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.

 

NY CREATES Welcomes MIT Microelectronics Interns for In-Depth Tour and Hands-On Experience

NY CREATES was proud to host students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as part of the Northeast Microelectronics Internship Program, offering these future innovators a firsthand look at advanced semiconductor research and development efforts at our Albany NanoTech Complex.

With support from the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH), the visit gave interns a comprehensive overview of the important role NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex plays in strengthening semiconductor R&D, economic advancement, and workforce development capabilities in New York and throughout the United States. During their tour, the students were joined by representatives from the Northeast Microelectronics Commons Hub (NEMC), underscoring the collaborative spirit of the Microelectronics Hubs that drives this workforce development initiative forward.

The experience included an in-depth tour of NY CREATES’ 300mm cleanroom facilities and leading-edge infrastructures, where students saw how advanced technologies are developed through public-private partnerships that span academia, government, and industry partnerships.

One of the highlights of the visit was a hands-on educational session led by an Instructional Support Technician from the University at Albany, Stephen Stewart. This educational session guided the students through the fundamentals of semiconductor processing, offering a rare and valuable opportunity to connect classroom knowledge with real-world chip fabrication techniques.

To conclude their day, the students made a final stop at GlobalFoundries in Malta, a key industry partner in the region’s microelectronics ecosystem. There, they gained additional perspective on how research transitions to high-volume manufacturing and contributes to a resilient domestic supply chain.

The MIT interns’ visit exemplifies the importance of building meaningful connections between education, research, and industry. We’re proud to support the development of the next generation of high-tech workforce, and we look forward to continuing to open doors for young minds shaping the future of trailblazing technologies.

Fuzehub News Release: With Statewide Initiative, FuzeHub Advances Bid to Establish Upstate New York as Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing Hub

View Original Fuzehub News Release HERE

Upstate Makes champions glass packaging as part of NSF Regional Innovation Engines proposal, spearheads development of a glass innovation and training hub

June 25 event to explore New York’s unique capabilities for next-gen, glass-based microelectronics – register here

ALBANY, N.Y. – FuzeHub, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting New York State manufacturers and technology companies, and a robust coalition of industry, academic and government partners have announced a strategic commitment through their collaborative Upstate Makes initiative to further explore the power of glass as an innovative advanced material to strengthen the U.S. microelectronics industry. This collaborative endeavor—a key element of FuzeHub’s proposal for the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Competition (NSF Engines)—aims to make Upstate New York a next-generation microelectronics manufacturing hub.

Last year, FuzeHub-led Upstate Makes was awarded $1 million through the Regional Innovation Engines Development Awards to cultivate new partnerships and nurture the state’s materials innovation ecosystem. Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) furthered the impact of the NSF award with a $200,000 matching grant. Over the last year, Upstate Makes has expanded its project partners and gained significant validation from industry and academic leaders across New York State.

With Upstate Makes’ new strategic commitment and the region’s historic strength in glass production, Upstate New York is uniquely equipped to deliver new innovations in glass for microelectronics manufacturing—which will directly contribute to America’s manufacturing competitiveness and national defense.

“For more than a decade, we’ve seen glass discussed as a replacement material—and now, with leading-edge design, 6G wireless, and the demands of AI, it’s more important than ever to focus on investing in glass packaging in the semiconductor industry,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “Our region is uniquely positioned to make this vision of a world-renowned next-gen microelectronics manufacturing hub a reality, and we’re confident in our decision to focus on glass in our next steps for the Upstate Makes initiative.”

Last month, FuzeHub submitted its refined and expanded Upstate Makes proposal for the NSF Engines funding program. It was one of just 71 teams across the U.S. that was asked to submit a proposal—which could secure significant federal funding for the Upstate region.

Upstate Makes Partner Commitments, Vision for Glass Innovation Hub

The Upstate Makes coalition has grown to over 60 partners, ranging from materials science research labs and semiconductor industry leaders to entrepreneurial support centers and workforce development organizations. Spread across five metro areas in Upstate New York, this collection of partners will continue to pursue new innovations to strengthen U.S. microelectronics manufacturing and develop the workforce necessary for jobs in the industry. A list of contributing partners is available at upstatemakes.org/partners.

As part of its strategic initiatives, Upstate Makes is spearheading the development of a glass innovation and training hub in Upstate New York. This hub will offer a one-stop solution for industry partners, equipped with high-volume manufacturing (HVM) tools and infrastructure that support collaborative R&D and packaging innovation as well as workforce training. By fostering cross-sector partnerships and providing access to advanced manufacturing capabilities, the center aims to significantly reduce the time and cost of bringing new glass packaging technologies to market.

