onsemi honored BUT Rector for his contribution to development of Czech semiconductor industry

(PR, Brno, 28. 8. 2025) The Czech semiconductor industry is currently facing a shortage of approximately three thousand qualified professionals. To address this, the National Semiconductor Strategy—the government’s initiative to enhance the Czech Republic’s standing in the global semiconductor sector—prioritizes the development of human capital and the advancement of education in this field. Achieving these goals requires close collaboration between academia and industry. A prime example of such cooperation is the long-standing partnership—spanning over 25 years—between Brno University of Technology (BUT) and onsemi, the largest semiconductor manufacturer in the Czech Republic. The pivotal role played by BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček in nurturing this collaboration was acknowledged by onsemi representatives during yesterday’s meeting in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.

On August 27, Rector Ladislav Janíček of Brno University of Technology (BUT) was honored for his significant contribution to fostering collaboration between academia and industry in the field of semiconductor technologies. The recognition took place during a ceremony at onsemi’s design center in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. He received onsemi’s Award for Excellence which was handed by Bert Somsin, Vice President and Head of Human Resources of onsemi’s U.S. headquarters, Aleš Cáb, Director of Manufacturing Operations onsemi CZ, and Radek Václavík, Senior Director of New Product Development at onsemi CZ.

“Rector Ladislav Janíček has played a key role in fostering strong dialogue with industry and in initiating new study programs. It was my honor to present this award to a distinguished representative of the Czech academic community who has made a vital contribution to the development of the Czech semiconductor industry and to the education of new talents essential for the further strategic growth of this sector in Europe,” said Bert Somsin during the ceremony. Radek Václavík also emphasized that thanks to the managerial skills of the current rector of BUT, the structure and mindset of key people at the university are changing so that it can grow alongside the National Semiconductor Strategy.

“I perceive the onsemi award not only as a personal recognition but also as an acknowledgment of our university for the results of more than two decades of cooperation. For Brno University of Technology, this partnership has made it possible to build strong foundations in the field of semiconductor technologies – ranging from research and development of semiconductor materials based on nanotechnologies, through the design and development of semiconductor components and chips, programming of chips and processors, all the way to various applications of semiconductor technologies such as electron microscopy or telecommunications,” recalled Rector Janíček. He added that onsemi experts traditionally participate in university teaching, while conversely, more than half of all engineers in chip development and production at onsemi in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and Brno are BUT graduates. “I am pleased that a partner such as onsemi is also represented on the BUT Industrial Advisory Board and the Internal Evaluation Board, where it contributes to decision-making in areas such as education, research, and knowledge transfer,” added the Rector Janíček.

The implementation of the National Semiconductor Strategy is expected to guide the Czech economy toward greater technological independence and global competitiveness. Aligned with the objectives of the European Chips Act, the strategy outlines ambitious targets, including a 200% increase in the share of semiconductor technologies in Czech exports, a 300% boost in domestic semiconductor component production, and the employment of 9,000 qualified professionals in the sector. These goals are set to be achieved by the end of 2029.

According to the analytical part of the Strategy, the shortage of qualified specialists on the labor market and within the education system is one of the main weaknesses of the Czech semiconductor industry. “As a university, we face the fundamental challenge of strengthening the output of graduates in relevant technical fields through our study programs. Thanks to close cooperation with industry, we have revised and newly accredited BUT study programs focused on advanced semiconductor technologies. Together with the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU), the Office of the Government, and the Ministry of Education, we have prepared a pilot project of so-called contract funding for study programs in semiconductor technologies. The aim is to support and make more attractive university-level education in fields essential for the national economy,” said Rector Janíček, presenting some of the measures being implemented under the National Semiconductor Strategy.

The development of human resources in higher education, secondary education, and vocational training will also be the responsibility of the newly established Czech Semiconductor Center, based in Brno, of which both BUT and onsemi are founding members. The University of Brno and onsemi are both key members of the Czech National Semiconductor Cluster. This cluster brings together companies and institutions that are part of the semiconductor value chain.

Radek Václavík, Senior Director of New Product Development at onsemi CZ, added: “BUT shaped my professional career, and I am glad that we now share such close and fruitful cooperation. The new courses and study programs that arise from the transfer of know-how between the university and onsemi respond to today’s industry needs and to the demands of modern sectors such as AI, renewable energy, and electromobility. Our common goal is not only to educate individuals but to build entire communities of experts.”