Next Generation Circuit Designer Workshop 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (9:00 am to 3:00 pm)
The IEEE SSCS Women in Circuits, together with ISSCC, will be sponsoring the “Next Generation Circuit Designer 2026” for young professionals and students. Next Generation Circuit Designer 2026 is an educational workshop for undergraduate, early graduate students, and early-career young professionals who are interested in networking and learning how to excel in academic and industry careers in systems, circuits, and semiconductor fields.
This workshop features closed private welcome events, including a fireside chat, an invited distinguished speaker, elevator pitches, and a lunch reception. Applications for the program will be available late summer/early fall 2025, and 26 next generation circuit designers will be selected based on their poster and description of an innovative circuit, reference letters, and personal statement. Successful candidates will have opportunities to showcase their work at the poster session. Additionally, established members of academia and industry will share their insights in a career panel: “Chip in for change: career insights for young designers in an AI-first, eco-conscious world”. The panel is open to all ISSCC 2026 attendees and the public.
Testimonials
Being recognized as a Next Gen Circuit Designer at ISSCC 2022 was a milestone that elevated the visibility of my work and strengthened my confidence as a young engineer. It gave me the opportunity to attend the ISSCC and build lasting connections with mentors and colleagues who continue to influence my path. I encourage the 2026 honorees to embrace this recognition as a platform to push boundaries and engage deeply with the community.
– Elpida Karapepera, University of Washington
The Next Generation Circuit Designer 2022 Workshop was a welcoming opportunity, connecting me with inspiring peers and supportive senior fellows in the community. Their passion motivated me to grow, and I also learned to pitch my work with confidence, an experience that continues to guide my career.
– Yu-Chi Lin, UC Berkeley
Application Information
Eligibility
Applicants should be undergraduate, early graduate students, and early career young professionals who have graduated within the last two years with an undergraduate degree at the time of the workshop. Successful candidates will be invited to present pitches and posters at the workshop. All applications must be submitted by October 6, 2025 (11:59 PM PT).
Required Materials
- Online form (contact, personal information, education history, professional history, and professional interests).
- Circuit design statement related to a circuit design project/work that applicants are proud of (maximum 1-page, excluding references, PDF).
- Statement supporting IEEE’s mission (limit to 250 words, PDF).
- Reflection on pivotal experiences, choices, or insights that have actively shaped your personal and/or professional journal (maximum 1-page, PDF).
- CV (no page limit, PDF).
- At least one reference who can provide a letter of recommendation.
(A recommendation request will be sent when you add your reference to the application system.)
Important Deadlines
Call for applications: September 1, 2025
Application deadline: October 6, 2025 (11:59 PM PT)
Acceptance Notification: November 3, 2025
Rehearsals will be held online in February 2026
Next Generation Circuit Designer Workshop: February 15, 2026 (9:00 AM to 13:30 PM)
Accommodations and Travel
The SSCS Women in Circuits will not be able to cover travel and accommodations; however, students may apply for IEEE SSCS Travel Grants below.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the Next Generation Circuit Designer Workshop, please contact us.