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.

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 Vice President of Strategies, Partnerships, & New Ventures and Chief Operating Officer Paul Kelly 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

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 sfrederick@niica.org.

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

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About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement 

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

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

SOURCE National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement

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

An EUV workstation at the Albany NanoTech Complex.

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

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

Extreme Ultraviolet Technology

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

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

EUV-Focused Patents

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

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

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

Resist having tuned interface hardmask layer for EUV exposure, IBM

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

Molecular organometallic resists for EUV, SUNY Research Foundation

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

R&D Hub

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

CEG Initiatives

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

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

Note

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

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

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

Achievers Awards 2024 – Strategist of the Year: NY CREATES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the article HERE (paywall).

Watch YouTube Video Here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Media Coverage:

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