards, including Platinum Sponsor, EV Group; Breakfast Sponsor, Micron; and Silver Sponsors, Mentor Graphics and Rudolph Technologies.
Lastly, we will hear a few words from David Kirsch, VP and General Manager of EV Group, North America, as EV Group is the Platinum Sponsor of the 2014 3D InCites Awards. EV Group won the 2013 3D InCites Award for the manufacturing equipment category last year, so its especially nice to have him participate He will also assist with the best part of the ceremony; presentation of this year’s awards. The field of nominees is competitive. I wish all them all the best of luck. Let the game begin! ~ F.v.T.
