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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.  

About Fraunhofer IPMS

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

 

Media Coverage:

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

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

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

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

Photonics Spectra: Fraunhofer and NY CREATES Partner on Memory Devices

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

NY CREATES Statement Regarding Natcast Announcement of Dr. Craig Child as Director of the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, an NSTC Facility

“NY CREATES congratulates and looks forward to working closely with Dr. Craig Child, who has extensive experience across high-tech industries, deep knowledge of EUV lithography, and is very familiar with our Albany NanoTech Complex and its ecosystem. Home to the EUV Accelerator, NY CREATES provides a state-of-the-art, accessible semiconductor R&D and prototyping environment. Together with Natcast and our partners, we will drive the growth and success of the EUV Accelerator in support of the overall NSTC initiative to advance U.S. technological leadership.”

– Dave Anderson, President, NY CREATES 

Please find a copy of the related Natcast news release below:

Natcast Announces Dr. Craig Child as Director of the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, an NSTC Facility

Industry veteran will lead Natcast on-site staff and enable NSTC Members and Natcast researchers to leverage state-of-the-art EUV technology in advancing innovation and U.S. economic and national security

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 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, today announced Dr. Craig Child as Director of the CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator, an NSTC Facility (EUV Accelerator), located at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, N.Y.

In this role, Dr. Child will lead Natcast on-site staff and enable NSTC Members and Natcast researchers to leverage state-of-the-art EUV technology in advancing innovation and U.S. economic and national security. The EUV Accelerator is anticipated to be operational in July 2025.

“We are pleased to welcome Craig to the Natcast team to lead our work at the EUV Accelerator,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “Craig’s proven leadership, industry experience, and breadth of technical expertise will be instrumental in enabling the operations of this facility. This investment in shared national infrastructure and assets provides access to leading-edge tools and resources, and it is integral to advancing U.S.-led innovation and strengthening America’s position as a global leader in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing.”

As the EUV Accelerator’s on-site executive representative for Natcast and NSTC Members, Dr. Child will oversee and facilitate collaboration among industry, academia, government, other ecosystem partners, and Natcast researchers to conduct R&D essential to reducing the barriers and time to commercialize innovative semiconductor technology. This activity aligns to the goals outlined in the NSTC Strategic Plan released in October 2024 and will support the forthcoming NSTC Research Agenda to be released in the coming months.

“EUV lithography is at the heart of advanced semiconductor scaling, and the research we conduct at the EUV Accelerator will shape the industry for decades to come,” said Robert Chau, Senior Vice President of Research at Natcast. “With Craig at the helm, NSTC Member and Natcast research conducted at the EUV Accelerator is poised to push the limits of chip manufacturing and technology integration in the U.S.”

Dr. Child joins Natcast from IBM Research, where he managed a team of 25 engineers and was responsible for all IBM Research Quality and Reliability activities. With more than two decades of experience in semiconductor R&D, Dr. Child has led advanced technology development at IBM Research, GlobalFoundries, AMD, and Intel, specializing in EUV lithography, BEOL integration, and process innovation. Dr. Child holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and is an inventor on multiple patents.

“I’m honored to join Natcast to lead the on-site team at the EUV Accelerator at such a pivotal moment for semiconductor research and innovation in the United States,” said Dr. Child. “EUV lithography is essential to advancing next-generation chip manufacturing, and I look forward to working alongside world-class scientists, engineers, and industry partners at this state-of-the-art facility to accelerate U.S.-led innovation of this critical technology.”

On October 31, 2024, Natcast and the Department of Commerce announced NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex as the anticipated location for the EUV Accelerator. This state-of-the-art site enables Natcast and NSTC Members to have access to leading-edge EUV technology and resources and to cultivate collaboration and innovation among a vibrant ecosystem.

The EUV Accelerator is one of three announced CHIPS for America R&D flagship facilities. Together, these facilities will provide a home for conducting world-class R&D, fostering innovation and collaboration, and reducing the time between early-stage research and commercialization. These efforts will advance America’s global leadership in design, materials, and process innovation while strengthening the country’s economic and national security. Learn more about the three CHIPS for America R&D flagship facilities at natcast.org/facilities.

