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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Coverage:

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

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

NiiCA: Congressman Paul Tonko Joins National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ and Industry Leaders for National Apprenticeship Week Roundtable to Strengthen New York’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline

Roundtable highlights collaborative efforts, best practices to address workforce development challenges and expand pathways to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing careers in New York

ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 22, 2024 – Today, during National Apprenticeship Week and one day after National Semiconductor Day™, the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA), in partnership with Capital Region BOCES, hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Semiconductors for Tomorrow: Strengthening New York’s Talent Pipeline Through Registered Apprenticeships.” The event convened Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), alongside industry leaders, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations, to discuss how Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) and collaborative efforts are creating pathways to high-demand careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The event spotlighted New York’s emerging leadership in the semiconductor industry, building on recent announcements such as NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex being named the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, a National Semiconductor Technology Center facility that will act as the U.S. headquarters for research into extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. This selection positions New York as a global hub for advanced semiconductor innovation, further emphasizing the critical need for a skilled workforce to support these advancements in the region.

“Semiconductors are the backbone of our modern economy, driving advancements in technology, healthcare, energy, and beyond. New York is uniquely positioned to lead the way in innovation and manufacturing,” said Congressman Tonko. “To fully realize this potential, we must ensure a sustainable and inclusive talent pipeline that empowers workers with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. Collaborative efforts like today’s roundtable exemplify the kind of partnership between government, industry, and education that is essential to addressing workforce challenges and building a brighter, more competitive future for our state and nation.”

“As New York solidifies its role as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, building a sustainable and inclusive workforce is essential,” said Mike Russo, President and CEO of NIICA. “This roundtable highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to meet industry demands while advancing NIICA’s mission to create equitable pathways into high-value careers. Events like these, especially during National Apprenticeship Week, reinforce the importance of partnerships in driving opportunity and innovation.”

Through dynamic discussions, roundtable participants emphasized the role of RAs, partnerships with educational institutions, and innovative workforce strategies in addressing the skills gap and fostering economic growth.

“As someone who works closely with students and employers every day, I see firsthand how transformative it can be to connect young people with real opportunities,” said Dr. Joseph Dragone, Director of Special Projects & Strategic Partnerships at Capital Region BOCES and NIICA Advisory Board Member. “This roundtable brought together leaders from across sectors to focus on creating meaningful pathways that prepare students for great careers while strengthening our local communities and supporting the industries that drive our economy.NIICA has been driving workforce innovation in New York, launching the nation’s first Career Opportunity Hub in Albany in 2023. This transformative initiative brings together regional stakeholders in a concerted effort to build the talent pipeline and connects job seekers with tailored employment and training opportunities in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing. Earlier this year, NIICA together with Capital Region BOCES introduced New York’s first Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, bridging high school CTE programs with RAs to provide students with direct pathways into high-demand careers.

“Developing a skilled and diverse workforce is at the core of NY CREATES’ mission, and collaborations exemplified by today’s roundtable are essential to building the talent pipeline our industry needs. By aligning industry demands with educational opportunities, we’re setting the stage for innovation and growth across New York’s semiconductor sector,” said Will Bronner, Chief Human Resources Officer for NY CREATES.

“Workforce development isn’t just about meeting today’s demands; it’s about creating a foundation for sustained economic growth and opportunity. This roundtable underscores the importance of partnerships in bridging gaps between industry, education, and government to ensure New York remains a leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors,” said Katie Newcombe, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Center for Economic Growth.

“At GlobalFoundries, we see firsthand the transformative power of Registered Apprenticeships and collaborative workforce strategies,” said Christine McLear, workforce development lead for GlobalFoundries. “We must work together as an industry, with strong public-private partnerships, to grow a pipeline of talented individuals who will help meet the growing workforce needs of the semiconductor ecosystem.”

“The future of manufacturing and STEM careers hinges on the partnerships we foster today. By bringing together educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, this roundtable is paving the way for innovative solutions that will inspire and prepare the next generation of talent,” said Jill Cofield, Visiting Assistant Professor, University at Albany, SUNY.

