DPS|Gilbane, A Joint Venture: Strategic Partnership Created to Deliver Landmark Expansion Project at Albany NanoTech Complex for NY CREATES

The Albany NanoTech Complex
DPS|GILBANE PRESS RELEASE

 

, NY – The newest addition to the NY CREATES’ infrastructure is a state-of-the-art, four-story research and development facility housing a new 50,000 SF ISO 5 cleanroom with accompanying sub-fab. The NanoFab Reflection building, or NFR, is a purposefully and suitably named reflection of the existing high-tech architecture of the site. The Albany NanoTech Complex Expansion extends beyond the ultramodern NFR building itself to a new 900-car parking garage, and a high voltage switchyard upgrade.

With the completion of the project, the non-profit NY CREATES, with key industry, government, and academic partners, will be able to move forward with this new $10 billion High NA EUV Lithography Center to enable development of the world’s most advanced computer chips and drive the long-term growth of New York’s high-tech economy while creating and retaining thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The initiative is supported by New York State’s investment through Empire State Development of $1 billion, which will include the purchase of ASML’s EXE:5200 High NA EUV scanner in addition to the facilities expansion that will encourage future partner growth. This further underpins the recent announcement of NY CREATES as home to the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, an NSTC facility under the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act, which will bring additional R&D funding and cement the region’s place as a key domestic chips hub.

To meet the challenges associated with advanced wafer fab design and construction on an active site with operational R&D facilities, a highly experienced, collaborative team with a local presence and a history of successful onsite projects, field expertise and an extensive background in advanced technology was pivotal in executing the next phase of the Albany Nanotech Complex’s growth. In response to the requirements of the large-scale NanoFab Reflection Project, DPS Advanced Technology Group, Inc. (DPS ATG) and Gilbane Building Company established DPS|Gilbane, a Joint Venture.

DPS|Gilbane has engaged Arcadis to provide design services including architecture and engineering. To navigate the advanced preconstruction systems and complexities of construction, an amalgamation of DPS ATG and Gilbane Building Company staff work together directly under the Joint Venture to perform the comprehensive services of procurement, logistics, and construction management on this major project.

Special recognition is owed to the numerous design consultants who contributed to the project, including CHA, Unistress Corporation, Applied High Voltage, Colin Gordon Associates, and Pizzano Consulting Engineers, LLC.

These visionary advancements at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex supporting ongoing workforce education and research & development related to semiconductors are achieved through innovative project management systems cultivated by the design-build team and its collective experience. The Joint Venture team will employ best-in-class techniques, including Off Site Manufacturing (OSM), to meet the ambitious schedule for the NFR project. By leveraging advanced modelling and virtual design and construction platforms, the design-build team integrates the stakeholders into the planning and design process early which fosters timely decisions, active discussions, and optimizes each phase of the project. This promotes safety and enables cost certainty, schedule reliability, and proactive risk management to ultimately deliver the facility as envisioned.

“To be part of the next chapter here at the Albany NanoTech Complex is an honor,” said Nathan W. Speanburg, P.E., PMP, Project Management Director US Semiconductor, DPS ATG. “DPS ATG and their partner in the Joint Venture, Gilbane Building Company, has put together an awe-inspiring team of top-notch talent that wouldn’t be possible without collaboration between two companies such as ours. The entire team is excited to design and build the next building here and continue to provide services towards the expansion of the semiconductor industry in New York and across the Country.”

“This Complex is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of semiconductor innovation here in New York and across the country,” said Christian Calabrese, Senior Project Executive, Gilbane Building Company. “We’re committed to delivering this design-build project with quality, excellence, and precision to help support this hub for cutting-edge research and collaboration between academia and the industry. Our Joint Venture team will focus on collaboration and innovation to drive the best outcomes on this project.”

