NY CREATES’ Women’s Innovative Network (WIN): Celebrating A Year of Collaboration and Community

Cultivating a Collaborative Company Culture 

NY CREATES’ Women’s Innovative Network (WIN) enjoyed a meaningful year of partnership and community-building in support of company initiatives, promoting sustainability and charitable causes in 2024. Founded in July 2023, WIN’s members continue to cultivate a positive company culture through a focus on inclusion and collaboration at its educational events, which empowers the staff at NY CREATES and strengthens bonds that extend beyond the workplace. 

2024 Events: Positive Partnerships and Community Suppor

WIN kicked off 2024 with its International Women’s Day Networking Event, bringing together NY CREATES staff from across the organization, as well as guests from our partners at the Albany NanoTech Complex, to honor workplace achievements and milestones. The event’s international theme, Inspire Inclusion, focused thoughtful conversations about breaking barriers, sharing experiences and encouraging networking to connect the next generation of innovators. This celebration set the tone for a year dedicated to creating opportunities for staff and fostering collaboration

In the Spring, WIN turned its focus to sustainability and inspiration with an Earth Day Awareness Recycling Event and a Movie Viewing Party. NY CREATES staff united to recycle old electronics and dispose of excess electronic waste. The event demonstrated our organization’s commitment to sustainability stewardship, reducing our carbon footprint, and creating a positive environmental impact. WIN also hosted a special movie viewing party featuring the documentary, Mercury 13. This inspiring film drove stimulating conversations and deep discussions about company culture and inclusion following the film.

In the Summer, WIN also hosted its annual Speed Networking Lunch, which provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and expand our NY CREATES employee network in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Throughout the fall, WIN hosted a Watch Party for SEMI’s Women in Semiconductor (WiS) Conference. This engagement gathered global leaders in the semiconductor industry to provide insightful discussions and impactful presentations about advancing diversity and collaboration in high-tech companies. As the year wound down, WIN brought holiday cheer with its Holiday Gift Donation Drive and a Holiday Cookie Swap. These events not only supported families in need but also offered opportunities for employees to come together in the spirit of giving.

Looking to 2025

As we reflect on a year of celebration and milestone achievements, WIN’s engaging employee events aim to continue to show how collaboration and connection can build bridges, inspire belonging, empower teams, and enhance the organization’s positive company culture.

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.

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 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.

IMG_0352
  • 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.

NY CREATES Announced Candidates for 2024 Cleanroom Operator Registered Apprenticeship Program

NY CREATES cleanroom and cleanroom operators walking

The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) and NY CREATES, announced the debut of the first cohort of apprentices entering its newly established Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This competency-based program, which will support development of the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing workforce at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, is part of NIICA’s overall Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS) program. The Center for Economic Growth, the region’s group sponsor and NIICA partner, is the sponsor of the program. 

After a comprehensive interview process conducted by an experienced selection committee, it was announced that the five candidates for the 2024 NY CREATES Cleanroom Operator (CRO) RAP are as follows:

  • Wayne Burt, D1 META – Research Support Specialist: Wayne holds an associate degree in Semiconductor Technology and brings a wealth of research experience to the program.
  • Lea Montana, D2 CSR – Research Technician III: Lea’s background in Applied Science, with courses in Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, makes her a perfect fit for advancing in cleanroom operations.
  • Joseph Davignon, D1 CSR, Research Technician II: Joseph, who has a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media, combines technical expertise with innovative problem-solving skills.
  • Quazi Ummehany, D1 CSR, Research Technician III: Quazi, who earned a Master of Management and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers a unique perspective and leadership potential.
  • Kyle Huffer, D2 META, Research Technician II: Kyle is a Columbia High School graduate with remarkable dedication and eagerness to excel in the semiconductor industry.we
From Left to Right: Joe Rodino (CRO Manager), Kyle Huffer (D2 META), Lea Montana (D2 CSR), Rick McDonald (CRO Manager)
Sean Roberts (CRO Manager), Joseph Davignon (D1 CSR)
Ryan Moore (CRO Manager), Quaszi Ummehany (D1 CSR)
Paul Woodin (CRO Manager), Wayne Burt (D1 META)

Program Overview:

The RAP will emphasis training current NY CREATES CRO employees, many of whom hold associate and bachelor’s degrees, accelerating their on-the-job training. Phase two will expand to include external recruitment from educational institutions in the K-12 system, creating a seamless pathway for graduating high school students to transition into apprenticeships at NY CREATES’ state-of-the-art research facility, which is supporting national efforts, such as the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act, and aims to enable future-related initiatives, such as the National Semiconductor Technology Center, that could mean billions of dollars in investments and hundreds of additional high-tech careers. 

Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), a key regional training provider for NIICA’s GAINS RAPs, is playing an important role in delivering the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for the NY CREATES program. This collaboration with NY CREATES marks the second apprenticeship partnership with NIICA for HVCC, following their successful involvement in the first semiconductor apprenticeship program with GlobalFoundries.

Key Benefits:

  • Mentorship: Each apprentice will be paired with a mentor in the fab, ensuring guidance, safety, and support throughout the program.
  • Education: The program covers the cost of four courses (13 credits) at HVCC, valued at $6,000, which are stackable toward associate degrees.
  • Certification: Upon completion, apprentices will earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion from the New York State Department of Labor, signifying their mastery at the journey worker level.
  • Career Advancement: Program graduates are eligible to apply for open technician positions and are guaranteed an interview upon submission of their applications.

We want to also want to recognize CRO managers, Paul Woodin, Ryan Moore, Sean Roberts, Joe Rodino, and Rick McDonald for their dedication, time, and commitment to our apprenticeship program. Their support and leadership throughout this program not only contribute to the growth and development of their CRO team members that were selected for this program, but also plays a vital role in the overall success of this significant workforce development program at NY CREATES.

This apprenticeship program is a direct pathway to career advancement in the semiconductor industry, and we are excited to see these talented candidates improve their technical skills and how they will make a difference in cleanroom operations, driving improved research and development, and advancing prototyping capabilities. 

For more information about this program, and the organization’s impact on supporting and leading similar workforce development initiatives, please visit www.ny-creates.org.

Read the NY CREATES press release about this program HERE. 

NY CREATES at SEMICON West 2024: A Journey Towards Sustainability and Innovation

NY CREATES at SEMICON West 2024

Our NY CREATES team was proud to attend SEMICON West this year, held in San Francisco from July 9-11. We were delighted to share our progress and collaborative efforts with our partners, highlighting our commitment to advancing the semiconductor industry. Check out the highlights:

Signing the MOU with SEMI

A significant highlight of our participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SEMI. This agreement underscores our dedication to promoting environmentally sustainable practices within the semiconductor industry. Together with SEMI, we aim to focus on joint development agreements and research programs that align with sustainable strategies, pushing the industry towards greener practices.

Workforce Development Seminar

Our Human Resources leaders, Justin Rivers and William Bronner, delivered an impactful presentation titled “Finding and Keeping Talent: Creating Inclusive Recruitment and Retention Strategies” at the SEMICON West Workforce Development seminar. They shared essential workforce development strategies and provided valuable insights into the industry’s future.

Additionally, Justin and Will participated in an exclusive interview and Q&A session on the NY CREATES NanoChat Podcast with hosts Steve Ference and Jenn Tetrault. This session delved deeper into the workforce development strategies they presented at the seminar, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of our initiatives.

Listen to the NY CREATES NanoChat Podcast HERE 

Podcast Discussions

Our Vice President of Strategies, Partnerships & New Ventures, and Chief Operating Officer, Paul Kelly along with SEMI’s Vice President of Sustainability Programs, Dr. Mousumi Bhat, were featured on a SEMI/3D InCites podcast with host Françoise von Trapp. They discussed the newly announced environmental sustainability MOU partnership between NY CREATES and SEMI and the critical role of the SEMI Climate Consortium in fostering sustainable practices in the semiconductor industry.

Engaging with Our Community

Our NY CREATES team was delighted to engage with so many SEMICON West conference attendees this year, and shared insights about our company’s expanding chip capacity, advancing economic growth, and the future addition of the High NA EUV Lithography Center at the Albany NanoTech Complex. We also highlighted the world-class New York State ecosystem, our environmental sustainability partnership with SEMI, and our workforce development initiatives. We look forward to the innovative collaborations and in-depth conversations that will result from our participation at this premier microelectronics event.

3D InCites podcast host, Francoise von Trapp had the opportunity to speak with our NY CREATES‘ COO and VP of Strategies, Partnerships & New Ventures, Paul Kelly, and Mousumi Bhat, SEMI Americas VP of Sustainability Program at SEMICON West 2024. They spoke about the significance of the Semi Climate Consortium as well as the MOU partnership between NY CREATES and SEMI signed at the event, that promotes advancing initiatives that focus on environmental sustainability efforts from both organizations.