Media Coverage:

Albany Business Review: Director named for new $825M semiconductor research center at Albany Nanotech Complex

Times Union: IBM chip researcher tapped to lead federal EUV lab in Albany [paywall]

NiiCA: Strengthening the Semiconductor Talent Pipeline: Leaders Convene in Syracuse to Build on Workforce Development Along I-90 Corridor

View the Original News Release Here.

Policymakers, industry leaders, and workforce experts discuss strategies to expand apprenticeships, training programs, and regional partnerships to sustain semiconductor workforce and industry growth

SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 20, 2025 — Today, leaders from across government, industry, and workforce development convened at Syracuse University’s National Veterans Resource Center for a high-level summit focused on advancing workforce strategies that support the continued growth of New York’s semiconductor sector.

Hosted by the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in collaboration with Syracuse University, the event brought together Congressional leaders, state and local officials, workforce organizations, educators, employers, and semiconductor industry experts to examine workforce investments, discuss best practices, and explore strategies for expanding apprenticeship and training programs along the I-90 corridor and beyond.

This convening builds on the September 2023 CSIS forum, “Solving the Semiconductor Workforce Crunch,” and comes as historic public and private investments continue to fuel New York’s position as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Semiconductor and related device manufacturing companies in New York have increased by 27% since the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, reflecting the state’s rapid industry growth.

“A strong semiconductor workforce is the foundation of U.S. technological leadership. New York’s approach—leveraging apprenticeships, skill-based training, and cross-sector collaboration—demonstrates a forward-thinking model for developing talent at scale. Today’s discussions reinforced the importance of aligning education and workforce strategies to keep pace with industry growth,” said Sujai Shivakumar, Senior Fellow and Director of Renewing American Innovation at CSIS.

The event featured discussions with federal, state, and local policymakers on the strategic investments and policies driving semiconductor workforce development across New York. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knightsaid, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is establishing itself as a leader in the America’s domestic semiconductor resurgence by making strategic investments to grow the industry and its supply chain. In tandem, we continue to support workforce development programs and projects that will provide more New Yorkers with the skills needed for these good-paying jobs, while ensuring that these companies have the trained workforce to support new and sustainable growth.”

Workforce development practitioners and industry leaders also provided insight into how apprenticeship programs and industry-education partnerships are strengthening the talent pipeline. “Developing a semiconductor workforce for the U.S. requires more than just classroom training—it demands hands-on experience, industry partnerships, and structured career pathways. Registered Apprenticeships and skill-based learning programs, which NY CREATES is proud to be spearheading with our innovation-focused partners from industry, academia, and organizations like NIICA, are key to closing the talent gap and ensuring workers are equipped for high-tech careers,” said Dr. Robert Geer, Vice President of Education and Workforce Development at NY CREATES.

Participants also highlighted the importance of scaling and sustaining workforce development initiatives as semiconductor manufacturing investments expand. Melinda Woods, NIICA Board Chair and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for supply chain readiness, stressed the role of collaboration in achieving long-term success. “The success of New York’s workforce strategy highlights the power of public-private partnerships,” said Woods. “By strengthening collaboration between government, industry, and education, we are not only meeting today’s workforce needs but also laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience and innovation.”

As federal, state, and private investments in semiconductor manufacturing continue to grow, today’s discussions underscored the importance of continued collaboration between industry, education, and government to build a skilled and sustainable workforce. Speakers highlighted the role of Registered Apprenticeships and skill-based training programs in meeting industry demand and creating long-term career pathways in critical sectors like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

“As the leading voice and business solutions provider for manufacturers in Central and Upstate New York, MACNY is deeply engaged in workforce training and education, including efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeships across the state. It was a pleasure to participate in the event at Syracuse University and see national recognition for the work being done to develop the talent pipeline and prepare the workforce to support the semiconductor industry along the I-90 corridor,” said Mike Frame, Executive Vice President of MACNY. “It was equally important to see the focus on strengthening the broader manufacturing and tech talent pipeline, as these industries will continue to draw from the same skilled workforce.”

