Governor Hochul Celebrates Official Opening of Major New R&D Center at NY Creates’ Albany Nanotech Complex

View the original Office of Governor Kathy Hochul News Release here.
View the SCREEN News Release here.

Builds on Governor Hochul’s Investment of $1 Billion, Leveraging $9 Billion in Industry Investment, Albany NanoTech Complex Continues to Act as Growth Magnet

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that NY Creates (the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science) and leading Japanese semiconductor supply chain company SCREEN held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of SCREEN’s Advanced Technology Center of America, LLC (SCREEN ATCA). This partnership between NY Creates and SCREEN brings another international leader in advanced semiconductor technologies to the Capital Region, and further cements New York State’s position as a global leader in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing.

“The opening of SCREEN ATCA marks yet another major milestone for New York’s globally-recognized semiconductor manufacturing industry,” Governor Hochul said. “This partnership allows New York to continue to expand on semiconductor innovation, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the communities around the center.”

SCREEN’s new leading-edge research and development center is located at NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex—the largest and most advanced semiconductor R&D facility of its kind in North America. Researchers at the Center will work to advance semiconductor technologies in the United States, marking the culmination of a strategic international partnership to strengthen collaboration around chip innovation and deepen economic ties between the U.S. and Japan.

This partnership was made possible by Governor Hochul’s $1 billion investment to build and equip NanoFab Reflection, a next generation R&D facility at NY Creates. SCREEN ATCA will leverage state-of-the-art cleanroom space within NanoFab Reflection and includes more than $75 million in initial investment expected during the first three years of a planned ten-year engagement.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is making bold, strategic investments in the industries of the future — we are not only driving innovation, but also building the foundation for the jobs of tomorrow. From semiconductors to advanced research and emerging technologies, these efforts and global partnerships are creating new opportunities for New Yorkers, strengthening our competitiveness, and positioning our communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.”

NY Creates President and CEO Dave Anderson said, “This ribbon-cutting ceremony signifies more than just a new space at NY Creates, it symbolizes a shared vision to expand semiconductor R&D in the region, advance the workforce of tomorrow, and reinforce global competitiveness in this critical industry. With SCREEN ATCA now operational at our Albany NanoTech Complex, we are unlocking exciting opportunities for collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to catalyze semiconductor innovation in New York for the U.S. and the world. We look forward to working closely with our ATCA partners to enable their long-term success.”

SCREEN Holdings President and CEO and SCREEN ATCA Chairman Masato Goto said, “The establishment of the global R&D hub in Albany has been my long-term dream, incubated since I was the president of SCREEN’s SPE business. This investment will accelerate elemental technology validation and equipment development, giving us a further competitive edge and enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers.”

SCREEN ATCA President Ian Brown said, “SCREEN is excited to deepen our 20-year engagement with the NY Creates Albany NanoTech site. With SCREEN ATCA being an active tenant, it expands our capabilities and capacity to develop semiconductor manufacturing equipment, processes and applications internally, with Albany NanoTech onsite stakeholders and our U.S. and global partners.”

Through this initiative, NY Creates and SCREEN ATCA intend to connect leading high-tech organizations in both the U.S. and Japan to leverage their networks and drive innovation in SCREEN’s semiconductor R&D focus areas, including semiconductor wet etch and cleaning processes with a range of wet processing, coat/develop, anneal, and image processing core technologies.

Underpinning the latest partnerships to take shape at Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex is the establishment of the new NanoFab Reflection facility that will also be home to Creates’ EUV Lithography Center, announced by Governor Hochul in December of 2023, which currently offers standard NA EUV lithography, with High NA EUV lithography capabilities accessible in the latter part of 2026. Related tools and components for the High NA EUV Lithography initiative have already arrived and are being assembled inside the NFR cleanroom.

The 310,000-square-foot NanoFab Reflection is a key component of Governor Hochul’s semiconductor strategy and investment in growing NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex, which is already the nation’s premier public–private semiconductor R&D hub. The project will support hundreds of new permanent high-tech jobs, generate $9 billion in private investment, and harness the power of expanded partnerships with universities, workforce programs, and global semiconductor companies.

Since Governor Hochul took office, semiconductor companies have announced more than $124 billion in new investments in New York State. By 2030, the semiconductor industry estimates that one in four American-made chips will be manufactured in and around upstate New York – more than any other region in the country. This historic success will generate thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs and bring growth and opportunity to communities across the state.

