Breaking Barriers: How Women at ChipFlow are changing the game
We have started on a journey, diving into the challenges and pain points within the semiconductor industry, showcasing the gaps that need addressing for the industry to truly flourish.
With a recent surge in investment driving the industry forward, the semiconductor sector faces a sustained growth momentum that is not set to slow down any time soon. Amidst a high demand for chips, something we have highlighted already, there is a pressing need for innovative and skilled talent. The necessity to recruit thousands of engineers and technical workers in the face of a skills shortage presents a significant challenge and a compelling opportunity alike.
The answer to this shortage feels easy; women represent a huge cohort that could fill this gap and add significant benefits to creative thinking, innovation and business profitability.
ChipFlow is already breaking ground with 40% of the team identifying as women, working across a range of technical roles. We sat down with our very own Yen-Chun to discuss her insightful experience as a women in the industry.
Yen-Chun discusses trends in ASIC chip design, emphasising the rise of open-source hardware initiatives that democratize chip design and foster innovation.
She highlights pivotal moments in her career, such as transitioning to technical leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and balancing work with motherhood.
Yen-Chun's advice for women in the industry includes seeking support, building networks, continuous learning, and embracing challenges.
The future of the semiconductor industry looks promising for women, with a growing emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity. But more Initiatives supporting women in tech and open-source projects are crucial for driving innovation and ensuring long-term growth.
Describe your role today at ChipFlow?
I am a technical project manager/ cross-functional technical lead at ChipFlow. I am responsible for managing customer projects and leading the team to ensure our development stays on track. I also contribute to IP and functional safety aspects of our projects. Additionally, I use my expertise to assist in product development and roadmap planning. Furthermore, I work on applying for relevant grant applications to support our initiatives.
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into Chip industry?
I completed my undergraduate and master's studies in Taiwan before being honoured with a full scholarship from the Cambridge Trust to pursue a PhD in Physics at the University of Cambridge. My doctoral research centred on designing and developing microfluidic chips to assist biologists in solving complex problems. Following my PhD, I joined a biotech company, where I specialised in micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) chip design and simulation, collaborating closely with chip foundries. This role sparked my deep interest in the chip industry.
In the final year of my PhD, I transitioned to a startup, in a role that focused on developing an open-source 3D printed microscope. This experience marked my first encounter with open-source projects, and I was captivated by the collaborative spirit and wide-reaching impact of open-source contributions. After earning my PhD, I joined a biotech company, where I continued to specialise in MEMS chip design and simulation. This role really deepened my passion for chip design, as I saw firsthand how different designs could address a variety of complex problems. Joining ChipFlow excited me, as it combines my enthusiasm for the chip industry with my passion and belief to the open-source community.
What are the most exciting trends or innovations you’re currently seeing in ASIC chips design?
One of the most exciting trends in ASIC chip design is the rise of open-source hardware initiatives. This movement is making chip design more accessible to smaller companies and researchers, fostering innovation and collaboration across the industry. Open-source hardware initiatives are breaking down barriers, allowing smaller companies and individual researchers to participate in ASIC design. This democratization is driving a wave of new ideas and innovations that were previously limited to larger corporations with significant resources. In addition, open-source projects create a collaborative environment where designers can share their work, contribute to others’ projects, and collectively solve design challenges. This collaborative approach accelerates innovation, as designers can build on each other’s work and rapidly iterate on new ideas. Moreover, open-source tools and projects are increasingly being integrated into educational programs, providing students with hands-on experience in chip design. This exposure is crucial for training the next generation of engineers and ensuring that they are well-prepared for the challenges of the semiconductor industry. Furthermore, by fostering a community where knowledge and resources are shared freely, open-source ASIC design initiatives are accelerating the pace of technological advancement. Designers can experiment, iterate, and innovate more quickly, leading to more rapid developments in chip design. In summary, the rise of open-source hardware initiatives in ASIC design is transforming the industry by making it more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative. This trend not only benefits smaller companies and researchers but also enriches educational programs, preparing students with practical experience in chip design.
Can you describe any pivotal moments that helped lead you to where you are today?
Throughout my career, I have always been a hands-on scientist/ engineer, with a strong passion for working in the lab. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to our working patterns. During this time, I was fortunate to be promoted to the role of technical lead for our MVP project.
This transition was a pivotal moment for me. I began learning how to plan projects, provide technical guidance to my team, and manage budgets. I discovered that I found these management responsibilities incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, as a new parent, I started looking for roles that offered more flexibility and the opportunity to work from home most of the time. This shift not only allowed me to balance my professional and personal life better but also opened up new avenues for my career, where I could leverage my technical expertise in a leadership capacity.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a woman in your work?