With workforce readiness playing an essential role in the success of semiconductor expansion efforts nationwide, leaders explored strategies to ensure training programs remain adaptable, scalable, and aligned with evolving industry needs. As New York continues to serve as a model for semiconductor workforce development, the discussions will help shape future efforts to strengthen talent pipelines and support a globally competitive and resilient workforce.

“It was great to see national recognition from CSIS and NIICA for our region’s efforts to attract major investments with long-term impacts for the state and nation—potentially one of the largest semiconductor investments in history. This was truly a collective effort by regional stakeholders, state and federal government, and private organizations. Now, the focus shifts to preparing the workforce needed to power these investments, creating opportunities for county and state residents for generations to come—and we are ready for the task,” said Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive, who has played a key role in attracting Micron and other major investments while preparing the region to support ongoing operations.

A replay of the event will be made on NIICA’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@NiiCA-workforce.

For more information about NIICA’s work, visit www.niica.org. For more information about CSIS’ work, visit www.csis.org.

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 a nation’s leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development strategy and is the U.S. Department of Labor’s national Registered Apprenticeship industry Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding apprenticeships 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 National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative. 

About the Center for Strategic and International Studies
CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical solutions to global challenges through independent research and strategic analysis. CSIS is a leader in national security and economic policy research, helping to shape policies that enhance U.S. global competitiveness and long-term stability. Through expert-driven reports, events, and advisory work, CSIS provides innovative, cross-disciplinary insights to inform key policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders.

Founded in 1962, CSIS is led by President and CEO John J. Hamre and governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Thomas J. Pritzker. The organization’s mission is driven by non-partisanship, integrity, and professional excellence, with a commitment to shaping a safer and more prosperous world through strategic engagement and policy impact.

Arcadis News Release: Arcadis to Design and Build Expansion for NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex

Aerial image of the Albany NanoTech Complex

The project underscores Arcadis’s expertise in semiconductor and advanced technology facility design

ALBANY, NY – January 27, 2025 – Arcadis, a global leader in intelligence-driven sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions, is pleased to announce the formation of the DPS | Gilbane Joint Venture, comprised of Arcadis’s DPS Advanced Technology Group Inc. and Gilbane Building Company as the design builder and contractor for the expansion project at the Albany NanoTech Complex, which is owned and operated by non-profit NY CREATES.

This project is centered on construction of the NanoFab Reflection building (NFR), the newest addition to the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science’s (NY CREATES’) infrastructure. NFR will be 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 Albany NanoTech Complex expansion extends beyond the ultramodern NFR building itself to a new 900-car parking garage, and a high voltage switchyard upgrade. The Joint Venture awarded the design of the facility to Arcadis and its consultants including Dedicated Process Architecture and Engineering Services, D.P.C.

Once complete, NY CREATES, with key industry, government, and academic partners, will operate 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.

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: “Arcadis, under the DPS|Gilbane joint venture, has been entrusted as a strategic partner to design and build NY CREATES’s new NanoFab Reflection building and parking garage as well as expand critical infrastructure at our Albany NanoTech Complex. An on-time project delivery will propel next-generation semiconductor advancements for years to come.”

Michael Schwarz, Business Director, U.S. Semiconductor at Arcadis, said: “Current and future OEM tenants will benefit from this campus expansion, driving further development of new generation semiconductor tools and processes. NY CREATES’s Albany NanoTech Complex continues to be a global hub of advanced semiconductor research, and our team is excited to continue our partnership on this campus.”

Arcadis, DPS Advanced Technology Group, and Dedicated Process Architecture and Engineering Services will provide comprehensive services to the Joint Venture including architecture, engineering, procurement, logistics, and construction management personnel for the project. By establishing an interactive environment that integrates the client with the design team process, early decision-making and dynamic dialogue will positively impact all phases of the project.

The Joint Venture team will utilize modular and off-site manufacturing to achieve design to target value. They will help promote improved safety and quality and significantly reduce cost and schedule to delivery. Employing advanced planning and scheduling, the construction management team will create integrated teams to help eliminate waste and produce a highly reliable and visible schedule.

Nilesh Parmar, U.S. Places Business Area Leader at Arcadis, said: “The NanoFab Reflection project provides an opportunity to showcase multiple facets of Arcadis’s capabilities in this space including construction management and design. The impact of this expansion will be noticeable throughout the R&D technologies and the burgeoning semiconductor industry, creating future site development opportunities.”

