PANEL SESSION

Challenge Session

Enterprise end users from leading companies will each frame industry challenges from their market area in the Semiconductor space. We will identify challenges which are common across all markets and applications then discuss the collaborative approaches to solve these challenges.

MODERATOR

David Cheskis

Square Zero Technologies

David Cheskis, PhD is President of Square Zero Technologies, LLC which provides technology and marketing consulting services for semiconductor, optoelectronics, sensing, and communications technology and products companies. Dr. Cheskis has extensive experience starting and leading product groups in deep tech and market shaping and started the first 6-inch GaAs VCSEL wafer foundry business in 2013. Since 1996, Dr. Cheskis has led the development of semiconductor and optical technologies and products for wireless, wireline and optical products at diverse sensing and communications companies including TriEye LTD, Lumentum, LeddarTech, IQE plc, II-VI Incorporated, ANADIGICS Inc, Oclaro Inc., Sarnoff Corporation, Jazz Semiconductor, Multilink Technology Corporation, and Vitesse Semiconductor. Dr. Cheskis earned PhD and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego and a BSEE degree in Microelectronic Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE. Contact: david@square-zero.tech

PANELLISTS INCLUDE

Manuel Gärtner

STMicroelectronics

Manuel Gärtner is Director of Wide Bandgap & Electrification for automotive applications at STMicroelectronics Munich. Leveraging his extensive expertise in smart power product development and advanced research from prestigious institutions such as the University of Berlin and Fraunhofer Institute ISiT, Manuel drives innovation and excellence in automotive power electronics at ST. His leadership accelerates ST’s position as a pioneer in wide bandgap technologies, enabling the company to deliver cutting-edge, energy-efficient solutions tailored for the automotive sector. With over 50 technical publications and multiple patents, Manuel contributes deep technical knowledge that fuels ST’s competitive edge and thought leadership. Beyond his technical impact, Manuel strengthens ST’s industry influence through active roles on the EEHE Scientific Advisory Board, the SIA POWER TRAIN & ELECTRONICS scientific committee, and the technical program committee for the upcoming CIPS 2026 Conference. As principal partner representative and board member of ECPE, he ensures ST’s strategic collaboration and visibility in the global power electronics ecosystem.

Marco Ruggeri

Renesas

Marco Ruggeri is the Senior Manager of the Power System Architecture Team at Renesas. He is leading the development of advanced reference designs for AI Datacenter and Infrastructure Power, New Energy and Motor Driving applications. Previously, Marco started his career at Intel focusing on Advanced Model Order Reduction techniques for 3G Modem Power Integrity analysis. At Dialog Semiconductor, he was pivotal in designing various Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs) for leading smartphones, earning patents in Hybrid DC-DC converter topologies and advancing to Chip Architect position. Moved to STMicroelectronics, Marco led the development of an ASIC Wireless Charger for cutting-edge smartphones. He has joined Renesas Electric Vehicle System Architect Team, focusing on ultra-low noise power supplies for Radar and High Performance VRM for ADAS SoCs, before transitioning into his present role. Marco's achievements include US Patents, numerous publications and the successful leadership on multiple advanced R&D projects in the field of Power Conversion. Passionate about Power Electronics, Science, and AI, he enjoys reading and traveling with his family.

Mehrdad Ziari

Nokia

Mehrdad Ziari joined Infinera, now part of Nokia, in 2002 and is currently Senior Vice President of the Optical Module Group and responsible for technology and product development of PICs, ASICs and optical packaging. Prior to joining Infinera, he was a member of the R&D team at SDL Inc. where worked on various laser diode and optical component technologies and led InP R&D activities and development of Raman pump laser products. He has received his Bachelor of Science with Suma Cum Laude honors, MS and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering in 1986, 1987 and 1992 respectively from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. He has published over 100 papers, two book chapters and is named on over 70 patents.