The New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES) is dedicated to fostering innovative chips-focused R&D, the expansion of technology jobs in New York State, and related workforce development through industry-connected innovation and commercialization projects, such as the NanoFab Reflection project initiative. Semiconductors play a crucial role in driving the global economy, and with the impressive growth of its Albany NanoTech Complex, NY CREATES is actively contributing to encouraging innovation in an essential technological domain, paving the way for next-generation computer chips that are faster and more energy efficient.

Dr. Christopher Borst, Vice President of Technology & Infrastructure at NY CREATES, said: “DPS|Gilbane have been entrusted as strategic partners to build NY CREATES’ new NanoFab Reflection and supporting facilities at our Albany NanoTech Complex. We look forward to the expansion of our critical infrastructure. Once complete, this project will drive next-generation semiconductor advancements for years to come.”

About DPS Advanced Technology Group, Inc.

Serving high-tech industries around the world, DPS Advanced Technology Group, Inc., a member of the Arcadis group of companies, delivers full-service across project management, procurement, design, construction management, and safety management with a focus on Advanced Process Manufacturing Industries. For more information, visit www.dpsgroupglobal.com, www.arcadis.com.

About Gilbane Building Company

Gilbane Building Company is a global leader in construction management, delivering high-quality projects for clients across various markets. Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services. Founded in 1870, Gilbane is still a privately held, family-owned company. With more than 45 office locations worldwide, Gilbane brings world-class experience to local communities.
For 75 years, Gilbane has delivered construction services in New York State for clients across multiple market sectors, including commercial office, multi-unit, and high-rise residential, cultural, education, healthcare, public sector, science and technology, and sports and entertainment.

For more information, visit https://www.gilbaneco.com

Bringing Global Expertise to Advance Memory Technologies in New York

NY CREATES, with its expert staff and partners based at its Albany NanoTech Complex, stands at the forefront of semiconductor research and development. The Albany NanoTech Complex acts as a global hub for enabling significant advancements in chip technologies, and a key reason this is possible is its many collaborative partnerships.

Recently, NY CREATES took an exciting step to further bolster its R&D capabilities by announcing a cooperative partnership between NY CREATES and CEA-Leti. Established by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this past June, the collaboration represents a unique opportunity for both organizations to leverage their respective technical expertise on groundbreaking MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random-Access Memory) projects.

NY CREATES and CEA-Leti Announce Strategic Research Partnership

As a result of this growing partnership, NY CREATES also welcomed Remi Coquand, an R&D Integration Engineer and experienced researcher with CEA-Leti technology research institute in Grenoble, France, to its Albany facility. While NY CREATES boasts world-class manufacturing facilities and expertise, CEA-Leti, along with SpinTec, is renowned for its cutting-edge research in magnetic materials and designs. By combining these organizations’ respective knowledge, their R&D teams aim to push the boundaries of new technologies and deliver innovative results on cutting-edge memory device projects.

Remi’s seamless integration into NY CREATES’ R&D teams is vital to this partnership’s success. His technical expertise and deep passion for semiconductor and memory technologies will drive project synergy.

After earning his PhD and joining CEA-Leti in 2013, Remi has since had the opportunity to work on a wide range of technical projects, including a stint at the IBM Joint Development Program, located in Albany, NY, from 2015 to 2018. “I had the chance to work with a lot of people from New York, and when I went back to France in 2018, I knew that I’d be back here someday,” Remi recalls.

Remi's Family in NYC
Remi's Family Traveling
Remi's Family Holiday Outing

That promise has now come to fruition, as Remi has returned to team up with the NY CREATES’ R&D teams. He is now part of the integration team, focusing on the development of MRAM technologies.

“The main reason for CEA-Leti and NY CREATES to make this connection is to bring some insights from the technological advancements we know at CEA in terms of device behavior, electrical testing, and designs of magnetic materials,” he explains. “I’m just a piece of a larger puzzle, and I’m looking forward to bringing as much knowledge as possible to the table to advance MRAM technologies.”