Listen to the 3D inCites Podcast HERE

Looking Ahead

At NY CREATES, we remain committed to driving the semiconductor industry forward through sustainable practices, innovative partnerships, and workforce development. SEMICON West 2024 was a significant event, and we are excited about future opportunities and collaborations. Stay connected with us as we continue our journey towards a sustainable and innovative semiconductor industry.

NY CREATES Hosts Successful First Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting HVCC Foundation

On Monday, June 10th, Normanside Country Club set the stage for NY CREATES’ first annual charity golf tournament, an event that exceeded expectations and raised over $130,000 for the Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Foundation. The generous contributions from this fundraiser will play a crucial role in advancing the region’s high-tech workforce through the new Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC).

The tournament brought together NY CREATES employees, industry partners, and community members for a fun day of golf, company camaraderie, and fundraising activities. Participants enjoyed the beautiful Normanside Country Club golf course, cooler weather, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the region’s future workforce.

This delightful charity event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of key sponsors: IBM, DPS/Gilbane, TEL, FPI Mechanical, General Control Systems, Wainschaf Associates, Applied Materials, and GlobalFoundries. These organizations’ invaluable contributions and commitment to community support were pivotal in making this event a resounding success. Led by NY CREATES’ HR and Marketing/Communications teams, the event showcased how the organization comes out to show strong support for our community partners.

From our team at NY CREATES, thank you to everyone involved, as your dedication and generosity will make a lasting impact on our community.

Stay tuned for more fun NY CREATES initiatives, as we continue to work together to uplift our community!

NY CREATES Veteran Semiconductor Training & Experience Program (Vet S.T.E.P)

While you may know NY CREATES is dedicated to fostering workforce development in the semiconductor industry, you may not know how we’re also supporting our military servicemembers. That’s why we’re excited to shine a spotlight on our Veteran Semiconductor Training & Experience Program (Vet S.T.E.P.), an initiative designed to equip soon-to-be veterans with valuable skills in the semiconductor technology.

Vet S.T.E.P. is a recognized Department of Defense SkillBridge program and the United States Army Career Skills Program, funded by the National Science Foundation (N.S.F.), and hosted by NY CREATES to prepare transitioning service members for technician careers in the semiconductor ecosystem (fabs, equipment and/or material suppliers). This 10-week program consists of a two-week, hands-on training, followed by an 8-week internship with one of our company partners.

Empowering Success in Semiconductor Technology

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging. At NY CREATES, we provide program participants the tools they need to thrive in the high-demand semiconductor workforce. The Vet S.T.E.P. program offers hands-on training, mentorship, and industry connections, ensuring that participants are equipped with technical knowledge and supported throughout their transition. 

VET S.T.E.P. classroom at the Albany NanoTech Complex

Targeted Training

Our program provides veterans with hands-on training in semiconductor technology, allowing them to develop practical skills that are highly sought after in the industry. For instance, participants will gain a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing practices, essential electronics operations, mechatronics troubleshooting, and pneumatics technology, which are necessary for roles such as semiconductor process engineer or equipment technician.

Impactful Mentorship

Each servicemember learns directly from industry experts, typically experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and valuable insights throughout the program. Our mentors are committed to helping the class participants navigate the complexities of the semiconductor industry, explain specific engineering terminology, and offer advice on career development, networking, and professional growth. Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of our program.

Industry Connections

In addition to hands-on training and mentorship, the Vet S.T.E.P. program helps transitioning servicemembers build connections within the semiconductor industry. Through this program, participants can interact with partnered companies and potential future employers. These connections enhance the participants’ job prospects and foster a strong sense of community and belonging within the industry, making them feel part of something bigger.

Fostering Personal Growth and Industry Advancement

At NY CREATES, investing in our transitioning servicemembers benefits them individually and contributes to the advancement of the semiconductor industry. By equipping them with valuable skills and enabling their transition into the workforce, we’re not just filling critical talent gaps and driving innovation in semiconductor technology, but we are also fostering personal growth and career transformation.

VET S.T.E.P. students doing electrical work at Albany NanoTech Complex

Supporting Our Transitioning Military Servicemembers and Veterans

The Vet S.T.E.P. program at NY CREATES is more than just a training initiative—it’s a commitment to empowering transitioning military servicemembers and strengthening workforce development in the semiconductor industry. This program is a memorable experience and a meaningful difference for those who have served our country and ensured a brighter future for the semiconductor industry.

Are you a member of the military or veteran interested in this program? Learn how you can participate by contacting Vet S.T.E.P Program Manager, Dan Cochran, [email protected]

Learn more about the program here: https://ny-creates.org/vetstep

Stay tuned for more updates and success stories from the Vet S.T.E.P. program at NY CREATES.

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