Microspark Summit 2026

Microelectronics & Semiconductor K–12 Teacher Conference

Join educators, industry leaders and higher education partners for the Second Annual Microspark Summit, bringing together two days of hands-on learning, classroom-ready resources and industry connections that bring semiconductor education into today’s classrooms.

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What is Microspark Summit?

Now in its second year, Microspark Summit is ASU Prep’s flagship educator conference for Arizona teachers who want to grow their STEM knowledge and connect students to careers in Arizona’s rapidly expanding semiconductor industry.

As Arizona’s first statewide K–12 conference dedicated to microelectronics, educators explore its growing importance to Arizona’s economy and provide practical ways to integrate these concepts into classroom instruction.

Open to educators across all content areas and grade levels, Microspark Summit leaves participants with classroom-ready lesson plans, digital resources, hands-on learning kits and professional development certification to continue inspiring students long after the conference ends.

Why attend Microspark Summit

Learn through experience
Participate in hands-on workshops and interactive learning experiences led by university, industry and education partners.

Take resources back to your classroom
Receive Micro:Bit and LEGO kits, lesson plans, digital resources and activities ready to use with students.

Connect learning to careers
Explore Arizona's growing semiconductor ecosystem and help students discover future career opportunities.

Earn professional development
Complete the conference to earn professional development certification and enhance STEM instructional skills.

Conference agenda

• Conference overview

  Dates and locations
  September 24, 2026 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
  Memorial Union, ASU Tempe campus

  September 25, 2026 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
  Arizona Science Center, in partnership with the Educate to Innovate Conference

  Ignite STEM Learning at Microspark Summit
  Join Arizona State University and Arizona Science Center for Microspark Summit, a two-day professional development experience designed for K12 educators who want to bring the excitement of microelectronics, semiconductors and emerging technologies into their classrooms.

  Through engaging keynote presentations, industry panels, networking opportunities with Industry professionals, tours and hands-on workshops, educators will gain practical resources and real-world insights to inspire the next generation of innovators.

  Educators who participate in both days will receive a $45 gift card to offset the registration cost of Arizona Science Center’s Educate to Innovate Conference.*

  Whether you teach elementary, middle or high school students, Microspark Summit provides classroom-ready ideas, professional learning hours and valuable connections to Arizona’s thriving technology workforce.

  *Educators need to register for both Microspark Summit and Educate to Innovate

• Day 1: September 24

  Day 1 features keynote speakers, industry connections, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and tours that highlight Arizona’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

  8:30–8:45 a.m. — Check in & Breakfast
  9–9:15 a.m. — Welcome with Dr. Quintin Boyce
  9:15–10 a.m. — Keynote with Dr. Binil Starly
  10 a.m.–1 p.m. — Travel to Industry and ASU sites and tours
  1–2 p.m. — Lunch
  2–2:45 p.m. — Panel
  2:45 p.m. — Closing

• Day 2: September 25

  Day 2 at Arizona Science Center offers immersive, hands-on workshops and interactive learning experiences that educators can adapt for their own classrooms.

  7:30–8:15 a.m. — Check-In & Breakfast
  8:15–9 a.m. — Welcome & Opening with ASU MicroSpark
  9–9:30 a.m. — Vendor Exploration
  9:30–10:30 a.m. — Session 1
  10:40–11:40 a.m. — Session 2
  11:40 a.m. –12 p.m. — Lunch
  12:20–12:40 p.m. — Ice Cream Social & Vendor Exploration
  12:40–1:40 p.m. — Session 3
  1:50–2:50 p.m. — Session 4
  3:00–3:30 p.m. — Closing & Raffle

Resources

Teacher PD

• Microspark Summit full conference slides (keynotes, all lessons)
• Additional Micro:Bits lesson by SEMI Foundation
• SEMI Foundation SCAN introduction slides

