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May 18–20, 2026 Stewart Center, Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana

2026 SCALE
Symposium
& Annual Meeting

Advancing the AI-Enabled Microelectronics Workforce

Join top minds from academia, industry, and defense to align on building the talent pipeline critical to U.S. technology leadership.

Check Registration Details View Full Agenda
Registration Deadline: May 10, 2026
Registration Deadline: May 10, 2026
Reserve Lodging →

The Moment Is Now

The Future of Defense
Microelectronics
Starts Here

Artificial intelligence is reshaping chip design, fabrication, testing and deployment. Defense microelectronics increasingly demand AI fluency in areas like secure design. Tomorrow’s engineering workforce must be mission-ready from day one, which now means building on traditional areas of study to incorporate cutting-edge tools.

Through SCALE, the only US defense microelectronics public–private–academic partnership, we will explore strategies to prepare future talent and strengthen America’s technological advantage in an era of intelligent systems.

Be part of the difference  ·  Connect  ·  Collaborate  ·  Lead

35+ Partner Universities
1,700+ Students Trained
80% Placed in Defense Work or Graduate School

Who Should Attend

Built for the People
Who Build the Future

Academic Track

For Faculty &
Researchers

  • Join SCALE colleagues to shape how AI transforms defense microelectronics education and research
  • Share innovations and align curricula with national priorities
  • Build collaborations that prepare the next-generation defense workforce
Industry & Government Track

For Employers &
Government Partners

  • Connect with top faculty and researchers shaping the AI-enabled microelectronics workforce
  • Engage on talent pipelines, upskilling, and high-impact partnerships
  • Strengthen U.S. innovation and supply-chain resilience

Program Schedule

Two Days. One Mission.

Monday, May 18, 2026 — Arrival & Welcome

6:00–8:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Union Club Hotel · Kick off the Symposium with informal networking hosted by SCALE Leadership. All attendees welcome.

Plan Your Visit

Logistics & Registration

Registration

Deadline: May 10, 2026

For security reasons, registration links for preselected attendees have been sent via email (please check your spam folder). A confirmation email with full logistical details will follow upon completion of registration.

To request a registration link or for general assistance contact Ashley Fordham or Dr. Thomas McKinley.

Program Questions

For program content and session information:

Dr. Tom McKinley
Conference Organizer

General inquiries:
scale@purdue.edu

Suggested Accommodations

Union Club Hotel

Mention “SCALE Symposium” when booking for a conference rate of $199 + tax/night. Rate honored based on availability.

On campus — closest to Stewart Center
Book Online  ·  1-888-236-2427

Hilton Garden Inn

Use group code 92V for a conference rate of $139/night. Rate honored based on availability.
Book Online  ·  765-743-2100

Hampton Inn & Suites

Mention “SCALE Symposium” when booking for a conference rate of $149 + tax/night. Rate honored based on availability.
Book Online  ·  765-269-8000

SCALE 2026  ·  May 18–20  ·  West Lafayette, IN

Don't Wait to
Make a Difference

Complete your registration for the 2026 SCALE Symposium & Annual Meeting and join the national effort to build America's AI-enabled defense microelectronics workforce.

Check Registration Details for SCALE 2026 →
view detailed agenda