News Release: NY CREATES and Korea’s National Nano Fab Center Announce Research Partnership to Develop Joint Technology Hub

NY CREATES and Korea’s National Nano Fab Center Announce Research Partnership to Develop Joint Technology Hub

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 17, 2024

Contact:

Steve Ference |sference2@ny-creates.org | +1 (518) 424-6029

Eun Kyong Choi | ekchoi@nnfc.re.kr | +82 (42) 366-2061 

Albany, N.Y. and Daejeon, Korea – NY CREATES, a non-profit focused on semiconductor-based R&D, workforce development, and economic advancement, and the National Nano Fab Center, the leading public organization for providing semiconductor technology services in Korea, announced a partnership which aims to develop a shared hub for enabling joint research, aligned technology services, testbed support, and an engineer exchange program to bolster chips-centered R&D, workforce development, and each nation’s respective high-tech ecosystem.

Leaders from the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), based in Albany, New York, and the National Nano Fab Center, which is based in Daejeon, South Korea, met at a series of engagements in Korea in early May when NY CREATES President Dave Anderson and NNFC President Park Heung Soo ceremonially signed the agreement. The two organizations plan to work together to grow the U.S.—SouthKorea semiconductor research ecosystem, including the expansion of prototype production and demonstration. As part of the visit, NY CREATES leaders also took part in the 20th anniversary celebration of NNFC’s operations.

This partnership news follows U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer’s announcement that he secured a commitment from South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol for Korea to partner with NY CREATES for advanced semiconductor R&D at its Albany NanoTech Complex. This also builds upon a joint declaration signed in 2023 to promote collaboration and partnership between NY CREATES and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). Such partnerships highlight NY CREATES’ fast-growing collaborative network, amplifying its role as a premier global center for semiconductor research and as an ideal major hub for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) which is to be established under the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act.

“This exciting new partnership between NY CREATES and Korea’s National Nano Fab Center will further strengthen New York’s booming semiconductor hub. When I met with President Yoon last year, he personally agreed to growing Korea’s partnerships with New York, including in the microchip industry, and now we are going to hit the ground running towards a shared vision of the future powered by an innovation economy we are building together,” said Senator Schumer. “International partnerships like this show why Albany NanoTech is best positioned to be a major hub of the National Semiconductor Technology Center created by my CHIPS & Science Law. By creating a shared hub for semiconductor research, workforce development, and more, this partnership marks another step forward on Upstate NY’s collaborative efforts to build out the region as a global chips leader.”

“NY CREATES is proud to congratulate the National Nano Fab Center as they celebrate 20 years of operations. Now, we look forward to developing a collaborative hub for technology development services and testbed support that will leverage the capabilities of our globally recognized Albany NanoTech Complex, America’s most advanced 300mm semiconductor research center, and the resources of the NNFC’s state-of-the-art facilities,” said NY CREATES President Dave Anderson. “This global partnership will identify synergistic areas of research and promote advancements in the semiconductor field that are critical for our allied nations to ensure continued technological strength.”

“We are very pleased to announce the collaboration of NNFC and NY CREATES as joint semiconductor technology hubs for the industry and semiconductor researchers in Korea and the U.S. We will actively support bilateral semiconductor research and open up new opportunities for the industry,” said NNFC President Park Heung Soo. 

At a conference held May 9 in Seoul, NY CREATES met with key members of the Korean semiconductor industry and their partners. There, more than 200 participants heard NY CREATES leadership team present an overview about the organization’s world-class capabilities and its related business opportunities. In addition, nearly three dozen companies participated in separate face-to-face business discussions with the NY CREATES business team, leading to active discussions with multiple Korean semiconductor companies large and small about potential collaboration.

Following the Seoul visit, NY CREATES’ leadership team visited Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, Korea, to tour the campus and participate in NNFC’s 20thanniversary celebration. A number of Korean dignitaries attended, including Vice Minister of Science and ICT Lee Chang Yoon and KAIST President Lee Kwang-Hyung. 

