Female Talents and Leaders in Semiconductor and AI
This all-female panel tackled the urgent issue of gender disparity in the semiconductor sector. With only 18% of technical roles in UK semiconductors held by women, panelists emphasized the need for a collective, systemic approach—spanning government, industry, and academia—to change this.
The discussion shifted from simply talking about "women in tech" to equity, inclusion, and shared responsibility for building a truly diverse workforce.
Key Themes & Speaker Highlights
1. Framing the Challenge
Laura Foster – Associate Director - Technology & Innovation | techUK:
- Set the context with data from a Perspective Economics Report: (1)26% of UK tech roles are held by women, but only 18% in technical semiconductor roles. (2) Progress in STEM and high-paid tech careers is stagnating for women.
- Called for long-term systemic change and alternative pathways (e.g. apprenticeships, retraining).
2. Experiences & Initiatives
ShaoLan Hsueh
– Semi Ventures Chair:
- Brought a multinational perspective to the panel.
- Advocated for inclusive curriculum design, citing ARM’s work.
Janet Collyer – Panel Member | UK Semiconductor Policy Advisory Panel:
- Spoke about starting her career in engineering when no women were on her senior team.
- Emphasized: (1) Recruitment strategies tailored for women. (2) Retention through mentoring, measurement, and flexible work arrangements. (3) The impact and opportunity AI brings to reshape roles and attract diverse talent.
Suzanne Oliver – Director, IP Strategy | Scintilla IP:
- Asserted that closing the gender gap is everyone’s job, not just women’s.
- Supported moving from “men vs. women” debates to EDI-focused conversations.
- Encouraged early STEM investments in schools and changing the narrative.
3. Global Comparisons & Best Practices
ShaoLan Hsueh
– Semi Ventures Chair
- Taiwan is proactively investing in early education and leadership panels.
- Highlighted recruitment challenges, including low birth rates and the pressure on companies like TSMC to reach more women.
Viktoriya Tihipko – Founding Partner and Managing Director | TA Ventures
- Cited impressive statistics: 47% female scientists, 56% female VC investors in Ukraine, but only a small % of female-led startups—a gap in leadership, not interest.
- Proposed exchange programs and free training for women in countries like Ukraine and Taiwan to scale impact.
Notable Concepts & Quotable Moments
- “We must stop thinking in gender silos and start thinking in leadership and human capital terms.”
- “A job ad can attract or repel. Tailoring the language is a recruitment strategy.”
- “AI presents a real opportunity to reimagine tech careers that appeal to a broader talent pool.”
Action Items
- Tailor job application processes to be more inclusive—learn from faculties that design listings to attract more women.
- Reframe the narrative: shift from "female leadership" to "leadership and human resources" for broader inclusivity.
- Create a non-profit or working group (similar to IPCLIF in IP law) to focus exclusively on inclusive practices in semiconductors.
- Partner with institutions like the National Computer Center to launch women-centric programs with clear metrics.
- Explore international exchange and training programs, especially with countries showing strong female participation (e.g. Ukraine, Taiwan).
Closing Messages
There is no single fix—solutions must span education, workplace policy, cultural norms, and international collaboration.
The panel ended with a call to stay connected and keep the conversation going—collaboration starts with dialogue.