French-American Innovation Takes the Stage at SEMICON West 2025 in Phoenix

For the first time, Semicon West was held in Phoenix, Arizona, marking a milestone moment for the global semiconductor industry and the French-American business community. On opening day, the French American Chamber of Commerce – Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMFACC) proudly co-hosted the first-ever French-American Reception in Phoenix—an evening dedicated to innovation, connection, and transatlantic collaboration.

Held at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, the event brought together more than 100 professionals and leaders from the semiconductor, wireless, and DeepTech sectors. It served as a launchpad for new partnerships and highlighted the growing role of Arizona and the Rocky Mountain region in global technology.

Pierre-louis Janot, FDI Manager – Technology & Innovative Services / French Embassy Trade Office – Business France North America - San Francisco

A Milestone for French-American Collaboration

The evening reception was a true testament to the power of collaboration. Organized by Business France North America in partnership with RMFACC Arizona, Invest in Grenoble Alpes, CEA-Leti, and Hardesty, LLC, it showcased how France and the U.S. are working hand in hand to advance technology, talent, and sustainable growth.

This event reflected RMFACC’s mission to connect, promote, and develop a strong network of French and American businesses across the five-state Rocky Mountain region—Colorado, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming. By engaging local partners and international organizations, RMFACC continues to build bridges between innovation hubs on both sides of the Atlantic.

Adrien Frier, Consul général de France à Los Angeles

Celebrating French Innovation and Global Leadership

The reception was honored by the presence of Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, and Nathan Fidel, Honorary Consul of France in Phoenix, whose remarks highlighted the strength of the French-American partnership.

Representatives from Business France North America, including Pierre-Louis Janot and Clovis Singer, presented how France supports global expansion for companies through initiatives such as the V.I.E International Internship Program, which connects U.S. businesses with top French talent.

Meanwhile, CEA-Leti experts Frédéric Sève and Sylvain Maitrejean shared groundbreaking work in micro- and nanotechnologies, revealing opportunities for joint research and innovation in the semiconductor sector.

Grenoble–Phoenix: A Sister-City Connection in Tech

The event also celebrated the enduring Grenoble–Phoenix sister-city relationship, a bond rooted in shared values of innovation and education. Grenoble’s “Silicon Alps” region is globally recognized for its excellence in semiconductors, microelectronics, energy, and health technologies.

RMFACC’s Expanding Footprint in the Rocky Mountain Region

For RMFACC, this event symbolizes the growth of its Arizona Chapter and the chamber’s commitment to serving a regional network that spans five states. As industries in the Southwest continue to expand—from aerospace and clean energy to microelectronics—RMFACC is helping connect local businesses with international opportunities and expertise.

“This reception reflects our mission to foster meaningful transatlantic partnerships,” said Flora Tromelin, RMFACC Board Director in Arizona. “We’re proud to see French innovation represented in Arizona and to create bridges that empower future growth across both continents.”

Through events like this, RMFACC continues to elevate its impact as a hub for collaboration, trade, and cultural exchange in the Rockies and beyond.

A Night of Connection and Collaboration

The French-American Reception in Phoenix was more than a networking event—it was a celebration of shared vision and mutual progress. The atmosphere was filled with energy, gratitude, and optimism for the future of technology and international cooperation.