The joint development agreement included Remi as an assignee in the U.S., based in New York, for at least two years, with the potential to extend the partnership further based on project completion. This long-term commitment from CEA-Leti and the value that Remi’s expertise brings to project development underscores the significance of memory technologies to both organizations.

Remi and his family are excited to return to New York as his work continues to drive innovation. “It’s exciting to have my family back here in New York and to have the kids rediscover the area,” Remi shares. “It’s all part of an adventure; we are the adventure.”

By tapping into international talent and expertise, NY CREATES’ continues solidifying its position as a hub for groundbreaking semiconductor research and development. As Remi settles into his new role, the excitement is palpable. “The excitement is being a part of something this big, where anything you can know, try, test, or anything can end up in a manufacturing company to high-volume manufacturing,” he says. “That’s exciting.

With Remi’s arrival and expertise, a cross-Atlantic partnership among allied organizations is set to further drive the future of innovation and technology from New York to France, with the potential to improve the technologies we use each day.

NY CREATES Statement on NSTC Workforce Advisory Board Selection

“I am honored to be selected as an inaugural member of the National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Advisory Board, and I look forward to working closely with the other distinguished board members to drive impactful regional and U.S. workforce development initiatives. NY CREATES continues its focus on enabling the high-tech workforce by aligning educational and training opportunities with semiconductor industry needs via a broad portfolio of scalable programs engaging high school, community college and university students, as well as military veterans, apprentices, and the incumbent semiconductor workforce. As home to the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, a flagship National Semiconductor Technology Center facility, NY CREATES is proud to further support critical workforce development efforts and the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence that will address industry challenges across the nation.”

– Dr. Robert Geer
NY CREATES Vice President for Education and Workforce Development
 
Please find a copy of the related Natcast news release below:

Natcast Announces Inaugural Members of National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Advisory Board

Board will offer critical input on national, regional workforce development strategies to strengthen U.S. semiconductor workforce ecosystem

WASHINGTON, D.C, January 2, 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 of the U.S. government, today announced 18 inaugural members of the NSTC Workforce Advisory Board (WFAB).

Comprising U.S. leaders focused on growing the semiconductor workforce from the private sector, higher education, workforce development organizations, the Department of Commerce, and other federal agencies, the WFAB will support the efforts of the recently established NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE). It will offer critical input on national and regional workforce development strategies to ensure WCoE initiatives are employer-driven, worker-centered, and responsive to real-time industry challenges.

“Through the CHIPS for America Program, we’re seeing state-of-the-art fabs and critical expansion projects pop up across the nation. But to fill these fabs and ensure we’re successful in our goals, we need skilled workers on the job, which is why the Department is investing $250 million in the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These impressive leaders have the experience and track record necessary to advise the WCoE and hold it to the highest standards and will be critical to moving these efforts forward.”

“The NSTC Workforce Advisory Board will play a critical role in supporting the mission and work of the Workforce Center of Excellence,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “Members of the WFAB will contribute their expertise and insights to inform workforce development strategies and programs, foster domestic workforce development ecosystems that can adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the industry, and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.

Selected from a broad-based pool of more than 300 applicants, inaugural WFAB members include:

  • April Arnzen, EVP & Chief People Officer, Micron Technology, and President, Micron Foundation
  • Marcia Ballinger, President, Lorain County Community College
  • Danielle Mary Eckert, Assistant to the President for Government Affairs, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
  • Maria Flynn, President & CEO, Jobs for the Future
  • Robert Geer, VP of Education & Workforce Development, NY CREATES, and Professor of Nanoscale Science, University of Albany, SUNY
  • Dr. Azuri L. Gonzalez, Executive Director, Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, and UT Regents’ Endowed Distinguished Director, Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success, The University of Texas at El Paso
  • Dr. Garrett C. Groves, Vice Chancellor, Austin Community College District
  • Matt Hicks, Senior Director of Foundries, Test & Advanced Packaging, Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center
  • Surya Iyer, President & COO, Polar Semiconductor
  • Jill Larsen, Chief People Officer, Synopsys
  • Shari Liss, VP of Global Workforce Development & Initiatives, SEMI
  • Vijay Raghunathan, VP of Global Partnerships & Programs and Director of Semiconductor Education, Purdue University
  • Pradheepa Raman, Chief People Officer, GlobalFoundries
  • Dr. Alyssa Reinhart, Director of Workforce Development, Texas Institute for Electronics
  • Kwee Lan Teo, Head of Workforce Development, Samsung Austin Semiconductor
  • Sandra Watson, President & CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority
  • George Eugene White, Senior Director, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Founder, HBCU Chips Network
  • Jared Zerbe, Director of Engineering, Apple Inc.