“Building a sustainable workforce means creating opportunities for individuals to grow and succeed at every stage of their careers. Today’s roundtable was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when industry, education, and government come together to tackle workforce challenges head-on,” said Dawn Roller, Associate Vice President of Human Resources for Indium Corporation.

A replay of the roundtable will be made available in the days following the event via NIICA’s YouTube channel. For additional information about the event or for media comments, contact Stephanie Frederick, NIICA’s Outreach and Communications Manager, at sf********@ni***.org.

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

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About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement 

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

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

SOURCE National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement

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

An EUV workstation at the Albany NanoTech Complex.

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

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

Extreme Ultraviolet Technology

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

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

EUV-Focused Patents

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

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

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

Resist having tuned interface hardmask layer for EUV exposure, IBM

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

Molecular organometallic resists for EUV, SUNY Research Foundation

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

R&D Hub

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

CEG Initiatives

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

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

Note

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

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

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

Achievers Awards 2024 – Strategist of the Year: NY CREATES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the article HERE (paywall).

Watch YouTube Video Here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Media Coverage:

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

Biden-Harris Administration Announces NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex as the First CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility and Planned Site for the Estimated $825 Million CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator

October 31, 2024

View Original U.S. Department of Commerce and Natcast News Release Here

New York Facility Will be Key Part of the NSTC and Expected to Drive Innovation in EUV Technology and Strengthen U.S. Semiconductor Leadership.

Today, the Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), announced the expected location for the first CHIPS for America research and development (R&D) flagship facility. The CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator, an NSTC facility (EUV Accelerator), is expected to operate within NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, New York, supported by a proposed federal investment of an estimated $825 million. The EUV Accelerator will focus on advancing state of the art EUV technology and the R&D that relies on it.

As a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, CHIPS for America is driven by the growing need to bolster the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, accelerate U.S. leading-edge R&D, and create good quality jobs around the country. This proposed facility will bring together NSTC members from across the ecosystem to accelerate semiconductor R&D and innovation by providing NSTC members access to technologies, capabilities, and critical resources.

“With this first proposed flagship facility, CHIPS for America is providing access to cutting-edge research and tools to the NSTC and its launch represents a key milestone in ensuring the United States remains a global leader in innovation and semiconductor research and development,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The research and development component of the CHIPS and Science Act is fundamental to our long-term national security and ensuring the U.S. remains the most technologically competitive place on earth. Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are not just producing the world’s most advanced semiconductors; we are building a resilient ecosystem that will power everything from smartphones to advanced AI, safeguarding U.S. national security and keeping America competitive for decades to come.”

“This $825 million investment from the Biden-Harris Administration will cement Albany’s leadership as a world class hub for entrepreneurs, researchers, and engineers in semiconductor innovation and R&D” said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.

EUV Lithography is essential for manufacturing smaller, faster, and more efficient microchips. As the semiconductor industry pushes the limits of Moore’s Law, EUV lithography has emerged as a critical technology to enable the high-volume production of transistors beyond 7nm, previously unattainable. As the NSTC develops capabilities and programs, access to EUV lithography R&D is essential to meet its three primary goals 1) extend U.S. technology leadership, 2) reduce the time and cost to prototype, and 3) build and sustain a semiconductor workforce ecosystem.

“With two decades of proven experience fostering effective public-private partnerships and more than $25 billion invested in semiconductor R&D, manufacturing, and workforce development since its founding, NY CREATES is uniquely positioned to support the NSTC’s mission to provide an open environment to accelerate research, reduce time to commercialization, and grow a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem in the U.S.,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Laurie E. Locascio.

“The CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator underscores our commitment to developing and advancing next-generation semiconductor technologies here in the U.S.,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “Through this collaboration with NY CREATES, Natcast and NSTC members will have access to essential EUV lithography tools and processes to facilitate a wider range of research and accelerate commercialization of the technologies of tomorrow.”

