The 2026 IEEE International MTT Symposia (IMS2026) concluded a coordinated week of RF and microwave engineering spanning IEEE MTT-S RF Integrated Circuits (RFIC) Symposium, IEEE MTT-S RF Systems & Applications (RFSA) Symposium, IEEE MTT-S RF Technology & Techniques (RFTT) Symposium and ARFTG Microwave Measurement Conference in Boston, with discussions centered on technology development, system integration, deployment readiness and reliability demands across sectors. IMS2026 took place 7-12 June 2026 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC), drawing a global audience of engineers, researchers, exhibitors and technical decision-makers from 53 countries.
“IMS2026’s record turnout emphasizes the fact that this international event is where the RF & microwave industry gathers as a global community,” said Timothy Hancock, IMS2026 General Co-Chair. “This week gave everyone a single place to learn and network, coupled with a sold-out exhibition that showcased the latest products and services.”
IMS2026 By the Numbers
- 8,808 total attendees
- Sold-out exhibition, including 101 first-time exhibitors
- 16 startups participating in the Startup Pavilion
- 979 technical papers submitted
- 200+ Technical Sessions, Workshops, and Bootcamps.
Each symposium covered a defined area of RF engineering work across the week. RFIC focused on the latest advances in RF, millimeter wave and THz integrated circuits and systems. RFSA centered on deployment realities and system-level application constraints with a special focus on integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) at the RF Systems Dialogue. RFTT examined advanced RF research and emerging engineering methods, with particular emphasis on quantum RF. And ARFTG addressed measurement techniques centered around high frequency metrology for intelligent, connected and quantum worlds.
“I was and continue to be excited to see IMS shift its focus toward system-level innovation and real world impact. I have attended IMS/RFIC regularly and see it as an important venue to follow industry and research trends, reconnect with the community and learn about emerging technical directions,” shared Wen Zhou, Senior RF System Architect, Advanced Circuits and Systems Lab, Samsung Semiconductor.
The IMS Joint RFSA/RFTT Plenary Session brought quantum systems work directly into RF engineering practice. This fireside-style discussion featured John Martinis, recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics; CTO and Cofounder of Qolab; and Professor Emeritus, University of California, Santa Barbara, in conversation with host William Oliver, Henry Ellis Warren Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); and Director of the MIT Center for Quantum Engineering.
The RFIC Plenary Session featured two speakers working at the intersection of semiconductor integration and quantum systems. Asad Abidi, Professor at University of California, Los Angeles, examined the evolution of RF-CMOS design and integration challenges across silicon-based RF and millimeter wave circuits. Oliver Dial, Ph.D., Vice President of Quantum Systems, IBM, addressed RF control system requirements for large-scale quantum computing architectures.
On the IMS2026 Exhibit Floor, industry leaders presented advanced solutions addressing RF system integration, spectrum performance, aerospace and defense, communications, automotive radar, RF sensors and quantum-related system development. The new RF Systems Pavilion featured demonstrations that showcased the collaboration between notable companies such as Analog Devices, MathWorks, Leonardo, Ansys, Keysight and NASA. The returning Startup Pavilion rounded out the Exhibit Floor.
Looking Ahead to IMS2027 in San Antonio
“Our goal for IMS2026 was to better align with where the industry is going while still highlighting the core technical areas that have always been a part of IMS. We accomplished this and were able build on the growth of the last five years. As we transition to IMS2027, I look forward to seeing the restructure of IMS continue to take hold and flourish under that capable leadership of the 2027 General Co-Chairs. Next year will also mark the 75th anniversary of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society and this added celebration will surely make IMS in San Antonio a not-to-be missed event!” said Gregory Lyons, IMS2026 General Co-Chair.
The 2027 IEEE International MTT Symposia (IMS2027) will take place 23-28 May 2027 in San Antonio, Texas. For more information about IMS2027, visit www.ims-ieee.org