Women play a key role in technological innovation at Soitec. Today, they make up a third of our inventors, which is twice as many as five years ago and three times the European average. Among them, some stand out for their exceptional contributions, such as our three inventors, each holding over 30 U.S. patents. Their creativity and expertise are a true source of pride and inspiration for the entire company.

One of these outstanding innovators is Bich-Yen Nguyen, Senior Fellow at Soitec (USA), a highly accomplished engineer with nearly 45 years of experience in the semiconductor industry. A graduate in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, she began her career at Motorola, where she worked on pioneering technologies such as CMOS process, materials and devices. Since 2007, she has brought her expertise to Soitec, helping adapt SOI solutions to various applications ranging from low-power microcontrollers to wireless connectivity solutions. Her contributions have diversified Soitec’s technology portfolio to meet the growing demands of portable products. Her career exemplifies the commitment, creativity, and vision that drive our industry forward and inspire future generations.

Why did you choose a career in semiconductors?
When I started my career in the 1980s, the semiconductor industry was still in its early days. It was exciting to see how these technologies could transform practical applications like dynamic random access memories and microprocessors. I started as a process engineer and quickly wanted to understand the entire process. This desire to learn and explore has guided me since day one. Joining Soitec 17 years ago allowed me to contribute to innovations that shape the future, particularly in low-power IC products.

What does your role at Soitec involve?
My role combines research, development, and collaboration. I adapt our SOI solutions to market needs, highlighting their strengths: performance, energy efficiency, and connectivity. I coordinate exchanges between our technical teams and customers to encourage the adoption of our technologies and explore new applications.

What motivates you most in your job?
What drives me is seeing our technologies come to life and make a real impact. For instance, a microcontroller I worked on at Motorola was first used in cameras before being deployed in automotive airbags. Knowing that what we develop enhances people’s safety is deeply rewarding. At Soitec, I feel the same pride when I see our solutions, such as RF SOI for Wi-Fi connectivity, adopted on a large scale.

I trust in our technologies and their strong potential for growth. At Soitec, we constantly push the boundaries of technology, and that spirit resonates with me. Innovations like SmartCut have revolutionized semiconductor manufacturing. I’m proud that our work impacts not just the industry but society and people’s lives. Being part of this journey for so long is an incredible source of pride!

What skills and qualities are essential in your field?
Continuous improvement is essential—you should never settle for what has already been achieved. Teamwork is also a central pillar, as sharing ideas and recognizing everyone’s contributions is indispensable. Finally, active listening is key: paying attention to feedback, even divergent opinions, helps us adapt and innovate effectively.

Can you share an achievement you’re particularly proud of?
When I joined Soitec, we only had two main products. Today, thanks to collective efforts, our portfolio includes technologies that meet diverse needs: SOI solutions for low-power microcontrollers, Wi-Fi connectivity, and high-voltage devices. This diversification reflects our ability to innovate and meet market demands.

What advice would you give to someone starting in this field?
Never stop learning from experienced colleagues. Find a balance between short-term goals (80% of your efforts) and long-term objectives (20%) to develop a strategic vision. Embrace challenges, listen to feedback, and know that every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to grow.

Do you have a specific message for women in the industry?
Absolutely! Women have a key role to play, and I see their contributions daily at Soitec. I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented female engineers, particularly on technologies like SmartCut. Their approach brings valuable richness to the industry—I’ve learned a lot from them because they are experts, especially in SmartCard technologies. I’m thrilled to see more women not only joining this journey but also actively shaping its evolution!