Automotive Semiconductor Forum

Hosted by mstar (Michigan Semiconductor Talent and Technology for Automotive Research), the inaugural ASF is a must-attend event uniting the automotive and semiconductor industries to ignite breakthroughs and accelerate innovation that will reshape Michigan’s future as a leading force in automotive semiconductor technology. Attendees will get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at mstar’s cutting-edge projects—and a powerful opportunity to shape the next wave of automotive semiconductor innovation—fueling Michigan’s commitment to become a global powerhouse in this critical industry.

Who Should Attend?

Technical and business leaders from across the automotive and semiconductor value chain, including OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, foundries, software companies, and academia.

Why Attend?

• Gain exclusive insights into Michigan’s rapidly evolving automotive semiconductor ecosystem.
• Engage directly with mstar researchers in panels covering cutting-edge topics like AI/ML, automotive chiplets, and semiconductor material development for advanced compute.
• Connect with top industry experts and innovators driving change.
• Participate in shaping future technology and workforce development initiatives.
• Enjoy discounted passes to the CAR MBS event (Sept 17–19) using code: mstar—plus access to the September 17 networking reception (4:40–6:30 PM at The Station, Michigan Central Station).

ASF is co-located with the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminar (CAR MBS)—one of the industry’s most respected annual gatherings. As a strategic supporter, CAR is proud to help advance ASF’s mission.

Agenda

• 8:30 AM: Registration
• 9:00 AM: Welcome, agenda overview
• 9:15 AM: keynotes
  • Welcoming keynote by Quentin Messer, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Kristin Toth, Executive Director, Electrical Systems, Software and Connectivity at General Motors
  • ‘MSTAR - Driving the Future of Automotive Semiconductors’ by Valeria Bertacco, Ph.D. Vice Provost for Engaged Learning, MaryLou Dorf Professor of Computer Science and Engineering. Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, University of Michigan
  • Brandon Tucker, Executive Vice President for Instruction, Washtenaw Community College
• 10:50 AM: Coffee break
• 11:10 AM: Keynotes
  • ‘The Physical Side of AI: Building the Compute Stack for Autonomous Trucking’ by CJ King, Chief Technology Officer, Torc Robotics
  • ‘AI is driving the future of automotive semiconductors’ by Ben Stoffelen, Chief of Staff for Automotive, imec
  • ‘KLA, Michigan and Automotive: A journey of growth’ by John McLaughlin, Global ESG Leader & Ann Arbor Site Lead, KLA
• 12:25 PM: Networking lunch
• 1:10 PM: Keynote
  • ‘MemryX’s Journey of Building Edge AI Chips in Michigan: From Technology Innovations to Real-World Use Cases’ by Wei Lu, CTO & Co-Founder, MEMRYX
• 1:35 PM: Interactive panel discussions
  • ‘Chiplet and AI solutions for Automotive Systems’ featuring the following panelists:
    • Reetu Das, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering,University of Michigan
    • Todd Austin, S. Jack Hu Collegiate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering. Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan
    • Hun Seok Kim, Samuel H. Fuller Early Career Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan
    • Mike Flynn, Fawwaz T. Ulaby Collegiate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan
  • ‘New semiconductor materials for automotive solutions’ featuring the following panelists:
    • Ageeth Bol, Professor of Chemistry, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan
    • Becky Peterson, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Faculty Director of the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility, University of Michigan
    • Sujan Shrestha, Postdoctoral researcher at imec USA and a sponsored affiliate at the University of Michigan
• 3:00 PM: Closing remarks and networking social

Join us

About mstar

Launched in 2024, mstar is a public-private initiative that aims to make Michigan the world’s leader in automotive semiconductor technology and talent and develop a talent pipeline to accelerate semiconductor applications in the mobility sector. Mstar has been building momentum and already has a portfolio of innovation projects. This public-private partnership includes semiconductor company KLA, Belgium-based technology innovation hub imec, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, and General Motors.

Practical information

Driving

Please check the Detroit Department of Transportation | City of Detroit for urgent route updates before you embark on your commute to the event.

Parking

Michigan Central is located in a residential area. Attendees should park at The Bagley Mobility Hub (1501 Wabash St.) across Bagley Street to minimize disruption. Please note that the City of Detroit strictly enforces parking rules on side streets.

Walking Directions

Walking directions from the Bagley Mobility Hub to The Station and Newlab:

• Turn Left on Bagley Street after exiting the Bagley Mobility Hub.
• Cross over Bagley Street to the 15th Street pedestrian bridge.
• The Newlab entrance is on 15th Street, through the revolving doors.

Accessible parking

Limited designated handicap accessible street parking is available on surrounding public roads. Designated areas are indicated by street signage.

How much does parking cost?

Parking at The Bagley Mobility Hub is $10 per vehicle and a short walk to both The Station and Newlab. The parking garage is a cashless facility.

Is there EV charging onsite?

The Bagley Mobility Hub is equipped with ample electric vehicle charging stations. Drivers are responsible for covering the cost of charging their vehicles. For payment details and instructions, refer to the signage at the charging site.