“Upstate New York is truly one of the only regions in the world with the capabilities and resources to achieve the vision outlined in the Upstate Makes proposal,” said Nicholas Fahrenkopf, NY CREATES Director and Technical Director of the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH). NORDTECH is an Upstate Makes partner and a designated U.S. Microelectronics Commons hub. “With the potential to leverage federal investment through programs like NSF Engines, Upstate Makes can drive our region’s microelectronics industry forward, strengthen American manufacturing, and bolster our national security.”

Supporting National Security, Manufacturing Competitiveness

The Upstate Makes initiative is also advancing efforts to contribute to national defense. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has multiple critical applications for high-performance chips—ranging from fighter jet control systems to intelligence data analysis—where glass is an ideal solution to minimize power loss and improve semiconductor speed. The expertise in glass and microelectronics from Menlo Micro, Mosaic Microsystemsand other industry partners can specifically foster this type of innovation.

Further, Griffiss Institute will create experiential learning programs for college and post-doctoral students that provide pathways to obtain security clearances and prepare them to contribute directly to Department of Defense applications. These programs reflect Griffiss Institute’s commitment to developing national security talent through nontraditional STEM education and real-world engagement. As a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) holder with the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL), Griffiss Institute also brings unique access to plan and support the transition of dual-use technologies, such as those in the emerging areas.

“Menlo Micro’s glass-based device, developed largely in Upstate New York, is addressing key RF, power and defense applications,” said Aric Shorey, VP of Glass Technologies and Government Affairs at Menlo Micro. “We are part of the high-performance computing and AI supply chain and addressing several applications important to National Defense. There is significant potential to expand through advanced glass packaging that can be accelerated through initiatives driven by Upstate Makes.”

“Domestically and sustainably, sourced glass has the potential to become an economic and technological runway for U.S.-based microsystems packaging in both commercial and defense applications,” added Jeff Fitzgerald, Technology Development Manager at FAST Labs™ BAE Systems, Inc.

June 25 Event: Global Leadership in Next-Gen, Glass-Based Microelectronics

Upstate Makes is leading an online event on Wednesday, June 25, to dive deeper into New York State’s unique capabilities and the collaborative efforts underway to establish global leadership in next-generation, glass-based microelectronics. Register for the event here.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit upstatemakes.org.

NY CREATES Signs Five Future Cleanroom Operators at Capital Region BOCES CTE National Signing Day

Image courtesy of Capital Region BOCES

As part of the 2025 Career and Technical Education (CTE) National Signing Day celebration, NY CREATES proudly recognized five exceptional high school seniors who have committed to joining our team as Cleanroom Operators (CRO I) upon graduation.

CTE National Signing Day honors students across the country as they sign letters of intent to begin careers in skilled trades, technical fields, or continue their education—highlighting the value of hands-on learning, technical training, and direct-to-career pathways.

Each student will graduate this June from their home school district and their Capital Region BOCES CTE program, officially beginning their transition from student to skilled professional in New York’s advanced manufacturing and semiconductor workforce.

Capital Region BOCES and NY CREATES 2025 Signing Day Class:

  • Giovanni Blenman – Electrical Trades, Schenectady City School District
    Ariana Nahlupin – Cosmetology, South Colonie Central School District  
  • Tristan Szesnat – Electrical Trades, Mohonasen Central School District
    Spencer Tracy – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Mohonasen Central School District
  • Hayden Hyslop – Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology, RCS Central School District (not pictured)

These students will be offered Cleanroom Operator (CRO I) positions at NY CREATES following graduation, and we are thrilled to support their launch into meaningful careers at the Albany NanoTech Complex, celebrating their achievements in partnership with Capital Region BOCES and their home districts.

Their signing and committing to start their careers at NY CREATES reflects the power of strong education-to-career pathways and the bright future of the semiconductor industry in our region. We looking forward to welcoming these future innovators to NY CREATES soon! 

Media Coverage:

News10 ABC: BOCES students commit to jobs with area businesses

Capital Region Chamber: Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day is a Success: 40 Area Teens Sign Letters of Intent to Work in the Skilled Trades

NORDTECH Technical Director Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf Recognized as 40 Under 40 Honoree by Albany Business Review

NY CREATES proudly congratulates Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf, Technical Director of the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH), on being honored as a 2025 Albany Business Review 40 Under 40 recipient. Dr. Fahrenkopf was celebrated alongside fellow honorees during a luncheon hosted by the publication, recognizing young professionals making a significant impact in the Capital Region.

Through his leadership at NORDTECH, Dr. Fahrenkopf helps advance national security and economic competitiveness by driving microelectronics innovation and facilitating collaboration among academic, government, and industry partners. His recognition underscores the vital role of semiconductor research and development in shaping the future of U.S. technology leadership.

Read the Albany Business Review Article HERE. [Paywall]

NY CREATES and Fraunhofer Institutes Announce Joint Development Agreement to Advance Memory Devices at the 300mm Wafer Scale

May 15, 2025 – Albany, N.Y. – NY CREATES and Fraunhofer IPMS announced at a signing ceremony a new Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to drive research and development focused on memory devices. The JDA will leverage and link the strengths of each organization to engineer, develop, and characterize these devices that are critical for advancing the memory development ecosystems of each respective organization.