The Governor recently participated in a “topping out” ceremony of the NanoFab Reflection facility, marking the installation of the final steel beam of the building’s structure and highlighting its on-schedule construction progress. Completion of the building is anticipated by the end of 2026.

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

About SCREEN

SCREEN Holdings is a holding company supervising four core business companies: semiconductor production equipment (SPE), graphic arts equipment (GA), display production equipment (FT), and PCB-related equipment (PE). Established in 1943, originally as a graphic arts equipment manufacturer, SCREEN has expanded its businesses into the electronics industry, driving innovation in the industries it serves. Its SPE segment is a leading manufacturer of wafer processing equipment for the semiconductor market worldwide. It consistently holds the top global share in wafer wet etching and cleaning and delivers a wide range of solutions that underpin semiconductor production, including lithography, annealing, measurement/inspection systems. Learn more at www.screen.co.jp/en.

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Media Mentions:

Governor Hochul Announces NY Creates Begins Installation of the First Major Tool for High NA EUV Lithography Center at Albany Nanotech Complex

TEL track being installed in NanoFab Reflection at NY Creates Albany NanoTech Complex
TEL track being installed in NanoFab Reflection at NY Creates Albany NanoTech Complex

View the original Office of Governor Kathy Hochul News Release here.

Arrival of Tokyo Electron’s CLEAN TRACK™ LITHIUS Pro DICE™ Marks Milestone as New Center Prepares To Lead the Nation in the Future of Semiconductor Chip R&D

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the beginning of installation of Tokyo Electron’s leading-edge 300mm wafer coater/developer system designed to support the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing at NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex. This tool, called the CLEAN TRACK™ LITHIUS Pro DICE™, applies and processes a light-sensitive layer on silicon wafers, which is the platform upon which computer chips are built. This allows researchers to fabricate the minute patterns needed for the next generation of advanced processors, memory, sensors and more. This is the first major piece of equipment to be delivered for the forthcoming High NA Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography Center at Albany NanoTech, which will be North America’s first and only publicly owned, accessible High NA EUV Lithography research site.

“New York State is leading the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and R&D, and the installation of this tool for the High NA EUV Lithography Center will allow New York to remain at the forefront of chip innovation,” Governor Hochul said. “This announcement showcases the importance of public-private partnerships and how we can work together to deliver for New Yorkers and the nation, providing cutting-edge technology to support groundbreaking manufacturing right here in this state.

In the coming months, ASML’s High NA EUV lithography system, arguably the most advanced machine ever created, will arrive in sections and be installed inside the new NanoFab Reflection (NFR) building. “First light,” when the tool’s EUV light is first turned on, is expected before the end of the year. This progress follows NFR’s “topping-out” milestone, attended by Governor Hochul in December, when construction teams put in place the building’s final steel beam.

Governor Hochul announced Creates’ High NA EUV Lithography Center in December 2023, a $10 billion partnership which includes $9 billion in industry investment and $1 billion from Empire State Development, with leaders from the semiconductor industry such as IBM, Micron, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and others. The initiative is establishing a next-generation semiconductor research and development center at Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex to support the R&D of the world’s most complex and powerful semiconductors.  

TEL track being installed in NanoFab Reflection at NY Creates Albany NanoTech Complex

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State has firmly established itself as a global hub of cutting-edge semiconductor research, anchored by world-class assets like the Albany NanoTech Complex and strengthened by unprecedented public-private partnerships. Through targeted, strategic investments, we are building a robust ecosystem that accelerates innovation, supports next-generation technologies, and attracts industry leaders. These efforts are not only advancing the future of chip R&D, but also creating high-quality jobs, expanding opportunity, and securing New York’s leadership in this critical industry for decades to come.”

Senator Charles Schumer said, “The most cutting-edge extreme ultraviolet chip-making technology in the world is being installed right now in the Capital Region’s backyard. This is a major leap forward that will propel American discoveries in chipmaking that scientists today can’t even fathom. My CHIPS & Science Law has delivered major federal investment across Upstate NY to help communities from Syracuse to Albany lead the way in semiconductor manufacturing, and this state-of-the-art High NA EUV Lithography Center will help supercharge those efforts. With this new advanced chipmaking tool being installed, Albany NanoTech is leading the nation in ensuring America stays ahead of China in the race to build the future of technology. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in ensuring the next generation of microchips will be developed here in America, in Upstate NY, not overseas.”