“We are excited to welcome our inaugural WFAB members,” said John Ratliff, executive director of the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence. “Each member brings years of relevant experience to the board and will provide an invaluable perspective into the needs of employers, educators, workers, and learners to ensure our programming remains aligned with best practices and industry needs. Their work will contribute to the development of innovative solutions to bolster the nation’s semiconductor workforce and to nurture the next generation of semiconductor talent. We look forward to kicking off our first WFAB meeting in the new year.”

Launched in September 2024 with a $250 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the WCoE is the dedicated anchor institution that brings together key stakeholders to better understand the nature of and find solutions to the workforce challenges facing the U.S. semiconductor industry. The WCoE’s programs are guided by real-time insights from the entire semiconductor value chain and include input from both the WFAB and NSTC members at large.

To learn more about the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, its initial programs, and the WFAB, visit natcast.org/workforce. To learn more about NSTC membership and to join the mission, visit natcast.org/nstcmembership.

NY CREATES Statement on the Third CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility

“On behalf of NY CREATES, I would like to extend our congratulations to Arizona State University on being selected as the anticipated location for the CHIPS for America NSTC Prototyping and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility, an NSTC and NAPMP facility. We welcome ASU as a critical peer supporting the NSTC’s mission, as NY CREATES hosts the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, a flagship NSTC facility at our Albany NanoTech Complex, North America’s most advanced non-profit semiconductor R&D center. Together, our collective efforts will drive transformative innovation, strengthen the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, and ensure our nation’s leadership in next-generation technologies. We look forward to collaborating with ASU, Natcast, and the broader network of partners to advance the future of microelectronics.”

-Dave Anderson
NY CREATES President
 
 
Please find a copy of the related  Natcast news release below:

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Arizona State University Research Park as Planned Site for Third CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility

Facility is expected to host the world’s first 300mm front-end semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging research facility

Today, the Department of Commerce and Natcast announced the Arizona State University (ASU) Research Park in Tempe, Arizona as the anticipated location for the third flagship CHIPS for America research and development (R&D) facility. The CHIPS for America NSTC Prototyping and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility (PPF), an NSTC and NAPMP facility, will feature cutting-edge capabilities to bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale semiconductor production. It will enable researchers and industry leaders to develop and test new materials, devices, and advanced packaging solutions in a state-of-the-art R&D environment. This newly constructed facility is expected to be operational in 2028 and will play a key role in driving U.S. leadership in semiconductor innovation, economic growth, and national security.

“A strong research and development ecosystem is essential to ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of semiconductor innovation,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Arizona has long been a hub for technological progress, and this new facility will strengthen our domestic supply chain, drive advanced manufacturing breakthroughs, and secure America’s leadership in this critical industry. Thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, combined with the other two CHIPS for America R&D flagship facilities, we will help bring American innovations to the global market, further securing our national and economic security.”

“Thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science act, we are investing at historic levels in the technologies of both today and tomorrow,” said White House Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian. “Today’s announcement with ASU ensures the United States will continue to be a leader in research and development and win the future by investing in skilled workers, moonshot technologies, and the advancements needed to stay ahead in critical industries, such as AI.”