Natcast and NY CREATES, a non-profit advancing semiconductor R&D and workforce development that operates the Albany NanoTech Complex, expect to establish the EUV Accelerator for NSTC members to conduct next-generation semiconductor research and development activities. The EUV Accelerator, which will have initial operations available in 2025, will allow Natcast, NY CREATES, and NSTC members to work collaboratively to conduct research and development activities essential to enabling faster commercialization of innovative semiconductor technology and strengthening the U.S.’s technology leadership. Key capabilities at the EUV Accelerator are expected to include:

  • Access to cutting-edge EUV lithography tools and next generation R&D capabilities, including high numerical aperture (NA) EUV systems, with standard NA EUV expected by 2025 and High NA EUV in 2026.

  • Convening and spurring collaboration with industry, academic and government partners to advance technological innovation.

  • Dedicated NSTC on-site offices to support Natcast and NSTC member researchers.

  • Support for programs that provide, foster, and grow a talented workforce.

  • Efforts to grow NSTC membership and engagement while fostering an open, collaborative R&D environment with all NSTC facilities.

The CHIPS for America NSTC Prototyping and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility, and CHIPS for America Administrative and Design Facility are still forthcoming. The Department and Natcast expect to announce information in the coming months about the process for selecting affiliated technical centers.

Natcast and NY CREATES have signed a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and expect the final contract to have an expected term of 10 years. The final contract is subject to due diligence, continued negotiations, and refinement of certain terms. The terms contained in the final contract may differ from the terms of the MOU being announced today. Learn more about the CHIPS for America R&D facilities here.

Learn more about the NSTC, membership, and how to join, at natcast.org/NSTCmembership.

U.S. – Canada Collaboration Grows with Bilateral Discussions Between C2MI and NY CREATES as Part of 2nd Annual Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor Event

Bromont, QC / Albany NY, October 23, 2024. – The cross-border collaboration between Canadian and U.S. semiconductor-centered R&D, prototyping, and manufacturing industries continues to focus on ways to connect to expand opportunities as C2MI (MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre), based in Bromont, Québec, Canada, and NY CREATES, based in Albany, NY, build upon their partnership that began in early 2024.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in April 2024, the partnership between NY CREATES and C2MI is sparking new opportunities in chips and quantum-focused research, innovation, and workforce development across borders. As part of this ongoing collaboration, the second edition of the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor (NSMC) event was held this year by C2MI in Bromont on October 21st and 22nd. The event brought together more than 100 participants from New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts to Quebec and Ontario, including more than 50 industry leaders, 25 R&D organizations, and more than a dozen economic development corporations, and governmental bodies, respectively.

“The collaborative momentum between the U.S. and Canada is stronger than ever,” said Marie-Josée Turgeon of C2MI. “We’re actively working to expand our cross-border efforts, aligning our expertise and infrastructure to accelerate the development of advanced semiconductor and packaging solutions. Together, C2MI and NY CREATES are creating a fertile ground for the industry to grow, innovate and collaborate.”

“By considering the talent and resources of NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, which engages in research, development, and prototyping in areas ranging from advanced logic technologies to quantum, memory, heterogeneous integration, and more at America’s most advanced non-profit led 300mm semiconductor research center, and finding complementary R&D efforts taking place at C2MI’s impressive complex in Bromont, Quebec, we look forward to enabling innovations and related workforce development efforts to ultimately drive economic advancement for the benefit of both our nations,” said NY CREATES Associate Vice President for Business Development Frank Tolic.

Notable attendees at the 2nd NSMC event included representatives from the U.S. Trade Commission, Vermont Economic Development, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, the Government of Québec, and AMCHAM. fostering critical discussions to bolster North America’s semiconductor supply chain resilience.“This new partnership between NY CREATES and C2MI is critical to helping the U.S. further build the semiconductor industry to strengthen our supply chains and national security, including by working with allies like Canada,” said Senator Schumer. “This partnership once again highlights Albany NanoTech’s global reach as a leader in chip R&D and workforce development, putting Upstate NY in the driver’s seat for the discoveries that the chip industry says will be pivotal to the future of this technology. I’m thrilled that the Capital Region is leading the charge to boost semiconductor innovation in North America.”

