Nadia Court
Director - Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B)
Dr Nadia Court is the inaugural Director of the Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B). Until recently, Nadia was the Technical Director of the Research and Prototype Foundry, the University of Sydney’s micro- and nano-fabrication facility and the Sydney Hub of the NSW Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). Nadia has worked in various roles with ANFF since 2012, both at UNSW and the University of Sydney. Prior to this Nadia spent several years working in the UK on printed electronics and optical communication technologies for the defence industry.
Australia's Semiconductor Industry
The Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B) launched in 2023 with the goal of increasing semiconductor-related activity in NSW and Australia. Two years on, S3B Director, Dr. Nadia Court, shares insights into the state of Australia's semiconductor industry, highlighting areas of growth and opportunity. While investment and new facilities are on the rise, key challenges remain for Australia's electronics sector, particularly in securing a resilient and sovereign supply chain. Dr. Court will explore how these developments impact PCB designers and manufacturers, what gaps still need to be addressed to achieve our 'Future Made in Australia' ambitions, and steps we can take to strengthen domestic capability.
Ben Kitcher
Executive Director - Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF)
Passion and drive for aerospace manufacturing ultimately led Ben Kitcher to where he is today. As a graduate mechanical engineer, Ben identified opportunities for process improvements within aerospace manufacturing, developing solutions in new component machinery such as landing gear struts. Ben’s solutions for aerospace companies and their supply chains built and sustained innovation groups, growing the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre (AMRC).
Now heading up the AMRF, Ben’s experience solving complex manufacturing challenges through trial and research, underpinned by a strong understanding and relationship between manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers, will help will help Australian manufacturing reach new heights.
High Value Manufacturing in Australia
S3B has been working closely with the NSW Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), a specialist facility located at the heart of the new city of Bradfield, NSW. Executive Director AMRF, Ben Kitcher will provide an overview of the facility’s role in supporting high-value manufacturing, from design through to production and process validation. The first AMRF building, officially opened in March 2025, is designed as a national hub for innovation, accelerating speed-to-market through access to world-class technologies, industry expertise, and practical training. He will also outline the next phase of the AMRF, set for completion in 2026, which will significantly expand Australia’s semiconductor packaging capabilities. The second facility will include high-end cleanroom laboratories dedicated to advanced packaging, a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing hall, and collaboration spaces to facilitate industry partnerships and knowledge-sharing.
The SMCBA is a Licenced IPC Training Centre for the IPC programs - 