CEG Press Release: NY’s 1st Nanotech Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Trade Gets Approval


Jan. 17, 2025 – The New York Department of Labor (NYS DOL) recently approved the Nanotechnology Engineering Technician (NET) trade, the first of its kind in the state, sponsored by the Center for Economic Growth (CEG).

CEG’s leadership in developing the trade creates new and expanded Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) for the region, and the state. It also helps grow the semiconductor workforce in the Capital Region and beyond, directly benefiting GlobalFoundries’ (GF) chip fab in Saratoga County and the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES) in Albany County, both of which are initial program signatories. 

NET apprentices will get on-the-job training at GF’s manufacturing facility in Malta, in addition to related classroom instruction at Hudson Valley Community College’s Troy and Malta campuses. As the group sponsor, CEG will be responsible for the administration of NYS DOL-required apprenticeship onboarding, reporting as well as overseeing apprentices’ progression through the program. NYS DOL approved the NET RAP on Dec. 17.

“Nanotechnology Engineering Technician rounds out the suite of semiconductor industry trades that the Center for Economic Growth has been developing for the last four years. From operators and technicians in manufacturing settings to working in R&D labs, the highly skilled apprentices we are sponsoring will help further solidify the Capital Region’s status as a global semiconductor hub with the trained talent needed to continue to grow. We are grateful for the support of our partners, especially the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NICCA), The Manufacturers Association (MACNY), HVCC, and New York State Department of Labor,” said CEG Chief Economic Development Officer Katie Newcombe.

“GlobalFoundries’ industry-leading registered apprenticeship program has helped GF bring new technicians into the industry and is essential for building a unique skillset that is critical to semiconductor manufacturing,” said Kerry Wright, GlobalFoundries’ Vice President of Talent Acquisition. “The addition of the Nanotechnology Engineering Technician trade creates additional opportunities for technician training at GF, further developing the technician career path, and providing additional opportunities for existing employees. We are grateful for CEG’s partnership on registered apprenticeship and leadership in developing this new trade.”

“We’re proud to be a part of this initiative, and we see this program as an integral component of our workforce development strategy,” said NY CREATES Vice President for Education and Workforce Development, Dr. Robert Geer. “Working with our partners, we intend to create pathways for individuals throughout the region to pursue careers in the semiconductor industry, as we enable leading-edge chip R&D and commercialization, economic advancement, and workforce development for New York State and the nation.”

The addition of the NET trade continues CEG’s pioneering sponsorship of career pathways for the semiconductor industry and leadership in helping companies establish and grow RAPs. In 2020, CEG became the sponsor of a first-of-its-kind RAP for the semiconductor industry to train for GF, in partnership with HVCC and MACNY. In 2023, CEG also sponsored the nation’s first semiconductor-specific RAP for a major semiconductor R&D center, in partnership with NY CREATES, the non-profit owner and operator of the Albany NanoTech Complex, and NIICA. 

Since launching its apprenticeship program in 2018, CEG has sponsored 18 signatories (employers), 122 apprentices, and supported 17 trade titles. CEG is part of the statewide Manufacturing Intermediary Apprenticeship Program partnership, which is led by MACNY. The NYS DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program is a formal training program that combines on-the-job training with formal classroom education to prepare individuals to enter and grow in new careers. CEG also acts as a Group Program Sponsor for NIICA’s Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductor (GAINS) RAP, which will help provide incentives for company’s apprenticeship programs, including NY CREATES and GF. 

“I applaud the Center of Economic Growth (CEG) for sponsoring this revolutionary apprenticeship program, officially expanding the New York registered apprenticeship model into Nanotechnology. The CEG has been a long-time partner of the Department through their Advanced Manufacturing programs, and this new apprenticeship will help to train our workforce in the high-tech fields that will continue to shape our economy in the future,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.

“MACNY is proud to partner with CEG and the members of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York to expand Registered Apprenticeship across New York State. Thanks to these efforts, the Nanotechnology Engineering Technician trade will allow for new opportunities to upskill our workforce in the jobs for tomorrow, especially as New York firmly establishes itself as a national leader in semiconductor and nanotechnology manufacturing,” said MACNY Executive Vice President Michael Frame.

