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We are delighted to announce that Infineon will take over for the fourth time a Fellowship for the I.E.C.T. – Summer School 2022. As a long-term partner of the programme, we are honoured to conduct an interview with Lamin Ben-Hamdane, Head of Startup-Cooperation at Infineon.

Viktoria: Could you please tell us a bit about Infineon?

Lamin: Ranked one of the leading semiconductor companies, we play a key role in shaping a better future – with microelectronics that link the real and the digital world. Our semiconductors enable efficient energy management, smart mobility, as well as secure, seamless communications in an increasingly connected world. Infineon’s largest division is automotive where one area of growth is e-vehicles as well as autonomous and assisted driving. Other divisions are focused on industrial applications like robotics or consumer devices.

Viktoria: Why is Infineon supporting the I.E.C.T. – Summer School as a long-term partner?

Lamin: At the I.E.C.T. – Summer School we have the possibility to get in touch with bright people from science that have an entrepreneurial mindset. Some technologies they are commercializing will also be important for our future products & markets.

?Viktoria: In which market space does Infineon grant the Fellowship this year?

?Lamin: We grant one fellowship within the following areas: Next gen semiconductor tech, electronic systems with applications in automotive, industry or consumer space applications, embedded software/edge AI, HW security

Viktoria: Which types of collaborations does Infineon offer for entrepreneurs?

?Lamin: Infineon is open for different types of collaborations with startups. The start-up might be a lead customer for Infineon or act as a go-to-market partner by complementing our products – mainly in the areas of software, embedded systems, or AI. R&D partnerships are possible as well with startups that are operating in the semi-conductor area. Finally, Infineon is also open for forming partnerships in which the startup acts as a supplier, for example in process optimization or digitalization.

Viktoria: Infineon is already very experienced in collaborating with start-ups. Where do you see the biggest challenge?

?Lamin: Collaborations with startups bear many challenges. One pitfall we have experienced is the lack of strategic clarity about what we and the startups are trying to accomplish. We address this issue, by writing down expectations and deliverable during a cooperation by drafting a letter of intent.

Viktoria: Where do you see the greatest benefit of a corporate – startup collaboration?

Lamin: We see a high potential of corporate – startup collaborations. Infineon can benefit in terms of insights into new applications and markets whereas the startup can benefit in terms of shortening development periods, prototyping and promotion activities from Infineon.

?Viktoria: Thank You!