Key themes of the NSMC event included the integration of defense applications with semiconductor technology, the role of mature semiconductor nodes in driving economic growth, the empowerment of AI through advanced semiconductor hardware and the development of quantum technologies. Participants engaged in discussions on workforce development and cross-border innovation, exploring funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to shape the future of the semiconductor industry.

Strategic Partnerships Aim for Promising Results
Already, the international networking engagements are leading to meaningful R&D opportunities. For example, Nord Quantique, a scaleup company and leader in the field of quantum error correction, recently announced Memoranda of Understanding with C2MI for industrial-grade fabrication of superconducting qubits using specialized tools and with NY CREATES for scalable, predictable fabrication of qubits utilizing CMOS manufacturing tools for comprehensive testing and scale-up by Nord Quantique.

As part of this NSMC initiative, Technum Québec has reached an important milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with AMCHAM Québec. The MOU strengthens ongoing efforts to improve cross-border collaboration between companies in Canada and the United States, paving the way for greater synergy and innovation across the industry.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to positioning Technum Québec as a powerhouse in the global semiconductor ecosystem. By fostering closer collaboration between Canadian and U.S. companies, we are strengthening our leadership in semiconductor technologies and enhancing our industry’s capacity for innovation,” added Normand Bourbonnais, President and CEO of Technum Québec.

These discussions are part of broader efforts by the Canadian and U.S. governments to support semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring that the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor remains at the forefront of technological innovation, talent and economic growth. The announcement builds on a pledge made in 2023 between the United States and Canada to work together to create a bilateral semiconductor manufacturing corridor. U.S. President Joe Biden issued the joint pledge with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reduce the two nations’ dependence on other countries for critical minerals and semiconductors.

“Semiconductors are an increasing part of our everyday lives and Canada continues to position itself as a world leader. By working closely with our North American neighbor’s, Canada is playing a leading role in the growth and resilience of the semiconductor supply chain. This is not only a question of ensuring our economic development, but also a question of national security,” said the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead.

“As technology progresses at a rapid pace, our federal government support for the Northeast Semiconductor Corridor is essential,” said the Hon. Pascale St-Onge, MP for Brome-Missisquoi, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “The $60 million investment, announced earlier this year, positions Bromont and our region as a center of innovation. It not only creates high-quality jobs but also fosters sustainable growth to tackle future challenges in areas such as smart vehicles, medical devices, and green solutions. This investment helps Canada establish itself as a major player in the global supply chain.”

With building momentum resulting from this successful edition of the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor event, exciting additional efforts are on the horizon with the aim of further enhancing North America’s leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing resilience.

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

About C2MI
C2MI is the largest R&D facility in Canada dedicated to hardware for digital technologies. C2MI is at the core of all industrial sectors, integrating components essential to the use and deployment of digital technologies. Backed by a world-class infrastructure in the manufacturing fields of microelectromechanical system (MEMS), packaging and advanced packaging of semiconductors, C2MI is at the heart of technology development for tomorrow’s world. C2MI is strongly committed to be a unique model of collaboration where synergy between industrial and academic partners is necessary, even essential, to the development of new generation products. Visit: www.c2mi.ca.

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NY CREATES featured in Department of Commerce Fact Sheet

U.S. Department of Commerce, FACT SHEET: Upstate New York Workforce Hub is Maximizing Federal Investments in the Region by Driving Commitments to Equitable Workforce Development

On September 26, 2024, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Raimondo, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT) President Randi Weingarten joined Micron and AFT’s affiliates the New York State United Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers, in Syracuse. Secretary Raimondo highlighted the implementation of AFT’s Advanced Technology Framework, which will help students get ready for the thousands of new technical careers in the semiconductor industry, as well as new funding from the President’s Investing in America agenda to expand deployment and support the Upstate New York Workforce Hub. Based on foundational and technical skills found throughout the microelectronics manufacturing sector, this curricular framework, teacher training, and work-based learning opportunities pilot program has commenced across 10 New York school districts.

