Essential for manufacturing computers, smartphones, cars, refrigerators or any electronic device, semiconductors are critical elements in the implementation of the Internet of Things. For this reason, the IOT Solutions World Congress (IOTSWC), the leading international event on industry transformation through disruptive technologies, will pay special attention this year to chip designers, manufacturers and suppliers.

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The next edition of the IOT Solutions World Congress, which will take place from 21 to 23 May at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue, will bring together a significant number of semiconductor chip manufacturers who will showcase their projects and products that will be key to the leap towards digitalization and modernization of the industry.

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In this regard, the Government of Catalonia, aware of the vital role played by semiconductors in today's industry and with the objective of promoting this sector in Catalonia, will bring together in a single stand at the IOT Solutions World Congress a large number of companies operating in this field in Catalonia. These businesses are in addition to the offer of other international firms such as ST Microelectronics, Lacroix, Qualcomm, Tessolve or Würth Elektronik, which will showcase their projects and initiatives in the field of semiconductors.

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With this initiative, the event helps to promote the strategy developed by the Government of Catalonia to promote the semiconductor industry, which has led to the creation of the Catalan Semiconductor Alliance, an initiative comprised of several ministries of the Government of Catalonia, companies and research and innovation agents, who will work together to consolidate Catalonia as a leading semiconductor hub in Europe.

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The director of the show, Marc Tarragó, said that “IOTSWC offers chip manufacturers an opportunity to reach new national and international customers at a key moment for the transformation of the industry”. He also said: “we wanted to give a boost to this segment, which is gaining prominence in an edition that is also consolidating itself as the world's leading event to promote the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

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For his part, the Secretary General of Business and Competitiveness and CEO of ACCIÓ, Albert Castellanos i Maduell, pointed out that “Catalonia is one of the main centers of technological attraction in Europe, in terms of number of companies, talent and capacity to connect sectors of the entire economic fabric”. In this regard, he added, “the Catalan Government is committed to a strategy to promote industries such as semiconductors, and to the internationalization and consolidation of the Catalan companies that are part of them, as a strategic and transformative vector of our industry”.

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According to data from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the global semiconductor market will reach 490,977 million euros in 2023, 8% less than in 2022, with Taiwan being the world's largest chip producer with 60% of sales, surpassing the United States and China.

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Organized by Fira de Barcelona, IOTSWC 2024 expects to bring together 12,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, more than 400 exhibitors and a line-up of 250 speakers and experts who will participate in 125 sessions of the congress.

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The event will have four areas — Congress, Exhibition Area, Activities and Security and Cybersecurity — and will offer an innovation platform focused on the exchange of knowledge, disruptive trends and applicable solutions.

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