“As we build upon the strong connections we have with semiconductor R&D centers around the globe to create the technologies that the U.S. and the world will rely on in the future, we look forward to this collaboration with Fraunhofer IPMS to further develop next-generation ferroelectric memory devices at the 300mm scale,” said Dave Anderson, President of NY CREATES. “We are proud to work together to accelerate the processes and the evaluation and deployment of these materials which can lead to innovative breakthroughs, maintaining our global R&D leadership.”

“With the Center Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT), Fraunhofer IPMS maintains a leading international competence center for the development of ferroelectric memories based on hafnium oxide (HfO₂). These memory technologies are particularly promising for neuromorphic computing applications as they are very energy efficient, CMOS compatible, and scalable down to very small technology nodes. We look forward to working with NY CREATES to develop new promising memory designs based on the expertise of both parties,” said Dr. Wenke Weinreich, Deputy Director of Fraunhofer IPMS.

Leaders from the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), based in Albany, N.Y., and the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS, based in Dresden, Germany, formalized the JDA with a ceremonial signing by NY CREATES Vice President of Strategies, Partnerships, & New Ventures and Chief Operating Officer Paul Kelly and Fraunhofer IPMS Deputy Director Dr. Wenke Weinreich at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex on May 15, with a number of dignitaries from New York State and Germany in attendance. NY CREATES and Fraunhofer IPMS will embark on a joint development project for the co-development of advanced memory devices built at the 300mm wafer scale, the platform upon which chips are made.

In May of 2023, representatives from Fraunhofer IPMS met with counterparts at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, the largest non-profit semiconductor research and development facility in North America. There, Dr. Weinreich signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations and in the presence of Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer with the aim of further advancing economic prosperity through innovation in both regions.

In October 2024, NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex was designated as the location of the flagship National Semiconductor Technology Center facility, the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator. The EUV Accelerator is expected to drive significant R&D based on Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, underpinning U.S. technological leadership and economic and national security.

###############

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 $25 billion—placing it at the global epicenter of high-tech innovation and commercialization. Learn more at www.ny-creates.org.  

About Fraunhofer IPMS

Fraunhofer IPMS is a leading international research and development service provider for electronic and photonic microsystems in the application fields of Smart Industrial Solutions, Bio and Health, Mobility, as well as Green and Sustainable Microelectronics. Research focuses on customer-specific miniaturized sensors and actuators, MEMS systems, microdisplays and integrated circuits as well as wireless and wired data communication. Services range from consulting and design to process development and pilot series production. With the Center Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT), Fraunhofer IPMS operates the largest 300mm R&D cleanroom in Germany, offering applied research on 300 mm wafers for microchip producers, suppliers, device manufacturers, and R&D partners. 

 

Media Coverage:

Electronic Product & Technology: NY CREATES and Fraunhofer Institute reach joint chip dev deal

AzoMaterials: NY CREATES and Fraunhofer Institutes Announce Joint Development Agreement to Advance Memory Devices at the 300 mm Wafer Scale

Fraunhofer IPMS: NY CREATES and Fraunhofer Institute Announce Joint Development Agreement to Advance Memory Devices at the 300mm Wafer Scale

IDW: NY CREATES and Fraunhofer IPMS Announce Joint Development Agreement to Advance Memory Devices at 300mm Wafer Scale

Photonics Spectra: Fraunhofer and NY CREATES Partner on Memory Devices

eeNEWS Europe: Fraunhofer teams for 300mm ferroelectric memory AI devices

NY CREATES’ 2024 Annual Review

NY CREATES Annual Review 2024 Graphic with image of Albany NanoTech Complex

Reflecting on the past year, NY CREATES is proud to share the remarkable progress and accomplishments in our 2024 Annual Review. It highlights a year marked by growth, strategic collaboration, and innovation, reinforcing our role as a leader in semiconductor research and development, workforce development, and economic advancement. 

View and Download Here

NY CREATES Collaborative Quantum Research Published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

Congratulations to NY CREATES’ Ekta Bhatia and colleagues on the publication of their article on niobium surface oxides in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. The team’s work, in partnership with PNNL, BNL and Neutral Physics Corp., is featured on the supplementary journal cover, an honor given to four exemplary research articles from each issue. The findings detailed in this article are important to understand how superconducting circuits for quantum computing can be improved.

Utilizing 300mm wafer-scale fabrication at NY CREATES, isotopic labeling studies, and modeling at DOE labs, coupled with state-of-the-art metrology, Ekta Bhatia, Jeffrey Dhas, and the team uncovered the details of hydrogen incorporation in surface oxides and its mitigation through innovative processes. This accomplishment is a shining example of the cutting-edge research conducted at NY CREATES, with partners across the U.S.

Read the Article Here