Dr. Geer Joins the IgniteU NY Podcast to Discuss NY CREATES’ Workforce Development Initiatives

Dr. Robert Geer presenting on Workforce Development at NY CREATES

NY CREATES Dr. Robert Geer, Vice President for Education and Workforce Development, was recently interviewed on the IgniteU NY Podcast, where he shared insights on how NY CREATES is helping grow the next generation of semiconductor talent. From a CRO Apprenticeship program to the Vet S.T.E.P, program, and industry-academic partnerships, Dr. Geer discussed the critical role NY CREATES plays in building a high-tech workforce to power the U.S. semiconductor pipeline.

Watch the interview and listen how NY CREATES’ workforce development and education programs are driving innovation across the industry.

Learn more about IgniteU NY here: https://igniteuny.com

 NY CREATES featured in Times Union Article: As Albany’s tech sector takes flight, region fights to keep young talent

Mike Irene working inside cleanroom at Albany NanoTech Complex. Image credit Times Union

Semiconductor industry continues to grow, create jobs

Mike Irene working inside cleanroom at Albany NanoTech Complex. Image credit Times Union

Image courtesy of the Times Union

ALBANY — Michael Irene has traveled to South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland and all over the United States working in the semiconductor industry.

But recently, Irene chose the Capital Region as his home to take on the role of program manager at NY Creates, the nonprofit that operates Albany NanoTech, where he will be focusing on work related to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light. His first day aligned with the opening ceremony of the $1 billion National Semiconductor Technology Center Lab earlier this month.

It’s more of a homecoming for Irene, who grew up in Windsor and had his first job in the semiconductor industry at the NY Creates facility in 2011. With evolving opportunities within upstate New York’s semiconductor industry, Irene said that “Albany is a hidden gem.”

“Read more here.” [Paywall]

Natcast Press Release: Natcast Celebrates Grand Opening of NSTC EUV Accelerator at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, One of Three NSTC Flagship Semiconductor R&D Facilities Across the Country

Read Governor Kathy Hochul’s News Release Here

Read U.S. Senator Schumer’s News Release Here

Read original Natcast News Release Here

Dept. of Commerce, Sen. Schumer, Rep. Tonko, Natcast, NY CREATES, NSTC Members, and leaders from across industry and academia came together to celebrate this momentous milestone for U.S.-led semiconductor innovation, economic and national security

ALBANY, N.Y., July 14, 2025 — Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity designated by the Department of Commerce to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) established by the CHIPS and Science Act, today celebrated the grand opening of the CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator, an NSTC facility (EUV Accelerator), with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the NY CREATES ⤤ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, N.Y., where the facility is located. The EUV Accelerator, which officially began operations on July 1, 2025, is one of three announced NSTC flagship R&D facilities across the U.S

“The grand opening of the EUV Accelerator marks a momentous milestone for Natcast, the NSTC, and the entire U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, as this state-of-the-art facility underscores our commitment to developing and advancing next-generation semiconductor technologies here in the U.S.,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “EUV lithography has emerged as the cornerstone technology to enable the high-volume production of smaller, faster, and more efficient chips. Through the EUV Accelerator, we are providing Natcast and NSTC Member researchers access to the critical tools needed to facilitate a wider range of research and a path to commercialization to advance U.S. leadership in the technologies of tomorrow.”

The celebratory event brought together leaders from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Natcast, NY CREATES, and NSTC Member organizations, as well as U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Representative Paul Tonko, and Empire State Development COO Kevin Younis who all spoke to the significance of this milestone for U.S.-led semiconductor innovation and the impact this facility will have on advancing U.S. technology leadership, economic competitiveness, and national security for decades to come. 

“This facility is really emblematic of what the NSTC program can do for the country,” said Jay Lewis, Director of the NSTC Program, CHIPS R&D Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce. “One of our national strengths is our decentralized innovation. Our technical breakthroughs come from universities and businesses of all sizes, all over the country. But there can’t be a facility like this at every university or in every state. So, broadening the utilization of the Albany NanoTech Complex for the research community provides centralized resources to make that decentralized system better and more effective.” 

