The EMD building with a light blue logo in the background, and a sign with the company's full logo in the foreground.

EMD Electronics kicks off Chip In for Arizona: Student competition to help reimagine the state’s semiconductor identity

Published: 01/27/2025

As a worldwide epicenter of semiconductor innovation, Arizona will continue to play a leading role in the future of digital technology, industry investments, R&D and training programs

WHEN: February 14 – March 14, 2025 

WHO: EMD Electronics 

WHAT: EMD Electronics, the Electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada, in collaboration with SEMI, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, on February 14 will launch the “Chip In for Arizona” student competition. This initiative invites Arizona’s higher education students to create a fresh, compelling brand that captures Arizona’s achievements and future aspirations in the semiconductor field. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists.

Key objectives

  • Rebrand Arizona’s Semiconductor Ecosystem: Develop a new statewide semiconductor brand that highlights Arizona’s rapidly growing technological prowess, sustainable practices and strategic importance in the global market 
  • Empower Students: Provide a platform for students to contribute creatively to the state’s technological narrative, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in Arizona’s semiconductor industry 
  • Enhance Regional Competitiveness: Develop a unified brand that attracts investment, talent and collaborative opportunities, strengthening Arizona’s position as a leading semiconductor hub 

Contest information

Eligibility: The competition is open to all students aged 18 or older who are currently enrolled part-time or full-time at any accredited higher education institution in Arizona. Participants can enter individually or form teams of up to four members, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Submissions:   Students are asked to submit a brand narrative, supporting case studies or market research and a rollout overview. Finalists will receive mentoring sessions from executives in the semiconductor field to prepare them for the final live presentations. 

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: February 14, 2025 
  • Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025, 11:59 PM Central Time (CT) 
  • Finalists Announcement: March 31, 2025 
  • Final Presentation at the SEMI Arizona Chapter Breakfast Forum: April 30, 2025 

Sponsors: 

The Chip In for Arizona competition sponsors include: Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), EMD Electronics, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and SEMI. Supported by industry, academic and government partners. 

Media invitation: 

Members of the media are invited to attend the final presentations on April 30, 2025, at the SEMI Arizona Chapter Breakfast Forum. RSVP details will be provided closer to the event date. 

For detailed information on eligibility and submissions, official rules, judging criteria, prizes, FAQs, competition resources and more, please visit: www.semiconwest.org/chip-in-for-arizona

About EMD Electronics 

EMD Electronics is the Electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada. EMD Electronics’ portfolio covers a broad range of products and solutions, including high-tech materials and solutions for the semiconductor industry as well as liquid crystals and OLED materials for displays and effect pigments for coatings and cosmetics. Today, EMD Electronics has approximately 2,000 employees around the US, with regional offices in Tempe (AZ) and Philadelphia (PA). For more information, please visit http://www.emd-electronics.com/ 

About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), globally recognized as a top economic development organization (EDO), works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. A data-driven regional?EDO, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa and Pinal counties and more than 220 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 35 years, GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping over 1,000 companies, creating more than 189,000 jobs and more than $69.4 billion in capital investment. Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial-focused companies looking to thrive and scale in a vibrant, dynamic region. There is an undeniable spirit about Greater Phoenix; one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. Greater Phoenix is Greater Together. For more information about GPEC and how we can assist your businesses, visit www.gpec.org 

About the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA)

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.  

About SEMI

SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.