NY CREATES Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), observed annually in November, shines a spotlight on the transformative power of Registered Apprenticeships (RA) in shaping the workforce of the future. At NY CREATES, we proudly joined the nationwide celebration, showcasing our commitment to cultivating pathways into rewarding careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. In collaboration with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), National Institute for Innovation and Career Advancement (NiiCA), and Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), NY CREATES hosted and participated in several impactful events throughout this notable week.

National Apprenticeship Week Events Highlights
  • Monday, November 18: National Apprenticeship Week Kick-Off Event

The week began with an energizing Coffee Connection hosted by the Center for Economic Growth. Our own NY CREATES Education and Workforce Outreach Development Manager, Capri O’Hara, participated in a panel discussion and networked with community leaders, industry professionals, and apprenticeship advocates to discuss the importance of RAs in fostering a skilled workforce.

D1 CRO Team
  • Tuesday, November 19: Lunch and Learn with NY CREATES, NiiCA, HVCC, and CEG with D1 Team Monthly Check-in Meeting

NY CREATES hosted a meet and greet opportunity during our monthly check-in meeting with our D1 team cleanroom operators (CRO). This collaborative event featured CRO apprentices and managers, highlighting the essential roles they play in the RA ecosystem. Together with NiiCA, CEG, and HVCC, we celebrated the commitment of our apprentices and the managers who mentor them, symbolizing the strength of our partnerships.

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  • Thursday, November 21: Lunch and Learn with NY CREATES, NiiCA, HVCC, and CEG with D2 Team Monthly Check-In Meeting

We hosted another meet and greet opportunity during our monthly check-in meeting with our D2 team cleanroom operators. This meeting brought NY CREATES, NiiCA, HVCC, CEG, and CRO teams together to discuss ongoing progress and share insights from our RA initiatives. These meetings reinforce our collective efforts to support and scale workforce development programs.
  • Friday, November 22: Capital Region BOCES and NiiCA Roundtable Discussion

The week concluded with a dynamic roundtable event, hosted by Capital Region BOCES, featuring Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) who led an insightful discussion alongside industry leaders, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. They discussed how Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) create pathways to high-demand careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. Our own NY CREATES Chief Human Resources Officer, Will Bronner, joined this roundtable event, highlighting our Vet S.T.E.P. and recently established Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors(GAINS) apprenticeship programs.

Read more about the roundtable event here: Congressman Paul Tonko Joins National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ and Industry Leaders for National Apprenticeship Week Roundtable to Strengthen New York’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline.

 The Transformative Impact of Registered Apprenticeships

Registered Apprenticeships offer a proven model for connecting individuals with in-demand careers while equipping employers with a skilled workforce. At NY CREATES, we are deeply committed to expanding these opportunities within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. By partnering with organizations like CEG, NiiCA, and HVCC, we are driving innovation, fostering career growth, and building a resilient talent pipeline that supports the future of American manufacturing.

As we reflect on this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, we extend our gratitude to the apprentices, mentors, and partners who make a more inclusive future in advanced manufacturing and technology possible.

NiiCA: Congressman Paul Tonko Joins National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ and Industry Leaders for National Apprenticeship Week Roundtable to Strengthen New York’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline

Roundtable highlights collaborative efforts, best practices to address workforce development challenges and expand pathways to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing careers in New York

ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 22, 2024 – Today, during National Apprenticeship Week and one day after National Semiconductor Day™, the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA), in partnership with Capital Region BOCES, hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Semiconductors for Tomorrow: Strengthening New York’s Talent Pipeline Through Registered Apprenticeships.” The event convened Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), alongside industry leaders, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations, to discuss how Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) and collaborative efforts are creating pathways to high-demand careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The event spotlighted New York’s emerging leadership in the semiconductor industry, building on recent announcements such as NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex being named the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, a National Semiconductor Technology Center facility that will act as the U.S. headquarters for research into extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. This selection positions New York as a global hub for advanced semiconductor innovation, further emphasizing the critical need for a skilled workforce to support these advancements in the region.