NY Creates President and CEO Dave Anderson said, “As we begin installing the first major tool for our High NA EUV Lithography Center, we’re taking an important step toward enabling the most advanced semiconductor research capabilities in the world. Tokyo Electron’s LITHIUS Pro DICE system will play a foundational role in supporting High NA EUV operations and accelerating breakthroughs with our industry partners, and we are thrilled to be coordinating this initial effort with our longtime collaborators TEL Technology Center, America, based at our site, as well as ASML. This progress reflects New York’s strategic investments and our team’s commitment to driving the next generation of semiconductor innovation for the U.S. right here at our Albany NanoTech Complex.”

TEL track being installed in NanoFab Reflection at NY Creates Albany NanoTech Complex

TEL Technology Center America (TTCA) President Alex Oscilowski said, “The installation of the LITHIUS Pro DICE system at the Albany NanoTech Complex High NA EUV Lithography Center underscores what is possible when the semiconductor ecosystem comes together with a shared commitment to innovation. As High NA EUV comes online, it will accelerate advances in AI, high-performance computing, and the technologies that will shape how the world connects, computes and creates.”

ASML Business Line High NA EUV Head Peter Vanoppen said,“High NA EUV is a critical enabler of the next generation of semiconductor innovation, and the new High NA EUV Center at the Albany NanoTech Complex will create an invaluable R&D environment for industry and research partners to collaborate on the most advanced lithography technology. ASML is proud to support next-generation development at the Center with the forthcoming delivery of an EXE:5200B lithography system, which will help strengthen the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem and accelerate innovation for the future.”

Micron Technology, Inc. EVP and Chief Technology and Product Officer Scott DeBoer said, “The arrival of the first High NA EUV process tool at NY Creates marks a major milestone for advanced semiconductor R&D in New York and the U.S. The High NA EUV Lithography Center is vital for building the R&D ecosystem that drives next-generation Memory and Logic technologies, enabling future high-performance computing and advanced AI. This complements Micron’s mega fab investment, which will create 50,000 jobs by supporting the research, talent and innovation pipeline needed for long-term success. Micron is proud to collaborate at Albany NanoTech, helping strengthen American leadership and resilience in semiconductor manufacturing.”

IBM Research GM of IBM Semiconductors and VP of Hybrid Cloud Mukesh Khare said, “This milestone is an important step forward for the High NA EUV Lithography Center and the innovation ecosystem at the Albany NanoTech Complex. IBM has a long history of pioneering advances in chip technology, including the world’s first 2nm node chip, unveiled in 2021. High NA EUV is essential for sub-2nm scaling, and this capability will accelerate breakthroughs that will shape the future of computing.”

NY Creates’ High NA EUV Lithography Center already provides industry accessibility to standard NA EUV Lithography capabilities. High NA EUV lithography capabilities will allow chip development at the most advanced technology nodes while serving as a platform for additional partner growth with access to Creates’ cutting-edge R&D infrastructure. For more information about the Center and High NA EUV, visit: https://ny-creates.org/euv-lithography-center/.  

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Media Mentions: 

Times Union: New EUV chip center at Albany NanoTech taking shape with deliveries [Paywall]

Photonics Spectra: Albany NanoTech Installs Wafer Coating System: Week in Brief: 04/10/26

ESD: Governor Hochul Announces NY Creates Begins Installation of the First Major Tool for High NA EUV Lithography Center at Albany Nanotech Complex

FingerLakes1.com: New chipmaking milestone in Albany signals New York’s push to lead next era of semiconductor innovation

National Today: New York Begins Installation of Key EUV Lithography Tool

NY Creates featured in CEG News Release: Capital Region Ushers in the Post-Scaling Era with Chip Stacking R&D

Notional rendering of 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI). Courtesy of DARPA.

Center for Economic Growth (CEG) Notional rendering of 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI). Courtesy of DARPA.

The Capital Region is playing a leading role in taking the semiconductor industry in a new direction: vertically, as the focus of R&D shifts from shrinking chips through traditional 2D scaling to the vertical stacking of diverse chiplets to create compact, ultra-high-performance packages via a process called 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI).

