➀ The 2024 Toolmaking Industry Award 'Excellence in Production' features twelve finalists from the German-speaking region. ➁ The selection process involves a detailed audit by the WZL of RWTH Aachen. ➂ The award ceremony will be held on November 13, 2024, in the Aachen City Hall's Banqueting Hall.

➀ The SensorNetwork³ Symposium 2025 will be held in Dortmund on January 22, 2025, focusing on innovations between hydrogen and mobility. Leading experts in sensors, microsystems technology, and IoT will discuss groundbreaking innovations and industry challenges. ➁ The symposium will explore the role of sensors in the future of mobility and the potential of hydrogen technologies in a sustainable energy transition. ➂ Networking and exchange opportunities will be available for participants to discuss the latest developments in the sensor industry.

➀ FH Aachen's Institute of Microwave and Plasma Technology (IMP) has achieved a breakthrough in plasma generation by creating a stand-alone plasma with high energy density. This research aims to mimic the fusion processes occurring in the sun for energy production on Earth. The plasma is produced in a small laboratory-scale setup, demonstrating the potential for large-scale applications. ➁ Professor Dr. Holger Heuermann leads the research, emphasizing the significance of the development for understanding and replicating the fusion processes. ➂ The research team is working on precise measurement and large-scale implementation of the technology, seeking collaboration with industry and research partners.

➀ Taoglas has launched AntJack, a Wi-Fi antenna mounted on a standard RJ45 connector. It is designed to save space and improve wireless coverage across 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and 7.1 GHz bands.➁ The FXM100 antenna is suitable for complex MIMO designs and can be used in industrial robotics and test systems.➂ The antenna features wideband coverage, a small form factor, and easy installation, and is now available for purchase from Taoglas and its distributors.

➀ The UKRI has allocated £25m for sustainable electronics design and manufacturing through its Accelerating the Green Economy programme. ➁ Glasgow University will lead a four-year project in collaboration with other institutions to tackle sustainability challenges in the electronics industry. ➂ The focus will be on reducing electronic waste, minimising reliance on critical raw materials, and reducing carbon footprints.

➀ Steve Jobs' early interest in electronics and his education at Reed College; ➁ The founding of Apple Computer Company and the development of the Apple II; ➂ The introduction of the Macintosh and its graphical user interface; ➃ Jobs' departure from Apple and the founding of NeXT; ➄ The acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios; ➅ Jobs' return to Apple and the launch of iconic products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad; ➆ Jobs' philosophy of simplicity, design, and integration; ➇ His battle with pancreatic cancer and his passing in 2011; ➈ The continued influence of Jobs' vision on the tech industry.

➀ Over the past 75 years, China has made significant progress in the computer and semiconductor industries; ➁ Generations of researchers have pursued autonomy in these sectors; ➂ Their achievements have accelerated high-quality development.

1. The economic landscape in the third quarter of 2024 remains dynamic with both positive growth signs and significant risks. 2. The rapid advancement and adoption of AI is transforming various sectors of the economy, leading to significant productivity gains. 3. The potential of AI to boost productivity and drive economic growth is undeniable, although its long-term impact on the labor market is yet to be seen.

➀ element14 invites makers and innovators to participate in the Halloween-themed “Boo! In A Box” Design Challenge, encouraging them to create spooky boxes. ➁ The challenge runs from October 1st to November 8th, with winners announced on November 15th. ➂ Prizes include a Philips Hue Starter Kit, Raspberry Pi 5 4GB, Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with 100W Power Delivery, and a Halloween Decoration Kit with a Giant Spider.

➀ China's Semiconductor Association Chairman discusses the potential for a fully independent chip industry; ➁ A glimpse into the future through a global student technology competition and conversations with students at a leading Chinese tech university; ➂ Comments reflect a mix of optimism, support for Chinese innovation, and the belief that challenges will lead to growth.

➀ Toppan Photomask is rebranding to Tekscend Photomask; ➁ The change signals a commitment to technological innovation and growth; ➂ The new name reflects the company's role as a leader in the semiconductor photomask industry.