“Semiconductors are the backbone of our modern economy, driving advancements in technology, healthcare, energy, and beyond. New York is uniquely positioned to lead the way in innovation and manufacturing,” said Congressman Tonko. “To fully realize this potential, we must ensure a sustainable and inclusive talent pipeline that empowers workers with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. Collaborative efforts like today’s roundtable exemplify the kind of partnership between government, industry, and education that is essential to addressing workforce challenges and building a brighter, more competitive future for our state and nation.”

“As New York solidifies its role as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, building a sustainable and inclusive workforce is essential,” said Mike Russo, President and CEO of NIICA. “This roundtable highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to meet industry demands while advancing NIICA’s mission to create equitable pathways into high-value careers. Events like these, especially during National Apprenticeship Week, reinforce the importance of partnerships in driving opportunity and innovation.”

Through dynamic discussions, roundtable participants emphasized the role of RAs, partnerships with educational institutions, and innovative workforce strategies in addressing the skills gap and fostering economic growth.

“As someone who works closely with students and employers every day, I see firsthand how transformative it can be to connect young people with real opportunities,” said Dr. Joseph Dragone, Director of Special Projects & Strategic Partnerships at Capital Region BOCES and NIICA Advisory Board Member. “This roundtable brought together leaders from across sectors to focus on creating meaningful pathways that prepare students for great careers while strengthening our local communities and supporting the industries that drive our economy.NIICA has been driving workforce innovation in New York, launching the nation’s first Career Opportunity Hub in Albany in 2023. This transformative initiative brings together regional stakeholders in a concerted effort to build the talent pipeline and connects job seekers with tailored employment and training opportunities in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing. Earlier this year, NIICA together with Capital Region BOCES introduced New York’s first Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, bridging high school CTE programs with RAs to provide students with direct pathways into high-demand careers.

“Developing a skilled and diverse workforce is at the core of NY CREATES’ mission, and collaborations exemplified by today’s roundtable are essential to building the talent pipeline our industry needs. By aligning industry demands with educational opportunities, we’re setting the stage for innovation and growth across New York’s semiconductor sector,” said Will Bronner, Chief Human Resources Officer for NY CREATES.

“Workforce development isn’t just about meeting today’s demands; it’s about creating a foundation for sustained economic growth and opportunity. This roundtable underscores the importance of partnerships in bridging gaps between industry, education, and government to ensure New York remains a leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors,” said Katie Newcombe, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Center for Economic Growth.

“At GlobalFoundries, we see firsthand the transformative power of Registered Apprenticeships and collaborative workforce strategies,” said Christine McLear, workforce development lead for GlobalFoundries. “We must work together as an industry, with strong public-private partnerships, to grow a pipeline of talented individuals who will help meet the growing workforce needs of the semiconductor ecosystem.”

“The future of manufacturing and STEM careers hinges on the partnerships we foster today. By bringing together educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, this roundtable is paving the way for innovative solutions that will inspire and prepare the next generation of talent,” said Jill Cofield, Visiting Assistant Professor, University at Albany, SUNY.

“Building a sustainable workforce means creating opportunities for individuals to grow and succeed at every stage of their careers. Today’s roundtable was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when industry, education, and government come together to tackle workforce challenges head-on,” said Dawn Roller, Associate Vice President of Human Resources for Indium Corporation.

A replay of the roundtable will be made available in the days following the event via NIICA’s YouTube channel. For additional information about the event or for media comments, contact Stephanie Frederick, NIICA’s Outreach and Communications Manager, at sf********@ni***.org.

The Center for Economic Growth is a Group Program Sponsor for NIICA’s Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductor RA (GAINS), and GlobalFoundries, Indium Corporation and NY CREATES are all participants in the program. GAINS is currently being deployed in 24 states with 118 employers involved who have committed 7,482 apprentices to the program. GAINS is being supported by NIICA’s national network of 63 community colleges who have aligned curriculum to the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) database created by NIICA which reflects the competencies required to succeed in various manufacturing positions.