Later this year, the High NA EUV Lithography Center at NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex will start providing high NA EUV lithography, in addition to its existing standard NA EUV lithography capabilities. The introduction of high NA EUV lithography will enable the development of the most advanced chips that then can be assembled into a 3D package. The new facility, when combined with GlobalFoundries’ planned advanced packaging center in Saratoga County, positions the Capital Region to become a major 3DHI R&D hub.

“NY Creates facilitates the fabrication of powerful semiconductor chips with our industry partners, as well as the 3D heterogeneous integration of memory, logic, and photonics at our Albany NanoTech Complex,” said Dave Anderson, President of NY Creates. “We offer accessible standard EUV lithography—and soon High NA EUV lithography—to make those chips that are then processed and assembled into a 3D package. Our High NA EUV Lithography Center will raise the bar for New York’s Capital Region, New York State, and the U.S. by anchoring the world’s most advanced lithography resources in one cooperative ecosystem. In collaboration with industry and academic partners, these efforts are strengthening the region’s semiconductor R&D leadership, driving workforce development, and bolstering economic growth efforts.”

View Original News Release and Read More

Statement from NY Creates President Dave Anderson on the Department of Commerce and NIST Announcement Regarding the CHIPS Research and Development Letter of Intent with xLight, Inc. for Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography

Creates News Release Graphic
NY Creates News Release Graphic

“NY Creates is honored to be included in the first CHIPS R&D award under the Trump
Administration. For more than twenty years, sustained investment by industry and New
York State in advanced lithography and adjacent technologies has positioned the Albany
NanoTech Complex as the nation’s premier site for semiconductor research and
development. This news is a validation of these consistent efforts. This type of bold
R&D venture centered around EUV lithography, which is critical to the industry for
advancing next-generation chip manufacturing, must be proven in an ecosystem built
for complex, collaborative innovation. We look forward to working with xLight and
federal partners to understand the full technical and infrastructure needs of the
proposed program as we continue the work that keeps New York and the U.S. at the
forefront of semiconductor innovation.”

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View the Department of Commerce and NIST News Release

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.
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. 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.

 

Natcast Press Release: Natcast Celebrates Grand Opening of NSTC EUV Accelerator at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, One of Three NSTC Flagship Semiconductor R&D Facilities Across the Country

Read Governor Kathy Hochul’s News Release Here

Read U.S. Senator Schumer’s News Release Here

Read original Natcast News Release Here

Dept. of Commerce, Sen. Schumer, Rep. Tonko, Natcast, NY CREATES, NSTC Members, and leaders from across industry and academia came together to celebrate this momentous milestone for U.S.-led semiconductor innovation, economic and national security

ALBANY, N.Y., July 14, 2025 — Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity designated by the Department of Commerce to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) established by the CHIPS and Science Act, today celebrated the grand opening of the CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator, an NSTC facility (EUV Accelerator), with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the NY CREATES ⤤ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, N.Y., where the facility is located. The EUV Accelerator, which officially began operations on July 1, 2025, is one of three announced NSTC flagship R&D facilities across the U.S

“The grand opening of the EUV Accelerator marks a momentous milestone for Natcast, the NSTC, and the entire U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, as this state-of-the-art facility underscores our commitment to developing and advancing next-generation semiconductor technologies here in the U.S.,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “EUV lithography has emerged as the cornerstone technology to enable the high-volume production of smaller, faster, and more efficient chips. Through the EUV Accelerator, we are providing Natcast and NSTC Member researchers access to the critical tools needed to facilitate a wider range of research and a path to commercialization to advance U.S. leadership in the technologies of tomorrow.”

The celebratory event brought together leaders from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Natcast, NY CREATES, and NSTC Member organizations, as well as U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Representative Paul Tonko, and Empire State Development COO Kevin Younis who all spoke to the significance of this milestone for U.S.-led semiconductor innovation and the impact this facility will have on advancing U.S. technology leadership, economic competitiveness, and national security for decades to come. 

“This facility is really emblematic of what the NSTC program can do for the country,” said Jay Lewis, Director of the NSTC Program, CHIPS R&D Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce. “One of our national strengths is our decentralized innovation. Our technical breakthroughs come from universities and businesses of all sizes, all over the country. But there can’t be a facility like this at every university or in every state. So, broadening the utilization of the Albany NanoTech Complex for the research community provides centralized resources to make that decentralized system better and more effective.” 