Scaling new semiconductor technologies from research to full production remains a significant challenge for the industry. Key obstacles include a lack of 300mm semiconductor wafer prototyping capability facilities and the absence of shared access to specialized facilities, shared infrastructure, skilled resources, and capital.

To meet these challenges, CHIPS for America is investing in integrated R&D activities to fill a critical gap in the lab-to-fab innovation cycle. The PPF’s prototyping capabilities will consist of at least one 300mm full-flow complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology as a stable baseline for experiments. The facility will also allow for a variety of R&D in a manufacturing-like environment that would not be feasible at a manufacturing site, including novel materials and device architectures. Key packaging capabilities are expected to include a baseline advanced packaging piloting line to enable the development and commercialization of new packaging processes. The facility will also support U.S. workforce development efforts by providing opportunities for collaborative, hands-on research utilizing industry-leading tools and equipment.

“The PPF will play a critical role in advancing semiconductor innovation across the country,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “This facility will be a premier destination where researchers from industry, academia, startups, and the broader semiconductor ecosystem will convene to explore, experiment, and collaborate on the next generation of semiconductor and packaging technologies that will power the industries of the future.”

As one of three CHIPS R&D flagship facilities, the PPF will be amplified by Arizona’s robust and growing microelectronics landscape, including leading front-end semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging companies, and a vibrant university research environment. The expected partnership with ASU will jumpstart R&D in these areas and leverage the substantial programs underway at the university.

Combined with the EUV Accelerator and the Design and Collaboration Facility, these state-of-the-art flagship facilities will establish world-class destinations for advanced semiconductor R&D in the United States. They will address critical gaps in the current ecosystem, offering unparalleled value to a diverse array of stakeholders across the semiconductor value chain, including universities, small businesses, large manufacturers, and government agencies, and help build vibrant semiconductor ecosystems in the U.S. that bolster cutting-edge R&D and create quality jobs. The Department of Commerce and Natcast expect to announce information in the coming months about the process for selecting affiliated technical centers.

Natcast has accepted a nonbinding Letter of Intent from the Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona State University. The final contract is subject to additional due diligence, continued negotiations, and refinement of terms.

CHIPS for America and Natcast announced the model and selection process for the three CHIPS R&D flagship facilities in July 2024. The selection of these sites followed a multi-phase facilities selection process and is consistent with the July 2024 facilities model, which was informed by more than a year of discussions with stakeholders building on the release of the NSTC Vision and Strategy paper and the NAPMP Vision paper as well as robust analysis on the current and planned future state of the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and R&D ecosystems. A request for information published by Natcast in March 2024 also collected feedback on the demand for prototyping facilities capabilities and informed the facility model. 

Learn more about the CHIPS for America R&D flagship facilities and other NSTC initiatives at natcast.org.

Strengthening Global Innovation & Building Partnerships: NY CREATES at 2024 SEMICON Japan

NY CREATES proudly showcased its collaborative spirit in driving semiconductor innovation and international collaboration at this year’s SEMICON Japan event. This premier conference brought together leaders in the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain for the latest insights, trends, and innovations. It also marked a significant step forward in creating lasting global partnerships that can benefit New York / U.S. and Japan, as NY CREATES engaged with key partners, industry leaders, and government representatives to accelerate global progress in semiconductor technologies.

Building Strategic Partnerships

NY CREATES and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) announced a strategic partnership to drive international collaboration in the semiconductor industry, highlighting a commitment to promoting advanced chips-related research and development, technology alliances, and workforce development across the high-tech ecosystems of New York’s Capital Region and Japan. This collaboration aims to strengthen U.S.-Japan ties in the semiconductor industry and connect leading organizations in both countries, leveraging their networks to drive innovation in semiconductor technologies while leveraging each other’s strengths to bolster their respective high-tech ecosystems. Read more about the announcement HERE.