This first-of-its-kind framework was developed directly by teachers and Micron to integrate industry-based career exploration and to engage students in deeper learning, such as analyzing information, thinking critically and applying knowledge, all while providing students with real-life, real-world skills.

Secretary Raimondo has highlighted the Advanced Technology Framework as one tangible action that will serve the needs not just of Micron, but the entire Investing in America Upstate New York Workforce Hub. AFT’s vision is to move quickly from pilot to expansion, enabling other communities to work with AFT to scale this program that supports the alignment of education and workforce development programs, starting with high school students, grades 10-12. On September 25, 2024, Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), announced that it intends to award.

$1.7 million from President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act to the AFT Educational Foundation to further expand deployment of the Advanced Technology Framework across New York, as well as Michigan and Minnesota. This award is part of the inaugural NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program and is one of seven expected awards across more than ten states.

The Upstate New York Workforce Hub kicked off this summer with a convening of employers, labor unions, universities, community colleges, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego’s Syracuse campus. Convened by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Empire State Development (ESD), stakeholders at the event heard from industry partners, unions, and training providers on the expected workforce needs associated with their planned investments in the region and discussed how to scale existing programs and develop new initiatives to build strong talent pipelines into the semiconductor industry.

The Biden-Harris Administration is laser-focused on creating training pipelines that ensure all Americans can access the hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs created by the President’s Investing in America agenda—whether they went to college or not. To do that, the Administration launched nine Investing in America Workforce Hubs across the country that are bringing together unions, local governments, employers, training providers, schools, community colleges, and other stakeholders to facilitate partnerships to train and connect workers to jobs in high-demand sectors. First Lady Jill Biden announced five Workforce Hubs last year—Columbus, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Augusta, and Phoenix—which generated dozens of actions to expand pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships, train thousands of workers for good-paying union jobs, and expand community college programs. Building on that success, President Biden announced four new Workforce Hubs this year—upstate New York, Michigan, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia.

Upstate New York has emerged as a growing hub for semiconductor manufacturing, with record-breaking investments throughout the region. Across the state of New York, the Administration has announced more than $28.2 billion in federal investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, which have catalyzed an additional $90.2 billion in related private-sector investments. These investments are generating demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry, construction and related trades by creating good-paying jobs that will support working families in the Upstate New York region.

Department of Commerce Investments in Skilled Workers and Good Jobs

  • This spring, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce and Micron Technology signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to roughly $6.14 billion in proposed direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. competitiveness in leading-edge memory semiconductor production. The proposed funding would support the construction of two leading-edge Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) fabs in Clay, New York, the first step in Micron’s two-decade vision to invest approximately $100 billion in New York and create roughly 13,500 facility and construction jobs.
  • Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce and GlobalFoundries (GF) signed a non-binding PMT to provide approximately $1.5 billion in proposed direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. The proposed funding would support a new state-of-the-art facility, significant capacity expansion, and the modernization of GF’s U.S. manufacturing sites in New York and Vermont, which produce essential automotive, communications, and defense semiconductor technologies. In New York, the funding would support construction of a new, large-scale 300 mm fabrication facility in Malta and the proposed expansion of the existing Malta, New York fabrication facility. This expansion is expected to triple the existing capacity of the Malta campus over the next 10+ years.
  • In July, Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced that it is slated to award approximately $40 million to NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, a consortium led by CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO) in New York, to implement four projects that will bolster the region’s ability to scale up the production and delivery of critical technologies that will enable U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. This Tech Hub will coordinate across the region’s significant semiconductor fabrication investments, adjacent supply chain assets, scientific capabilities coalitions, and partner coalitions to establish an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem that provides career pathways and employment opportunities to the region’s historically underserved communities.
  • The Biden-Harris Administration, also through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s EDA, announced the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing Coalition as one of 21 American Rescue Plan Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) awardees. Western New York Advanced Manufacturing, led by the Empire State Development Corporation, is utilizing a $25 million BBBRC grant to invest in the distressed eastern side of Buffalo, New York and accelerate the growth of advanced manufacturing in the region. The coalition is accelerating the development of the Northland Corridor in Buffalo’s predominantly Black East Side by renovating two industrial buildings, expanding a small- and mid-sized manufacturer training program at the Buffalo Manufacturing Works, and building out a career readiness program through Goodwill of WNY’s Goodskills Career Builder initiative.