Classroom resources

• NCI-Southwest nanotechnology K-12 resources
• SEMI Foundation’s K-12 outreach and educator resources
• Micro:Bit educational website
• ChipKids: an excellent show on microchips!
• Our K–6 circuit lesson plans have squishy and paper circuits lessons

Future careers

• Roadtrip Nation and CHiP iN documentary on semi careers
• Amazon Future Engineer program and Virtual Field Trips

Sponsor links

• SHIELD USA and SWAP Hub at ASU 
• Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering: MSN
• SEMI Foundation

Microspark Summit 2025

More ways to engage

One spark can lead to even more opportunities. Explore additional professional semiconductor learning experiences designed to help educators build knowledge, strengthen instruction and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Microspark Labs

Half- and full-day professional learning experiences that help educators deepen their knowledge through hands-on instruction.

Microspark Sessions

One-hour introductory learning sessions designed to spark curiosity and introduce semiconductor education.

Learn more

FAQs

Background

• What are microelectronics?

  Microelectronics is the study and manufacture of tiny electronic components and systems. It includes technologies like microchips, transistors, and semiconductors, which power devices such as smartphones, computers, and even household appliances. You will learn more details and all about this at the conference!

  For example, a CPU, the central processing unit, is typically the brain of a device and is made of semiconductors or microelectronics! Want to know how? Check out How to Make a CPU.

• Why are microelectronics important in Arizona?

  Microelectronics is the backbone of modern technology, driving innovations in computing, healthcare, transportation, and communication. It plays a critical role in developing smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic devices.

  In 2022, the Biden-Harris administration enacted the CHIPS & Science Act, under which nearly $50B was dedicated toward establishing semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics R&D, programs and workforce development. Arizona, in particular, is a global leader, with multi-billion-dollar facilities being established or expanded locally, which require a large STEM workforce. It is important for us, as K-12 educators, to help students become aware of these fields, industries, and career pathways leading to high-end STEM and STEM-related careers!

Conference Logistics

• Where is the conference and parking?

  Day 1: September 24, 2026
  📍Memorial Union, ASU Tempe campus
  301 E Orange St., Tempe, AZ 85281

  Day 2: September 25, 2026
  📍Arizona Science Center
  600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

  Attire: Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes (for the site tour)

• Is transportation provided?

  Participants are responsible for their own transportation.

• Will parking validation be provided?

  Yes, parking validation is available on both days.

• Will food and beverages be provided?

  Catered lunch and snacks will be provided on both days. Please note that breakfast will not be available.

• Will there be assistance for accommodations?

  No, participants must arrange their own hotel accommodations.

General

• Will I receive PD Hours?

  Yes! You will receive a certificate towards Professional Development hours. If you attended and have not received your certificate yet, please email rachna@asu.edu.

• What grade levels is this appropriate for?

  The conference provides strategies and resources for K–12 educators across all grade levels, with age-appropriate adaptations for different developmental stages.

• Do I need a technical background to attend?

  No prior technical experience is required. The conference is designed to meet educators where they are and build knowledge progressively.

• Will materials and resources be provided?

  Yes! You will get to take home a micro:bit kit and a LEGO Lithography kit for your class. You will also receive lesson plans, activity guides, and access to a comprehensive digital resource library.

• What should I bring?

  Bring your laptop and chargers to actively participate in the Micro:Bits workshop by our sponsors, SEMI Foundation. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

• Will there be any follow-up microelectronics PD sessions?

  Yes. ASU Prep Global offers additional learning experiences throughout the year, including Microspark Labs half- and full-day workshops and Microspark Sessions one-hour introductory sessions. Explore these flexible options to find the right fit for your school or organization.

• What other upcoming events can I attend?

  Check back for events happening soon!

Ready for Microspark Summit?

Registration for the 2026 Microspark Summit will open soon. 

Join educators from across Arizona to explore emerging technologies, build classroom-ready skills and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Interested in partnering with us or sponsoring us for future conferences? 

Contact Rachna Mathur and Lisa Molloy.

Register now

Thank you to our sponsors