Driving Collaboration Through Thought Leadership

NY CREATES Associate VP for Business Development, Frank Tolic, delivered an engaging presentation titled, “Semiconductor Industry Trends in the U.S. and Opportunities for Collaboration with U.S. Companies.” A large crowd gained valuable insights into how strengthened U.S.-Japan collaboration can accelerate semiconductor advancements and unlock mutual opportunities for innovation and economic growth.

View a short video by JETRO featuring Frank Tolic here.

Senior Director of International Partnerships at Empire State Development, Carin Rising shared her presentation, “U.S. Semiconductor Landscape, Innovations, and Opportunities.” She emphasized New York’s growing global semiconductor-related partnerships, highlighting NY CREATES as an integral part of the United States’ innovation ecosystem during the presentation at SEMICON Japan.

Strengthening Existing Partnerships

Supporting a partnership from an earlier agreement announced in August between New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Hokkaido government to promote semiconductor R&D and workforce development, NY CREATES leaders and the business development team connected with Hokkaido government members at SEMICON Japan. These discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to creating a robust, global semiconductor ecosystem anchored by high-tech R&D hubs. Read more about this partnership announcement HERE.

Adding to the momentum, NY CREATES signed a strategic partnership agreement with ADVANTEC CO., LTD to advance semiconductor R&D. NY CREATES is thrilled to embark on this journey with ADVANTEC and looks forward to unlocking new opportunities for the future of semiconductor innovation.

A Collaborative Future

The NY CREATES business development team was on-site throughout the event to explore opportunities for collaboration, share insights, and connect with partners who are passionate about advancing semiconductor R&D, economic development, and workforce training. SEMICON Japan provided NY CREATES an invaluable opportunity to foster international connections, strengthen strategic partnerships, and showcase its role as a leader in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

Thank you to all our partners, attendees, and collaborators who made this week at SEMICON Japan so impactful. From strategic partnerships, to engaging discussions on global collaboration and R&D, this week underscored the importance of working together to build a strong global semiconductor future.

Let’s continue driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the semiconductor industry’s future together!

NY CREATES President Dave Anderson, Industry Partners Join New UAlbany Advisory Board for Industry and Economic Development 

“On behalf of NY CREATES, I am pleased to join the University at Albany’s newly formed Industry and Economic Development Advisory Board. I look forward to collaborating with our distinguished industry and government partners to bridge academia and industry in driving innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities for the Capital Region and beyond.” – NY CREATES President Dave Anderson 

View the University at Albany News Release and Learn About the New Advisory Board Here.

Statement from NY CREATES President Dave Anderson: Department of Commerce Awards CHIPS Incentives to Micron for Idaho and New York Projects

“On behalf of NY CREATES, we congratulate Micron Technology on the announcement of this historic investment by the U.S. Department of Commerce. As we partner with Micron to drive memory-focused innovation, this funding will further strengthen America’s position in the global semiconductor industry. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to deliver transformative economic and technological advancements. Together, we are building a resilient and competitive future for the semiconductor industry that will expand innovation-based career, economic advancement, and R&D opportunities for years to come.” – David Anderson, NY CREATES President.

Read the U.S. Department of Commerce announcement HERE. 

Media Coverage:

Times Union: Feds finalize $6.16 billion in CHIPS funding for Micron [Paywall]

Syracuse.com: Micron signs historic deal with feds for $6.1 billion to build chip plants in Central NY, Idaho

NY CREATES and JETRO Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen U.S.-Japan Collaboration in the Semiconductor Industry

December 9, 2024, N.Y. and Tokyo, Japan – NY CREATES and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) today announced a strategic partnership to drive international collaboration in the semiconductor industry, highlighting a commitment to promoting advanced chips-related research and development, technology alliances, and workforce development across the high-tech ecosystems of New York’s Capital Region and Japan.