The Upstate New York Workforce Hub is maximizing the impact of these federal investments by driving commitments to equitable workforce development, coordinating complementary state, local, and private sector actions, identifying and addressing gaps that exist in the local workforce ecosystem, and catalyzing new partnerships. Already, partners on the ground are supporting these efforts through innovative approaches to training, recruiting, and retaining a diverse workforce.  

Progress To Date

  • One Network for Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP). Last week, Governor Hochul announced the launch of her $200 million ON-RAMP program. Through this effort, Empire State Development (ESD) will invest to create four advanced manufacturing workforce development centers across Upstate New York, including a flagship location in Syracuse. The centers will serve to better enable communities to recruit, train and place individuals from underrepresented communities into high tech manufacturing jobs. Modeled on the highly successful Northland Workforce Development Training Center, located on the East Side of Buffalo, NY, ON RAMP will focus on providing industry-informed training; job placement services, including direct engagement with employers seeking talent; and holistic wraparound services designed to help participants overcome barriers to success such as childcare, transportation, stipends, financial counseling and education, and more.
  • Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) “Real Life Rosies” Program. In August, the New York State Department of Labor announced funding under the Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Program to expand the Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship direct entry pre-apprenticeship programs to Onondaga and Oswego counties. Real Life Rosies supports the training and skill development of women and individuals in underrepresented populations looking to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. Through company tours and guaranteed job interviews, the program helps connect employers with skilled and job-ready individuals. The program was launched in the Mohawk Valley in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC); The Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc.; and community partners, with funding from ESD’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development. ESD anticipates scaling Real Life Rosies to other parts of the state.
  • National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) and NY CREATES Registered Apprenticeship Program. This month, NIICA and NY CREATES announced, the first cohort of apprentices entering its newly established Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This competency-based program, which will support development of the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing workforce at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, is part of NIICA’s overall Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS) program. The Center for Economic Growth, the region’s group sponsor and NIICA partner, is the sponsor of the program.
  • MACNY NY-RAMP. MACNY is establishing the New York Registered Apprenticeship Manufacturing Partnerships Program (NY-RAMP, through $6 million in funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Building America initiative. MACNY will expand its existing programming to train 800 new apprenticeships for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing jobs. The first phase of the program will focus on Syracuse, the Mohawk Valley, Rochester, and Albany.
  • Broadening Research and Inter-Disciplinary Graduate Education (BRIDGE) for Microelectronics. The U.S. Department of Commerce and Natcast announced an anticipated award of $1.5 million to Rochester Institute of Technology as part of the inaugural NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program, The anticipated award will help implement the Broadening Research and Inter-Disciplinary Graduate Education (BRIDGE) for Microelectronics program, with the goal to train 555 students at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, and through a new online certificate program, across microelectronics-related educational tracks. The program emphasizes education, industry collaboration, and student support to address workforce shortages in the microelectronics sector. 
  • Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund. Micron and New York State launched the Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund, a $500 million effort to support workforce development, education, and other community priorities related to the project and expected economic growth. The CIF, seeded by a $100 million State commitment and $250 million Micron commitment, will invest directly into projects aimed at creating good-paying jobs in the region in the coming years, with specific focus on creating equitable and effective workforce development pipelines.
  • NSF and Micron STEM Teacher Training Investment. The U.S. National Science Foundation and the Micron Foundation announced an investment in four projects to advance STEM education training to foster a more robust microelectronics workforce. The investment will support the development of highly effective K-12 teachers in high-need, under-resourced school districts.