Paul Kelly, NY CREATES Vice President of Strategies, Partnerships, & New Ventures and Chief Operating Officer presented to the more than 300 participants, sharing that while NY CREATES’ name indicates the organization is based in New York State, “we are focused on enabling meaningful global partnerships.”

This latest international partnership announcement also follows New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s December announcement: a $10 billion partnership composed of IBM, Micron, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and others to establish a next-generation semiconductor research and development center at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex. Once built, New York’s High NA EUV Lithography Center will position the state as a destination for research and development of innovative chip technology and foster international partnerships as world-renowned research organizations expand their presence in the U.S.

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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 National Nano Fab Center

NNFC started as a KAIST-affiliated institution, located on the KAIST campus in Daejeon, South Korea. NNFC was established in May 2004 and this year marks its 20th anniversary. Since 2014, NNFC has been affiliated to Ministry of Science and ICT in Korea, providing technology services with advanced facilities in the field of semiconductor, nano-bio, MEMS and display, etc. NNFC also fosters semiconductor top talents, especially for college graduates. As NNFC stared its service in 2005, the total number of R&D services by NNFC is more than 220,000 and about 8,900 institutions including academia and industry have used the NNFC technical services and facilities. NNFC provides top-notch technical services with 200mm and 300mm semiconductor equipment as well as various MEMS tools, growing into a global leading public institution for supporting R&D activities and commercialization at home and abroad. Learn more at www.nnfc.re.kr/eng/

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News Coverage:

Times Union: NY CREATES to partner with South Korean version of Albany NanoTech

Pulse: Korea, U.S. collaborate on advanced fab R&D

TJB News: Nanotechnology Institute-Signed technical cooperation with ‘NY Creates’ in the United States|

EMS Now: NY CREATES And Korea’s National Nano Fab Center Announce Research Partnership To Develop Joint Technology Hub

Governor Hochul News Release: Governor Hochul Announces Innovative New Energy Laboratory at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex

Read Governor Hochul’s Press Release Here

New York Power Authority Digital Power Grid “Twin” Enables Testing of New Technologies, Grid Improvements and Impacts of Integration of Renewable Resources

Virtual Testing Platforms To Help Accelerate Adoption of New Clean Energy Products and Services, Modernize Energy Sector

NYSERDA To Provide $9 Million To Support Advanced Technology Research

View Video of AGILe Lab

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the official opening of a first-of-its-kind, world-class electric grid and power systems laboratory based at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, the nation’s most advanced non-profit semiconductor research and development facility. The Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe), located in the Zero Energy Nanotechnology (ZEN) building, enables testing, modeling and validation of new electrification technologies, electric grid improvements, transmission-related products and services, and novel solutions for energy systems. The AGILe lab offers customers the ability to test technologies in real-time on a digital model of the New York State power grid and its ancillary systems.

“The AGILe lab, centrally and conveniently located in New York’s capital, will serve as a global electric grid research center,” Governor Hochul said. “The clean energy transition will be informed by data, and the newly expanded AGILe facility will help New York State and energy investigators from around the world develop innovative energy solutions that will move us to a more sustainable future.”

Created by the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state electric utility, the newly expanded AGILe lab provides real-time electric grid simulation to evaluate future scenarios and to test the impacts of new and improved technologies on the bulk electric system without placing the state’s electric grid at risk. The labs capability to simulate multiple electric grid conditions and to connect equipment physically and virtually to the AGILe test environment will help accelerate the reliable integration of new technologies and products.

NYPA Trustee Laurie Wheelock said, “AGILe’s work seeks to leverage cutting-edge technologies to test energy solutions in real-time without risking the integrity of New York’s grid. The development of the lab is representative of the Power Authority’s continued collaboration with clean energy partners to advance New York’s Climate Act goals, and its timely opening will help inform NYPA on the most affordable and efficient ways to incorporate new renewables into our statewide power network.”

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy is integral to our success in advancing the state’s transition to a clean energy economy. Through novel research collaborations that leverage the data and analysis capability of AGILe, we will answer important questions about the grid of the future so that our energy resources and supporting transmission system are state-of-the-art and able to support our ambitious energy goals. AGILe is a global resource that can be used by any vendor, utility, or research entity seeking to answer pressing energy innovation questions.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Through this collaborative effort with AGILe and our sister authority NYPA, we are collectively fostering innovation to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that advance grid modernization. The knowledge gained by combining the expertise and resources of all partners and advancing state of the art data and modeling capabilities supports New York’s transition to clean energy that is efficiently distributed to residents across the state.”

