PHOENIX, AZ (October 7, 2025) — Tens of thousands of people, including the tech industry’s leading innovators, filled the Phoenix Convention Center Tuesday morning as SEMICON West kicked off in Arizona.

Governor Hobbs spoke during the conference’s opening CEO Summit, highlighting the state’s innovation and advanced manufacturing leadership, which has made Arizona the center of the tech universe.

“The semiconductor industry is experiencing a renaissance in Arizona unlike anywhere else,” the Governor said during her remarks. “From leading edge manufacturing to R&D, equipment, suppliers, workforce development, and advanced packaging, it’s all happening here.”

The Governor joined Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI, and Joe Stockunas, President, SEMI Americas, to kick off the highly-anticipated SEMICON West 2025, the premier microelectronics conference in the U.S., taking place October 7-9 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Leadership from SEMI, which hosts SEMICON West, praised Arizona’s enthusiastic welcome and historic attraction efforts, citing a 45% increase in exhibitor booths and more than 60% increase in registrations from the previous year. The conference, which Arizona is scheduled to host again in 2027 and 2029, is expected to attract roughly 40,000 attendees and feature multiple days of CEO keynotes, industry panels, tech-focused sessions, and more.

Arizona leads the nation in recent semiconductor investment, attracting over 60 industry expansions since 2020 representing more than $205 billion in announced investment. The state is home to North America’s most advanced chip processing technology and pioneering R&D and workforce development initiatives in collaboration with universities and community colleges.

“In Arizona, vision becomes opportunity, and opportunity becomes action,” the Governor continued. “No other state is as uniquely positioned—or as prepared—to meet this moment.”

On Monday, the Arizona Commerce Authority and Greater Phoenix Economic Council hosted Arizona Semiconductor Leadership Day, convening more than 600 ecosystem partners, including delegations from 17 countries, to highlight Arizona’s unique investment advantages.