Officials from the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), based in Albany, N.Y., and JETRO, based in Tokyo, Japan, formalized this agreement with a ceremonial signing by NY CREATES President Dave Anderson and JETRO Chairman Norihiko Ishiguro at JETRO’s headquarters in Tokyo on December 9. Through this new partnership, NY CREATES and JETRO intend to connect leading organizations in both the U.S. and Japan, leveraging their networks to drive innovation in semiconductor technologies while leveraging each other’s strengths to bolster their respective high-tech ecosystems.

“As we embark on this new collaboration with JETRO, NY CREATES looks forward to building upon our strong connections with Japan’s technological ecosystem,” said Dave Anderson, President of NY CREATES. “We have a deep history of working closely with industry partners and are home to Tokyo Electron’s (TEL) Technology Center America which has acted as TEL’s R&D center in the U.S. for more than 20 years. Now, this partnership with JETRO represents a critical step in pursuing additional synergies between our semiconductor R&D, workforce, and economic advancement efforts and Japan’s renowned expertise in technology and innovation. We are excited to work together to accelerate R&D breakthroughs and workforce development initiatives.”

“It is very meaningful for us to collaborate with the cutting-edge semiconductor ecosystem centered around NY CREATES, in order to attract U.S. semiconductor companies and to support R&D and human resource exchange in the industry,” said Ishiguro Norihiko, Chairman and CEO of JETRO. “Moreover, from an economic security perspective, we believe that it is important to build a supply chain for semiconductors, and to facilitate international collaboration. We pursue ways to help foster and advance the semiconductor industry, making use of the unique characteristics of regions in Japan, to strengthen the foundation of the innovation ecosystems, and to collaborate with governments, research institutes, industrial organizations, and other entities in various key countries to provide flexible support for cross-border connections.”

The agreement outlines several core objectives and activities to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations in the semiconductor sector, including jointly organizing events such as seminars, conferences, business missions, and other networking engagements to encourage knowledge-sharing and foster cross-border connections. The partnership will also aim to pursue potential opportunities for joint programs with Japan’s local ecosystems, enhancing the connectivity between NY CREATES and Japanese organizations to support collaborative innovation. Through JETRO’s extensive network, Japanese local governments, universities, and companies will have opportunities to explore partnerships with NY CREATES, while NY CREATES will concurrently connect JETRO with its U.S.-based network of universities and technology firms. This partnership will also emphasize the importance of workforce training and development; both JETRO and NY CREATES will work together to find additional ways to prepare the talent pool to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor industry in both the U.S. and Japan.

In August, New York Governor Hochul announced a new semiconductor R&D and workforce development agreement with the government of Hokkaido, Japan. The partnership, facilitated by Hokkaido, is enhancing cooperation and deepening links between NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, the largest non-profit semiconductor research and development facility of its kind in North America, and Rapidus, a burgeoning Japanese semiconductor firm under construction in Chitose that will produce two-nanometer chips, to continue to drive innovation and economic prosperity in both regions.

In October, 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 investment in Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography R&D under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, with initial federal funding of $825 million to be unlocked to enable this critical initiative.

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

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

JETRO is a policy implementation organization that aims to contribute to the further development of Japan’s economy and society through trade and investment promotion and research on developing countries. With full use of its domestic and international network of more than 70 overseas offices and approximately 50 domestic offices including the Headquarters (Tokyo), the Osaka Headquarters, the Institute of Developing Economies and domestic offices, we work actively and efficiently to: (1) promote investment in Japan, (2) support the creation of open innovation with overseas companies, (3) promote export of agricultural, forestry, and food products, and (4) support overseas expansion of Japanese companies, including mid-tier enterprises and SMEs. We also contribute to Japan’s business activities and trade policy through surveys and research.   

JETRO News Release:

 
 

Media Coverage

Nikkei.com: JETRO partners with U.S. semiconductor research institutes to promote joint research by companies
Times Union: NY CREATES signs agreement with Japanese trade office [Paywall]

PhotonicsSpectra: ULVAC, SAL Collaborate on Plasma Etching Processes: Week in Brief: 12/13/24

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 [email protected].

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