“The approval of the Nanotechnology Engineering Technician apprenticeship in New York reflects the state’s leadership in building a world-class workforce for the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. New York is setting a powerful example by aligning training opportunities with industry needs, paving the way for meaningful careers and long-term economic growth,” said Mike Russo, President & CEO of NIICA. “At the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™, we’re honored to partner with CEG and others through our Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors™ (GAINS) program, to support the development of NET occupation and apprentices in gaining the skills and experience they need to thrive. This initiative isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient future for individuals, businesses, and communities.”

“Hudson Valley Community College is committed to the future of workforce training in the Capital Region, and we’ve been expanding our programming, partnerships and facilities to offer more opportunities for students to prepare for the well-paid, in-demand jobs that local employers need filled, especially in areas like skilled trades and applied technologies,” said Hudson Valley Community College Officer in Charge Louis Coplin. “The creation of the Nanotechnology Engineering Technician trade and the programming that will go with it is a perfect example of how collaborating with business and community partners and organizations can benefit all of us and help create a brighter future for our region.”

About CEG

The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) is dedicated to driving economic growth in New York’s eight-county, 1.1-million-person Capital Region. As a nonprofit regional economic development organization, we do this by attracting investment and talent; growing manufacturing and workforce capabilities, leveraging industry clusters, and developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We serve as a catalyst and work with partners and stakeholders to prepare the region to compete and move high-impact strategies and projects forward. An affiliate of the Capital Region Chamber, CEG is supported by investors in business, government, education, and the nonprofit sectors who are committed to sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. For more information on CEG, visit www.ceg.org.

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Eaton News Release: Eaton Wins Contract to Help Power Semiconductor Research at NY CREATES’ New Facility in New York

NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Complex

Eaton News Release View Original

  • Eaton power distribution equipment and monitoring software establish resilient energy backbone for state-of-the-art semiconductor R&D

January 14, 2025

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced a contract valued at approximately $20M to help support the construction of the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering and Science’s (NY CREATES) new NanoFab Reflection semiconductor research and development facility at its Albany NanoTech Complex. Featuring a 50,000 square-foot cleanroom, the initiative will significantly expand the non-profit organization’s capabilities by providing a state-of-the-art environment to further the research, development and commercialization of essential computer chip technology. The project, expected to be complete in 2026, is partially funded by New York State, NY CREATES, its key industry partners and the $52 billion U.S. CHIPS & Science Act.

“Semiconductors are the backbone of nearly every industry worldwide and their precise production relies heavily on dependable power”

“Semiconductors are the backbone of nearly every industry worldwide and their precise production relies heavily on dependable power,” said John Rhodes, president of Eaton’s electrical assemblies and residential solutions in the Americas. “We are confident our power management solutions and software meet NY CREATES’ rigorous standards for power quality, reliability and efficiency while upholding the highest levels of safety.”

The project expands NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex to strengthen its fully integrated research, development, prototyping and workforce development ecosystem that provides technology acceleration for on-site corporate partners, including IBM, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Lam Research, among others. The new facility will also support next-generation nanotechnology research activities, including hands-on internships for students along with career opportunities, and will be home to the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, a flagship National Semiconductor Technology Center facility.

Eaton is supplying low- and medium-voltage switchgear to provide centralized control and protection for sensitive electronic devices across the new NanoFab Reflection building. Additionally, NY CREATES is applying Eaton’s Brightlayer electrical power monitoring system across its Albany NanoTech Complex to streamline facility management through visibility into energy systems that helps identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and avoid unplanned downtime.

Learn more about how Eaton’s solutions help maximize the full potential of smart buildings.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com

Media Mentions:

Financial Times: Eaton Wins Contract to Help Power Semiconductor Research at NY CREATES’ New Facility in New York

Stock Titan: Eaton Wins Contract to Help Power Semiconductor Research at NY CREATES’ New Facility in New York

Evertiq: Eaton wins contract to support NY CREATES’ new facility

GuruFocus: Eaton Corp PLC Secures $20M Contract for Semiconductor R&D Facility

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

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.