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About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement 

NIICA is a 501(c)(3) organization that is responsible for a national strategy to build the talent pipeline to support strategic industry sectors – tech-based industries and advanced manufacturing tied to U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

NIICA is the nation’s leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development strategy and is the U.S. Department of Labor’s national Registered Apprenticeship (RA) industry Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding RAs throughout the semiconductor and broader nanotechnology-related industries and advanced manufacturing supply chain. All related programming and support are being advanced through NIICA’s Center for Skill-Based Learning and the National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative. 

SOURCE National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement

CEG: Even Before NSTC Designation, Capital Region Was Already at EUV R&D Forefront

An EUV workstation at the Albany NanoTech Complex.

November 19, 2024 – Even before the Albany NanoTech Complex was designated a National Semiconductor Technology Center flagship facility for standard and high numerical aperture (NA) extreme ultraviolet (EUV) research and development, the Capital Region already had an advantage over most states when it came to EUV innovation. Excluding California, no other state has more EUV-focused patents* that list local inventors than the Capital Region, according to a Center for Economic Growth analysis of data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patents View tool.

“The Albany NanoTech Complex has had a long-term relationship with EUV Programs, from the original ASML Alpha Demo Tool to today’s EUV systems.  As a neutral host and technology partner, NY CREATES has provided EUV piloting efforts for many organizations as part of a strong history of EUV-focused research, development, and prototyping, consistently providing world-class value to our partners on site and around the world,” said Christopher Borst, NY CREATES’ vice president of technology and infrastructure.

Extreme Ultraviolet Technology

EUV lithography is critical technology that supports the scaling of chip architectures and the invention of next-generation chips. In 2006, the Netherlands-based ASML shipped one of the world’s first EUV machines to Albany Nanotech. IBM Research used that ASML EUV alpha demo tool (ADT) to design processes for 7 nm and 5 nm chip production. In 2020, NY CREATES, Albany NanoTech’s operator, installed an ASML Twinscan NXE:3400B EUV. A year later, IBM Research announced it had produced the world’s first 2 nm chip node, with the help of the NXE:3400B machine at Albany NanoTech.

NY CREATES is now pursuing a $1 billion expansion to support the development of a High NA EUV Lithography Center, which will house the nation’s first and only publicly owned high NA EUV lithography machine: the ASML EXE:5200B (0.55 NA). The development of this center influenced the decision by the NSTC’s operator, Natcast, to name Albany NanoTech the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, which will be supported by $825 million in federal funding. In 2026, the EXE:5200B (0.55 NA) will be available to NSTC members and will support R&D for sub-2 nm chip nodes.

EUV-Focused Patents

Between 2015 and November 2024, the UPTO granted 85 EUV-focused patents that list inventors from New York. Among those EUV-focused patents, nearly three-quarters of them (62) listed inventors in the eight-county Capital Region. Patents listing Capital Region inventors were mostly assigned to IBM, GlobalFoundries and Tokyo Electron, each of which have had a presence at Albany NanoTech.

“EUV, or Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography, is the technology used to make the most advanced chips, which means Albany is driving the leading edge of innovation for the world,” CEG President and CEO Mark Eagan said.

Examples of widely cited EUV-focused patents that list Capital Region inventors include:

Resist having tuned interface hardmask layer for EUV exposure, IBM

Structure and method for fixing phase effects on EUV mask, IBM

Molecular organometallic resists for EUV, SUNY Research Foundation

With more than 240, California had the most EUV-focused patents listing inventors in the state. Boosting California’s patent generation was the ASML, which has deep UV (DUV) and EUV R&D operations in San Diego. However, other states had far fewer EUV-focused patents listing local inventors than even the Capital Region. For example, Oregon had 16, Connecticut had 12, Texas and Colorado had nine, and Arizona had eight.

