Semiconductors: efficiency and sustainability take centre stage at Magnetics Shark Tank

POEMS supported the Magnetics Shark Tank, an initiative organised by IEEE Students in Magnetism as part of the 1st Iberian Workshop on Magnetism, held in Braga in June. The initiative aimed to connect young talent with current technological challenges inviting participants to develop magnetism-based solutions to address challenges in the semiconductor industry.  

The winning team proposed the Thermomag Solution using the Anomalous Nernst Effect to harvest thermal energy within lithography machines. By leveraging magnetic materials that can generate electricity when exposed to heat, the design turns energy that would otherwise be wasted into a useful power source making high-precision lithography equipment more efficient and self-sufficient. 

Building on the potential of thermal energy, Spicy Watt Labs – distinguished as “Out-of-the-Box” idea – explored the use of thermomagnetic materials to harvest waste heat from data centres converting the massive amounts of heat generated by server clusters into usable electricity. This approach offers a sustainable way to improve energy efficiency of the data infrastructure that powers our digital world. 

Taking circular economy innovation to the microscopic level, NanoSorting - distinguised as “Best Concept” – introduced a method for recovering materials from electronic waste using magnetic particles. By covering tiny particles with specific agents, they can ‘target’ and attachto precious metals and critical components within shredded circuit boards. This magnetic 'fishing' technique enables the recovery ofrare materialsfor new technologies, transforming the recycling process.  

The “Best Pitch” distinction went to coolCAT,a design using magnetic materials to prevent chip overheating. Other notable ideas showcased at the event featured heat-activated microscopic cooling levers and nanoparticle filters that extract metals from semiconductor wastewater.

Together, these projects highlight how the next generation of scientists is using the power of magnetism to drive sustainability and transforming traditional manufacturing challenges into opportunities for a cleaner and more efficient semiconductor industry.