 

“America’s first-ever National Semiconductor Technology Center is open for business! Today, the eyes of the world turn to Albany and Upstate NY as the next frontier where the scientific and engineering breakthroughs in chipmaking that we cannot even fathom today will happen. The ribbon cutting for this facility will be heard like a sonic boom and make it clear that America will lead the future of semiconductor technology,” said Senator Schumer. “This is the day I long envisioned when I created the NSTC program in my CHIPS & Science Law. This facility will allow the nation’s top scientists, universities, and companies to access the most advanced machinery in the world for developing microchips. It is the start of a historic new effort by the federal government to ensure the next generation of microchips will be developed here in America, here in the Capital Region, not China, not overseas. Today we help usher in America’s next era of chip research and manufacturing, with Upstate NY leading the way.”

The opening of the NSTC EUV Accelerator showcases what public and private partnership can accomplish to bolster the state’s workforce, while setting the stage for semiconductor research and manufacturing nationwide,” Governor Hochul said. “Since taking office, I have remained committed to ensuring New York continues to lead in business, manufacturing, technology and research innovation, and this launch is only the beginning.”

“For years since the passage of the historic and transformational CHIPS and Science Act, we’ve been telling anyone who will listen that New York is an industry leader uniquely positioned to propel long-term American semiconductor innovation,” Congressman Tonko said. “Today, we celebrate that successful push and the incredible new opportunities it unlocks in innovation, job creation, research, and so much more. I’m also thrilled that my Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act will complement future EUV R&D. As we celebrate this grand opening and cheer all those who helped us get to this exciting moment, let’s make certain that we, as partners in government, academia, and industry, continue to invest in the pioneering spirit of innovation that the Capital Region has long exemplified.”

“NY CREATES and our industry partners are proud to continue our two-decade-long history of advancing semiconductor technologies, and as Natcast cuts the ribbon to share with the world that the EUV Accelerator is operational and their offices at our Albany NanoTech Complex are open, this latest partnership undoubtedly represents a pivotal step forward in accelerating U.S. innovation over the long-term,” said Dave Anderson, President of NY CREATES. “With accessible, standard numerical aperture EUV lithography capabilities available today, and access to High NA EUV equipment available next year, we are proud that NY CREATES is supporting the NSTC’s mission and enabling groundbreaking research, impactful economic growth, and strategic workforce development, all of which are imperative for America’s national security and economic leadership.”

The EUV Accelerator enables researchers from Natcast, NSTC Member organizations, and NY CREATES to work collaboratively to conduct research and development activities essential to driving faster commercialization of advanced semiconductor technology.

Key capabilities at the EUV Accelerator include:

  • Access to cutting-edge EUV lithography tools and next-generation R&D capabilities, including a high numerical aperture (NA) EUV system, with standard NA EUV currently available and High NA EUV expected in 2026.
  • Collaboration space and resources for industry, academic, and government partners to advance technological innovation.
  • Dedicated onsite Natcast offices and staff to support Natcast and NSTC Member researchers.
  • Support for programs that provide, foster, and grow a talented workforce.
  • Facilitation of broad NSTC Member engagement by fostering an open, collaborative R&D environment within the EUV Accelerator and across all NSTC facilities.

Along with the CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF) and the CHIPS for America NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility (PPF), the EUV Accelerator will be a world-class destination for advanced semiconductor R&D in the United States. Together, these three NSTC flagship R&D facilities are addressing critical gaps in the current ecosystem, offering unparalleled value to a wide array of stakeholders across the semiconductor value chain, including universities, small businesses, large manufacturers, and government agencies, and helping to build a strong and vibrant U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.

Following the morning program, nearly 100 leaders from government, industry, and academia gathered for a seminar on High-NA EUV and the future of semiconductor innovation. The discussion focused on the most pressing challenges and breakthrough innovations that will shape the next generation of chipmaking and how best to leverage the unique capabilities of the EUV Accelerator to help advance this work. View statements of support for the facility from across the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem at natcast.org/facilities/euv/endorsements.

The EUV Accelerator is open and ready to support the R&D needs of NSTC Members and collaborators. Natcast is currently accepting project proposals. Learn more about the EUV Accelerator and submit a project proposal at natcast.org/facilities/euv. For questions, please reach out to EUV@natcast.org.