R&D Hub

This NSTC flagship facility designation will bolster the Capital Region’s physical/engineering/biological research industry, which in 2023 climbed to a record high of 7,681 jobs in 2023, according to New York State Department of Labor statistics. In 2022, the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan statistical area is one of only 69 metros in the country where businesses annually spend more than $1 billion on R&D. Only 13 metros in the Northeast could call themselves “$1-Billion Business R&D Metros” that year. And nearly $700 million in R&D spending occurred at the region’s colleges and universities.

CEG Initiatives

CEG and its Manufacturing Solutions team leverages the Capital Region’s R&D assets to do the following:

  • Promote the region around the world at industry conferences;
  • Improve businesses’ access to labs at facilities, such as those at NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in addition to others affiliated with Innovate 518, a University at Albany-led collaborative effort of Capital Region incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurial service providers;
  • Accelerate commercialization by leveraging tech scouting, gathering technology-driven market intelligence, engaging Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) for testing and development;
  • Develop prototypes with its Stratasys F270 3D printer at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity or provide hand-on access to it; and
  • Assist in the preparation of grant applications for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program.

Note

*“EUV-focused patents” include patents granted by the USPTO between 2015 and November 2024 that are in the G03F,  H01L and/or H05G Cooperative Patent Classification system subclasses and mention “extreme ultraviolet” or “EUV in their titles. Note: Other patents outside this scope may relate to EUV technology.

Read article from Center for Economic Growth‘s website HERE.

Albany Business Review: Achievers 2024 – Strategist of the Year: NY CREATES

Achievers Awards 2024 – Strategist of the Year: NY CREATES

By Sam Raudins – Reporter, Albany Business Review
Nov 14, 2024

For nearly two decades, the Albany Nanotech Complex has been on the cutting edge of semiconductor development.

But over the past two years, the complex and its operator, NY CREATES, worked toward an opportunity to cement its place as a national and global leader in the chips industry.

David Anderson, President of NY CREATES, and his team spent that time raising the profile of Albany Nanotech by working with politicians, giving tours to visiting dignitaries, and continuing to develop the complex. That includes the construction of the NanoFab Reflection building, a project that attracted $1 billion in state support at the end of 2023. It will house what Anderson called the “most advanced piece of machinery ever built by mankind.” And in October, NY CREATES reaped the rewards of all those efforts.

The federal government pledged to invest up to $825 million at the Albany Nanotech Complex to establish it as the first location for the National Semiconductor Technology Center, a research initiative included in the $52 billion CHIPS Act.

“It’s a recognition and solidification of Albany Nanotech Center and NY CREATES as a national resource. We really are a gem for this industry and the capabilities that we have here,” Anderson said. Landing that prize will help Albany stay at the forefront of a competitive global industry, whose products now support nearly every aspect of our daily lives — powering smartphones, cars and even refrigerators. The investment could continue to reshape the economy of the Capital Region by creating more jobs and attracting more talent and investment.

“It provides opportunities for people of all backgrounds,” Anderson said. “That’s one of the most exciting and rewarding pieces for me, is that there’s a place for everyone in this sector.”

Read the article HERE (paywall).

Watch YouTube Video Here

NY CREATES and Hprobe Announce Strategic Collaboration for Advanced Semiconductor Memory Testing

November 12, 2024 – Albany, NY and Grenoble, France – NY CREATES and Hprobe today announced a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing testing capabilities for next-generation semiconductor memory technologies. This joint development project will focus on the co-development of advanced testing equipment at the 300mm wafer scale, the platform upon which computer chips are built.

