Three of electronics manufacturing’s most innovative companies today announced the formation of THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE, an independent collaborative venue designed to accelerate innovation and define the future of SMT manufacturing. Founding partners Fuji America, Koh Young, and Creative Electron will unite their technologies and expertise in a first-of-its-kind facility opening in San Marcos, California.
More than a lab, more than a showroom, THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE is where cutting-edge concepts become manufacturing reality through unprecedented supplier collaboration. The venue features a live SMT production line, collaborative workspaces, and educational facilities where industry leaders can innovate, experiment, educate, and collaborate openly.
“The electronics manufacturing industry has long operated in competitive silos,” said Dr. Bill Cardoso, CEO of Creative Electron. “THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE breaks down those barriers, creating an environment where the best minds in the industry can work together to solve the complex challenges facing modern manufacturing.”
The facility will serve multiple functions:
- A permanent exploration and demonstration space showcasing the latest SMT advancements
- Educational programs developing the next generation of manufacturing talent
- Collaborative workspaces where industry partners co-create solutions
- Regular technology summits defining the future direction of electronics manufacturing
Launch Event: Setting the 2026 Manufacturing Agenda
THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE will officially launch with a two-day event on February 11-12, 2026, featuring intensive summits designed for manufacturing decision-makers:
DAY 1 | February 11 – EMS COO SUMMIT – An Operational Excellence Summit For COOs, VPs of Operations, and manufacturing or engineering leaders ready to transform their production environments. Join expert presenters and industry peers to tackle your biggest operational challenges and discover proven strategies for measurable improvement.
DAY 2 | February 12 – AI in Electronics Manufacturing Summit – The AI revolution is here. Learn how to build a successful AI strategy that delivers real results in your manufacturing environment, not just hype, but practical implementation roadmaps. If you’re building an AI strategy, then you won’t want to miss this exceptional event.
“This launch event will set the agenda for operational excellence throughout 2026,” said Philip Stoten, Event Director. “We’re bringing together the industry’s brightest minds to tackle the most pressing challenges in manufacturing — from operational optimization to AI integration.”
The venue’s founding partners represent comprehensive coverage of critical SMT manufacturing needs:
- Fuji America brings industry-leading placement technology and automation expertise, helping manufacturers achieve unprecedented speed and accuracy in electronics assembly.
- Koh Young contributes world-class 3D inspection and measurement solutions, enabling manufacturers to achieve the highest quality standards through advanced AI-powered inspection technology.
- Creative Electron provides cutting-edge X-ray inspection systems, offering manufacturers critical visibility into component quality and assembly integrity.
Registration for the February 11-12 launch event is limited to 250 industry leaders to ensure meaningful collaboration and engagement. Additional details and registration information will be available at https://www.futureexperienced.com/.
About The SMT Future Experience
The SMT Future Experience is an independent collaborative venue dedicated to accelerating innovation in electronics manufacturing. Through partnerships with industry-leading equipment suppliers and a commitment to open collaboration, THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE provides a permanent environment where cutting-edge concepts become manufacturing reality. Located in San Marcos, California, the facility features a live SMT production line, educational programs, and collaborative workspaces designed to transform how the industry innovates together.
