The Team Finland network has the pleasure of inviting Finnish companies and research institutes to join a high-level business delegation visit to Phoenix, Arizona during 6-8 May 2025 to meet key stakeholders industry, academia and governmental organizations in the critical minerals value chain as well as the microelectronics fields. The leader of the delegation will be announced later.
Critical mineral and microelectronics technologies continue to be critical for the national security of USA and bridging the identified capability gaps needs collaboration with allies and partners. The visit is intended for both industry and academic participants with goal of identifying collaboration partnerships and business opportunities and to showcase Finnish offerings to potential partners and customers.
Arizona is one amongst the fastest growing states in USA, with the capital Phoenix ranking among the top 10 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Arizona’s manufacturing industry is dynamic with a strong foundation in mining and emerging as the nation’s hub for microelectronics. With a growing population, a skilled workforce, and a pro-business environment, Arizona is positioning itself as leader in critical industries.
1. Arizona in one of the top three mining states in U.S. producing 70% of country’s 1.1 million tons yearly copper output that is expected to increase. There are several large-scale investment projects providing current and upcoming opportunities connected to mining and processing of critical minerals like copper, zinc and manganese. Companies like Freeport McMoRan, South32, Asarco and Rio Tinto have activities in Arizona.
2. Arizona has emerged as the U.S. epicenter for microelectronics, aligning with the CHIPS Act’s goal of strengthening domestic production. Industry leaders such as TSMC, Intel, Amkor, KoMiCo, and Applied Materials, have expanded their presence in Arizona. The state leads with $65 billion in semiconductor investments, creating over 13,000 new jobs since 2020. Furthermore, the optics and photonics is a $4 billion industry with 7,700 jobs, including companies like Edmund Optics and VIAVI Solutions.
3. Arizona's universities and research institutes excel in microelectronics, including semiconductors, quantum, and photonics. Their R&D drives innovations in chip manufacturing and workforce development, benefiting industry partners. A collaborative approach uniting government, defense, industry, and academia is a key strength. Additionally, Arizona leads in sustainable mining, developing ethical solutions for global industry challenges.
Critical minerals and microelectronics are two important segments where Finnish companies and research institutes offer valuable solutions supporting the new “Made in America” strategy. Given their importance to U.S. national security, there is a strong market demand for the best available solutions. This presents a unique opportunity for allies and partners to enter and expand within the market.
Participation fee
To cover the expenses of arranging the program in Arizona, Business Finland will charge a participation fee of:
- EUR 2085 + 25,5% VAT per person
Business Finland will invoice the participation fee after the visit based on the actual costs. The invoiced fee will not exceed the amounts mentioned above. Kindly note that the participation fee does not include flights, accommodation, meals and transportation outside the business delegation program.
The visit is organized if at least 7 companies/institutes sign up. A company may have more than one representative attending, each participant needs to sign up individually.