  • Micron and GlobalFoundries Adopted the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework. In May, the Department of Commerce launched the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, a set of five best practices that the semiconductor manufacturing companies that oversee the entirety of any potential CHIPS-funded construction project can voluntarily adopt to expand participation in the construction workforce. Both Micron and GlobalFoundries, have adopted the Framework and are developing the specific actions they will implement with contractors, labor unions, and other community and workforce partners. 
  • Micron Partnerships with Community Colleges. As part of its commitment to developing a robust local talent pipeline in New York, Micron has forged strong partnerships with local communities, universities, and community colleges – including Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College (OCC). In August, Syracuse University announced, that it will soon launch a program for military members and their families interested in entering the semiconductor workforce, paid for entirely by Micron. The new workforce pathway, offered at no cost both online and in-person at military bases across the country, will be run through their D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and its “Onward to Opportunity” program. Micron is also partnering with the Manufacturer’s Association of Central New York and surrounding education providers, including OCC, to design and launch a Registered Apprenticeship program in New York to support workforce needs.
  • GlobalFoundries (GF) Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program. The GF PMT proposes approximately $10 million in dedicated workforce development funding to work with local workforce, education, training, and community-based organizations to provide GF with the facilities and construction talent they need now and in the future. GF also continues to build upon its GF Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program, which is the first U.S. registered semiconductor apprenticeship program and graduated its first apprentices in 2022. The first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program provides opportunities for individuals with no prior experience or training in the semiconductor industry, offering full-time paid positions and cost-free college courses to high school graduates.  
  • NY CREATES Veteran Semiconductor Training and Experience Program, or Vet S.T.E.P. Governor Hochul announced Vet S.T.E.P, part of the Department of Defense SkillBridge network, to prepare soon-to-be veterans for technician careers in the semiconductor ecosystem (fabs, equipment and/or material suppliers). The 10-week program consists of a two-week, hands-on training, followed by an 8-week internship with a company partner.
  • Syracuse Build. Syracuse Build is a community initiative launched, by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to support local construction activity by connecting job seekers from Syracuse’s historically marginalized communities with career pathways in construction related fields. CenterState CEO’s Work Train team connected resources and partners to help with this launch and have been instrumental in the development of Syracuse Build’s signature program, Pathways to Apprenticeship. This signature program focuses on helping women, people of color and veterans gain access to the building trades’ registered apprenticeship programs. It is designed to prepare a local workforce for the significant demand for construction jobs, beginning with a focus on opportunities related to I-81 construction. Syracuse Build is housed within CNY Works and supported by the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, Syracuse University, and Upstate Medical University Hospital.

Moving forward, the Upstate New York Workforce Hub expects to support and announce further efforts that help meet the training needs of the nascent semiconductor industry and related investments in the region by fostering collaborations with partners such as labor unions, employers, and education and training providers.

To download the fact sheet, click here. 

Read Article at U.S. Department of Commerce here. 

NY CREATES President Dave Anderson’s Statement Marking the Second Anniversary of the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act 

“As we mark two years since Sen. Schumer’s U.S. CHIPS & Science Act was signed into law by the Biden-Harris administration, NY CREATES is excited about the bright future this game-changing legislation will make possible for New York State and the nation. To date we have seen great progress, with $40 million announced to establish the Department of Defense Microelectronics Commons NORDTECH hub, led by NY CREATES, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University at Albany, and IBM. CHIPS Act awards to Micron and GlobalFoundries are further enabling essential chip manufacturing within New York’s fast-growing ecosystem and beyond. Combined with our Albany NanoTech Complex 300mm R&D and prototyping capacity and the new $10 billion High NA EUV Lithography Center announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, NY CREATES stands ready with our wide-ranging partners to work toward this critical initiative’s success.”

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About NY CREATES

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

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Read Governor Hochul’s Press Release Here