 

“America’s first-ever National Semiconductor Technology Center is open for business! Today, the eyes of the world turn to Albany and Upstate NY as the next frontier where the scientific and engineering breakthroughs in chipmaking that we cannot even fathom today will happen. The ribbon cutting for this facility will be heard like a sonic boom and make it clear that America will lead the future of semiconductor technology,” said Senator Schumer. “This is the day I long envisioned when I created the NSTC program in my CHIPS & Science Law. This facility will allow the nation’s top scientists, universities, and companies to access the most advanced machinery in the world for developing microchips. It is the start of a historic new effort by the federal government to ensure the next generation of microchips will be developed here in America, here in the Capital Region, not China, not overseas. Today we help usher in America’s next era of chip research and manufacturing, with Upstate NY leading the way.”

The opening of the NSTC EUV Accelerator showcases what public and private partnership can accomplish to bolster the state’s workforce, while setting the stage for semiconductor research and manufacturing nationwide,” Governor Hochul said. “Since taking office, I have remained committed to ensuring New York continues to lead in business, manufacturing, technology and research innovation, and this launch is only the beginning.”

“For years since the passage of the historic and transformational CHIPS and Science Act, we’ve been telling anyone who will listen that New York is an industry leader uniquely positioned to propel long-term American semiconductor innovation,” Congressman Tonko said. “Today, we celebrate that successful push and the incredible new opportunities it unlocks in innovation, job creation, research, and so much more. I’m also thrilled that my Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act will complement future EUV R&D. As we celebrate this grand opening and cheer all those who helped us get to this exciting moment, let’s make certain that we, as partners in government, academia, and industry, continue to invest in the pioneering spirit of innovation that the Capital Region has long exemplified.”

“NY CREATES and our industry partners are proud to continue our two-decade-long history of advancing semiconductor technologies, and as Natcast cuts the ribbon to share with the world that the EUV Accelerator is operational and their offices at our Albany NanoTech Complex are open, this latest partnership undoubtedly represents a pivotal step forward in accelerating U.S. innovation over the long-term,” said Dave Anderson, President of NY CREATES. “With accessible, standard numerical aperture EUV lithography capabilities available today, and access to High NA EUV equipment available next year, we are proud that NY CREATES is supporting the NSTC’s mission and enabling groundbreaking research, impactful economic growth, and strategic workforce development, all of which are imperative for America’s national security and economic leadership.”

The EUV Accelerator enables researchers from Natcast, NSTC Member organizations, and NY CREATES to work collaboratively to conduct research and development activities essential to driving faster commercialization of advanced semiconductor technology.

Key capabilities at the EUV Accelerator include:

  • Access to cutting-edge EUV lithography tools and next-generation R&D capabilities, including a high numerical aperture (NA) EUV system, with standard NA EUV currently available and High NA EUV expected in 2026.
  • Collaboration space and resources for industry, academic, and government partners to advance technological innovation.
  • Dedicated onsite Natcast offices and staff to support Natcast and NSTC Member researchers.
  • Support for programs that provide, foster, and grow a talented workforce.
  • Facilitation of broad NSTC Member engagement by fostering an open, collaborative R&D environment within the EUV Accelerator and across all NSTC facilities.

Along with the CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF) and the CHIPS for America NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility (PPF), the EUV Accelerator will be a world-class destination for advanced semiconductor R&D in the United States. Together, these three NSTC flagship R&D facilities are addressing critical gaps in the current ecosystem, offering unparalleled value to a wide array of stakeholders across the semiconductor value chain, including universities, small businesses, large manufacturers, and government agencies, and helping to build a strong and vibrant U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.

Following the morning program, nearly 100 leaders from government, industry, and academia gathered for a seminar on High-NA EUV and the future of semiconductor innovation. The discussion focused on the most pressing challenges and breakthrough innovations that will shape the next generation of chipmaking and how best to leverage the unique capabilities of the EUV Accelerator to help advance this work. View statements of support for the facility from across the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem at natcast.org/facilities/euv/endorsements.

The EUV Accelerator is open and ready to support the R&D needs of NSTC Members and collaborators. Natcast is currently accepting project proposals. Learn more about the EUV Accelerator and submit a project proposal at natcast.org/facilities/euv. For questions, please reach out to EUV@natcast.org.

 

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

View Original Fuzehub News Release HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upstate Makes Partner Commitments, Vision for Glass Innovation Hub

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

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

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

Supporting National Security, Manufacturing Competitiveness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NY CREATES 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.”