As a mother of two young children (one still on the way), one of the biggest challenges I faced was taking a year-long maternity leave for my first child. When I returned to work, I felt disconnected and noticed that some of my skills had become a bit rusty. Reintegrating into the workforce and catching up with the latest developments was challenging. However, I found that my workplace was supportive and offered very flexible working hours, which allowed me to manage dropping off and picking up my little one from the nursery without rushing. This flexibility and support were crucial in helping me balance my professional and personal responsibilities. Overall, I feel that a workplace that is open to diversity and has provided the necessary accommodation to help me thrive both as a professional and as a mother.
How do you stay current and up to date with skills and knowledge
To stay current with the latest trends and developments in my field, I actively engage in several practices. Firstly, I regularly read scientific journals and technology articles, which help me stay informed about the latest advancements. Additionally, I seek out new challenges in every project I undertake.
Working at a startup has been particularly beneficial in this regard, as it has provided me with numerous opportunities to explore different fields. For example, beyond managing projects, I am also involved in product development and analyzing market trends. This exposure allows me to continuously learn new technologies and apply them in innovative ways.
Have you encountered any biases or stereotypes, and how have you dealt with them?
Yes, I have encountered biases and stereotypes throughout my career. In some external meetings, I noticed that women are often easily ignored, particularly during technical discussions. To overcome this challenge, I found that being well-prepared, confident, and actively participating by asking and answering questions is crucial. This approach helps assert my presence and expertise.
Additionally, there is a stereotype that mothers should take on most of the responsibilities for childcare and family. My advice to other women is to encourage fathers to take part in parental leave as well. This shared responsibility helps balance the load and supports career continuity for both parents.
Furthermore, it’s important to stay engaged in continuous learning during maternity leave. This can help reduce the barrier when returning to work and ensure that skills and knowledge remain up-to-date.
What do you think are the key factors in promoting diversity and inclusion within your area?
Creating clear pathways for career advancement for underrepresented groups, through leadership development programs and equitable access to promotions, ensures growth opportunities for all.
Partnering with community organizations and schools to support and promote diversity in STEM fields through sponsorships, scholarships, and outreach programs helps build a diverse pipeline.
I have been actively involved in initiatives that support women in tech. I was a member of Cambridge Women in Technology (WIT), where I had the opportunity to connect with and learn from other women in the field. This organization provided a supportive community and valuable resources for professional development.
Additionally, during my time at university, my department (Physics) regularly invited women physicists to speak about their career paths and experiences.
How do you see the future of the industry, especially for women?
From my experience at university and in my previous and current work, I have observed a growing number of women entering science and cutting-edge technology fields. Additionally, when applying for grants, I’ve noticed criteria that emphasises gender balance in the workplace. This indicates a strong push towards inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
I am very excited to see more women in science, engineering, and technical leadership roles in the near future. I believe that with continued support, mentorship programs, and policies that promote gender diversity, we will see even greater representation of women in these fields. The future looks promising, with more opportunities for women to contribute significantly to advancements in technology and innovation.
What changes would you like to see in the industry over the next five years?
Next to Increased diversity and inclusion and focus on Work-life balance, sustainable practices are critical. From my experience applying for grants, I’ve noticed a growing emphasis on sustainability. I would like to see more companies adopt sustainable practices, not only to meet grant criteria but to genuinely reduce their environmental impact and promote long-term ecological health.
Joining ChipFlow was eye-opening in that it demonstrated how chip design can be accessible to everyone, not just large corporations. It’s crucial to continue supporting open-source initiatives to democratise technology and provide more opportunities for innovation and participation from diverse groups.
How have you overcome any challenges, and what advice would you give to other women facing similar obstacles?
To overcome the challenges I've faced, I've found a few strategies to be particularly effective, and I would advise other women facing similar obstacles to consider the following:
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to ask for flexibility and support from your employer. Many workplaces are willing to accommodate working parents, providing options such as flexible hours or remote work.
Build a support network: Connect with other working parents for advice, support, and shared experiences. I joined various baby groups, where I found valuable advice from working mums, helped me maintain social skills, and contributed to my overall well-being.
Continuous learning: Keep your skills up to date through online courses. Staying current with your field will make the transition back to work smoother and help you stay confident in your abilities.
Finally, be proud of yourself—being a mother is not an easy job, and balancing it with a career is a remarkable achievement!
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to be proud of yourself and have confidence in your abilities. During my PhD at the University of Cambridge, I often felt ashamed and lacked confidence, particularly because English is not my native language. This insecurity caused me to miss out on many opportunities to build my network and fully enjoy college life.
Looking back, I realise that embracing my uniqueness and having more confidence would have opened up more opportunities and allowed me to make the most of my time there. So, my advice to my younger self would be to believe in yourself, take pride in your accomplishments, and seize every opportunity to connect with others and enjoy the journey.
What message would you like to share with young women considering a ASIC chips?
Don't shy away from difficult projects. Embracing challenges will help you grow both professionally and personally. Each challenge you overcome will build your confidence and expertise. The path to success in ASIC chip design, like any field, comes with its challenges. Stay resilient, stay focused on your goals, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.
