By GO SEMI & Beyond Staff

Advantest's VOICE 2026 Developer Conference will take place May 18-20 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn what VOICE 2026 holds in store for attendees, we interviewed this year's general chairperson, Farida Chandran, senior technical consultant, Advantest.

VOICE 2026 will be hosted in Scottsdale, Arizona. What significance does Scottsdale hold for this year's event?

We're especially pleased to be gathering here in Scottsdale, as Arizona is home to a burgeoning semiconductor industry. With many leading companies investing in this community, Arizona plays a vital role in shaping the future of our industry and pioneering innovation in chip design, power management, manufacturing and test. We also look forward to hosting attendees from nearby areas such as Phoenix, Chandler, and Tucson.

By hosting VOICE here, we're hoping to create space for meaningful connections, thoughtful discussion, and forward-looking dialogue. It's a fitting setting as we come together and look ahead to what's next for our industry.

What should attendees expect from this year's event?

VOICE brings together engineers and industry experts from around the world to explore the latest advancements in test technology. Through engaging technical presentations, you'll hear real-world stories and practical approaches to tackling today's toughest test challenges—while discovering new methods to improve efficiency, quality, and time-to-market. Our interactive kiosks and partner exhibits make it easy to explore new tools up close and have meaningful technical conversations. The networking opportunities connect you with peers from across industries and around the world. VOICE is so much more than just a conference—it's an opportunity to step away from your day-to-day workload, engage with emerging technologies, and return to your team with fresh perspective, useful insights, and renewed energy.

There's a lot to be excited about this year. Our committee accepted over 80 technical papers across 11 technical tracks—from Factory Automation to Analog, Power, Automotive, and Mixed-Signal device testing, and High-Performance Digital. We are also proud to introduce a new Silicon Photonics track. As AI workloads continue to accelerate, silicon photonics is emerging as a critical technology to meet the growing demands for higher bandwidth and improved power efficiency. The addition of this track reflects the strong and expanding industry interest in silicon photonics as a key enabler for next-generation data center architecture.

With that in mind, I am particularly excited about this year's AI-focused tracks. AI increasingly influences how we design, build, and optimize semiconductor technology, shaping both our daily work and the broader direction of the industry. I expect these sessions to spark meaningful discussions and offer valuable insights into where the technology is headed next.

What can you tell us about this year's agenda?

We'll begin on Monday evening with a welcome reception designed to bring everyone together and set the tone for the week. This will be an ideal opportunity for networking, and it will also feature our Technology Kiosk Showcase, where attendees can explore the latest innovations across Advantest's product portfolio.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be filled with engaging keynote presentations from leading semiconductor market analysts and industry professionals, offering valuable insights into where our industry is headed. Throughout both days, the Partners' Expo will be open, giving attendees the chance to connect with our technology partners and learn more about their newest products and solutions. On Tuesday evening, after a happy hour, we'll gather onsite for a special event at the Fairmont's Copper Canyon Western Town—an authentic Arizona ranch and mining town experience complete with cowboy games, live western music, and a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of the region. We'll conclude VOICE on Wednesday afternoon with our awards ceremony, recognizing the best technical papers and honorable mentions, and presenting our annual Visionary Award to a customer whose lasting contributions have helped shape VOICE over the years.

Who will be joining us for this year's keynote addresses?

I am pleased to announce that VOICE 2026 will feature three well-known and respected keynote speakers, including Navid Shahriari, executive vice president, Intel Foundry, advanced packaging technology and manufacturing organization; David McCann, ATA project executive and senior vice president in the business unit at Amkor Technology; and Risto Puhakka, general manager, semiconductor market analysis at TechInsights.

As a final note, we would like to thank our VOICE 2026 sponsors for making this year's event possible—in particular, our headline sponsor, ISE Labs.

To learn more about keynotes, papers, and other details related to VOICE 2026, be sure to keep checking the VOICE website. And don't forget to register to reserve your spot!