➀ IBM opened its first quantum data center outside of the US in Ehningen, Germany, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in attendance; ➁ The center houses two IBM Quantum Eagle-based systems and an upcoming IBM Heron system, enhancing IBM's global quantum network; ➂ The German government is supporting the development of quantum technologies and the center is expected to foster innovation and business growth.

➀ The Fraunhofer IPA's Center for Digitalized Battery Cell Production (ZDB) has launched a flexible winding machine for cylindrical battery cells in partnership with acp systems AG. It serves as a platform for testing new cell formats, components, and tab designs. It enables the development of large-format cells for future battery technologies. The winding machine is unique globally and integrated into an automated and digitalized infrastructure for battery cell production. ➁ The machine is not only a production platform for Jelly Rolls but also a research platform for developing and testing innovative cell systems and formats. ➂ The entire production process is digitalized and networked to minimize waste and improve quality. Data collected by sensors are processed in real-time in the cloud, allowing for traceability technologies that can attribute data to individual battery cells. This enables data analysis, AI training, and the development of monitoring and predictive services.

➀ Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Short-Time Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institute, EMI, and the startup CAURUS Technologies GmbH are developing an innovative firefighting method to combat large-scale fires more effectively from the air. ➁ The new technology, involving the use of a water-aerosol cloud, aims to improve the efficiency of water usage and the effectiveness of fire suppression. ➂ The method is expected to reduce water usage by five to ten times compared to current systems, enhancing the safety of firefighters and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions by controlling vegetation fires more quickly.

➀ The UKRI has announced 16 semiconductor projects receiving £11.5 million in government funding; ➁ The projects aim to scale up semiconductor manufacturing, improve supply chain resilience, and encourage collaboration between academia and industry; ➂ The funded projects cover a range of areas, including epitaxy, quantum dot sensors, photovoltaic components, and power devices.

➀ The HSBI participates in the Solar Racing Cup, a student competition organized by Energie Impuls OWL and VDI. The event focuses on sustainability and innovation.➁ Students build and race solar-powered cars, learning about renewable energy and technology.➂ The HSBI provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity and technical skills.

➀ Aart de Geus, Synopsys' founder and chairperson, receives the SIA 2024 Robert N. Noyce Award for his pioneering contributions to the EDA technology over the past four decades; ➁ Synopsys has grown from an EDA tool provider to a global leader in EDA/IP, offering a comprehensive range of solutions; ➂ The company emphasizes innovation, with Synopsys.ai and digital twin technology, and a vast IP portfolio to support cutting-edge technologies like AI and smart manufacturing; ➃ Synopsys has been investing in China for nearly 30 years, collaborating closely with local industry and providing advanced design methodologies; ➄ The company continues to drive technological innovation and talent development, aiming to foster the next generation of 'chip' innovators.

➀ Semiconductor industry leader Wang Hui criticizes low-price competition and illegal device refurbishment, emphasizing the importance of innovation; ➁ Wang highlights the challenges of low-price competition in semiconductor development, including the inability to support continuous R&D and harm to chip manufacturers; ➂ Wang advocates for respecting intellectual property rights and encourages innovative solutions for China's semiconductor industry; ➃ Wang shares the history of semiconductor development and emphasizes the need for differentiated innovation in core technologies; ➄ Wang discusses China's position in the global semiconductor market and the importance of original innovation; ➅ Wang introduces the company's core technologies and products, including SAPS megasonic cleaning technology and Ultra C Tahoe; ➆ Wang discusses the company's future plans for international expansion and growth.

➀ The conventional wisdom was that the oxide layer on a wafer needed to be removed after masking to prevent contamination. ➁ A Swiss genius proposed that the oxide layer might serve as protection for the circuitry, enhancing reliability. ➂ His idea led to the mass production of ICs. ➃ The moral is that counter-intuition should not be dismissed.

➀ Wales Tech Week is scheduled to return in November 2025, featuring a technology summit from 24-26 November. The event will highlight the Welsh technology ecosystem and its global applications.➁ Organizers have outlined three key themes: Tech for People, Tech for Performance, and Tech for the Planet.➂ The 10th Annual Wales Technology Awards will also be held during the event.