The collaboration is designed to support the dynamic characterization of cutting-edge memory solutions, including Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM), Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM), and selector devices. Hprobe, a leading provider of innovative magnetic and electrical testing equipment for semiconductors, will work with NY CREATES to enhance testing solutions for the fast-evolving semiconductor industry.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hprobe on this innovative project that advances the testing capabilities for next-generation memory technologies,” said NY CREATES Associate Vice President for Business Development Frank Tolic. “By combining NY CREATES’ cutting-edge R&D expertise and Hprobe’s magnetic and resistive memory testing, we can improve semiconductor memory validation. This collaboration aligns with our mission to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies that will drive the future of computing and facilitate the competitiveness of the semiconductor ecosystem.”

“Hprobe is excited to collaborate with NY CREATES on this important project,” said Hprobe Founder and CTO, Siamak Salimy. “This partnership will allow us to expand the capabilities of our tester equipment to encompass a broader range of memory technologies like RRAM, reinforcing our position as a leader in advanced semiconductor testing solutions.”

The partnership will validate and demonstrate new test protocols, paving the way for high-performance industrial-level testing solutions that meet the growing needs of semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Overall, the collaboration is expected to create a platform for North American customers to evaluate and demonstrate new memory solutions, strengthening the high-tech ecosystem.

The joint project will focus on initial testing of MRAM and RRAM wafers from NY CREATES using Hprobe’s equipment, including the full-scale implementation of Hprobe’s IBEX wafer-level magnetic tester. Development of breakthrough testing procedures and algorithms for MRAM, RRAM, and selector devices, will also seek to advance the state-of-the-art in semiconductor memory testing.

Hprobe will bring its specialized expertise in MRAM and RF characterization and testing, while NY CREATES will provide CMOS-based 300mm RRAM and MRAM wafers, prototype memory devices, and arrays. NY CREATES will also contribute essential analytical and engineering support to implement and deploy advanced test protocols for emerging resistive memory technologies.

The development of advanced memory solutions such as MRAM and RRAM is crucial for improving computing performance, scalability, and energy efficiency. These emerging technologies offer faster speeds, non-volatility, and reduced power consumption, which are vital for applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and in-memory computing. They also enable new architectural designs and enhance security features, contributing to sustainable technology development. By advancing these memory technologies, the collaboration between NY CREATES and Hprobe can benefit a wide range of industries while addressing the limitations of traditional memory systems.

This announcement follows recent memoranda of understanding between NY CREATES and leading high-tech organizations around the world. A strategic research partnership between NY CREATES and CEA-Leti, announced in June during the annual Leti Innovation Days in Grenoble, focuses on the research and co-development of magnetic memory devices, used to store computer data. These devices are to be produced at the 300mm wafer scale, the industry-standard platform.

Last month, NY CREATES signed an MOU with Nord Quantique to collaborate on quantum-related R&D. In August, New York Governor Hochul announced a new semiconductor R&D and workforce development agreement with the government of Hokkaido, Japan. Additionally, NY CREATES and SEMI signed an MOU to advance environmental sustainability in July during SEMICON West.

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About NY CREATES
NY CREATES serves as a lab-to-fab bridge for advanced electronics, fostering public-private and industry-academic partnerships for technology development and innovation. NY CREATES attracts and leads industry-connected innovation and commercialization projects that secure significant investment, advance R&D in emerging technologies, and generate the jobs of tomorrow. NY CREATES runs some of the most advanced facilities in the world, boasts more than 2,700 industry experts and faculty, and manages public and private investments of more than $20 billion—placing it at the global epicenter of high-tech innovation and commercialization. Learn more at www.ny-creates.org.

About Hprobe
Founded in March 2017 and based in Grenoble (France), Hprobe is a spin-off company of SPINTEC, one of the leading spintronics research laboratories worldwide. The company designs, manufactures, and markets equipment for wafer-level testing of magnetic devices in the semiconductor industry, serving consumer, communication, industrial, and automotive customers. https://www.hprobe.com/

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Media Coverage:

MRAM-Info: Hprobe and NY CREATES to Co-develop Next-Generation MRAM Testing Capabilities