Call for Student Leaders

TechConnect, in partnership with the NextTech Student Network and affiliated student groups from across the country, is proud to announce the 2025 Nano and Emerging Technologies Student Leaders Conference co-located with the 2025 TechConnect World Innovation Conference and 2025 Nanotech Conference & Expo. The event will be held on June 9–11, 2025 in Austin, TX.

The Student Leaders Conference brings together undergraduate nano and emerging technologies student group representatives from across the United States. This program is seeking active student group leaders to highlight undergraduate research and connect students with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, venture capitalists, and representatives of federal agencies funding research in emerging technologies. Additionally, the Student Leaders Conference is an opportunity for students to share best practices and network with like-minded group leaders.

This year, the Student Leaders Conference is coordinating with the Micro Nano Electronics and Photonics Workforce Development Program at TechConnect to raise awareness about the different career paths associated with the microelectronics industry. Students will be surprised to learn that not all microelectronics jobs are for electrical engineers! In addition to talks describing the microelectronics industry, students will have the opportunity to explore career opportunities/training/internship at the expo floor and showcase their research during the poster session.

The Student Leaders Conference will also host career panel discussions with industry, government, and academics to explore the different career paths beyond the microelectronics industry that are possible with a STEM degree, speed networking sessions with industry representatives, and a reception.

In its role to support the National Nanotechnology Initiative, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office is helping to establish the NextTech Student Network. Participation is welcome from student leaders in any science, technology, or business domain.