New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “Initiatives such as AGILe project will help spur the continued development of new, clean energy technologies that support our efforts to maximize the benefits from existing grid investments in New York State. Kudos to the many parties involved in this critically important process.”

New York Independent System Operator President and CEO Richard Dewey said, “I applaud NYPA for once again displaying the leadership and ingenuity necessary to advance the grid of the future. AGILe will help confront the challenges of balancing system reliability with clean energy development and cutting-edge technologies. The NYISO is excited to work with NYPA in this regard and having a grid “digital twin” in our backyard will only make our collaboration that much closer.”

AGILe will also enable the evaluation of the impact of increased penetration of intermittent renewable resources into New York State’s electric grid. Clean energy technologies, such as battery storage systems, electric vehicles, and associated infrastructure, can be connected to AGILe to test efficacy and evaluate performance. Learnings can then be applied so that product improvements can be made before products and services are deployed to the electric grid or energy system.

New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030. The AGILe lab will enable customers to test strategies, products and services that will help advance the state’s climate and clean energy goals.

The AGILe lab will collaborate with various energy-focused organizations, including Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), the New York Independent Systems Operator (NYISO), New York investor-owned utilities, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support research, evaluation and testing of emerging technologies.

New Projects on the Horizon: $9 Million for Advanced Technology Research

NYSERDA is partnering with NYPA to support initiatives on power grid reliability, grid modernization and operational flexibility, cyber security and grid resiliency over the next three years. Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, NYSERDA will make $8 million available through a future competitive solicitation for projects that best utilize AGILe’s data, computing resources and staff. An additional $1 million will be used for research and analysis directed by NYSERDA in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Available to Vendors, Energy Innovators Around the World

The expanded AGILe can be used by vendors and energy innovators to accelerate the deployment of new technologies and advance their clean energy research and testing using cost-effective, safe and practical methods. AGILe systems can service the needs of New York State agencies, electric utilities, technology firms, universities, and independent system operators from around the world to accelerate the interconnection of renewable energy, perform research and development of cybersecurity, and other advanced technologies for grid analysis and operation, including the application of artificial intelligence and wholesale electricity market studies.

The facility’s main capability is a detailed digital model that mimics the behavior of New York’s electric grid, providing real-time insights and predictive analytics in a low-risk and cost-effective way. System users also have access to a portfolio of technology solutions and can use a variety of models in different disciplines to study various impacts on system performance.

NY CREATES President Dave Anderson said, “NY CREATES is driving advanced research and development that will enable next-generation chip technology with a focus on sustainability of the industry. We are proud that our cutting-edge Albany NanoTech Complex will also be a proving ground for NYPA’s AGILe initiative, which will be a testbed for a clean and sustainable energy grid in New York.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul, New York continues to invest in new technologies that support the state’s climate goals and grow the renewable and clean energy economy. This new lab at NY CREATES, made possible by our colleagues at NYPA and NYSERDA, will further support our collective research and development efforts to promote sustainable growth in the clean energy sector.”

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “Our transition to renewable energy will require significant grid upgrades to ensure continued reliability and safety. This world-class laboratory will allow us to run simulations and models, validating innovative technologies, accelerating new solutions time-to-market, reducing risk by testing under various models, and increasing cyber security.”

Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, “Extreme weather events are only increasing in frequency and the billion-dollar cost to our local communities only continues to grow with a rapidly growing climate crisis. Today’s opening of the Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe) will provide nation-leading insight and data on New York’s electrical grid’s capacity and predict its ability to withstand and operate even during extreme weather events. Investing in this type of innovation at the Albany Nanotech Campus cements the Capital Region’s place as a leader in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology research, and ensures our continued ability to respond to natural disasters at a time when it’s needed most.”

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, “Today marks a pivotal moment in New York’s journey towards a sustainable energy future. This state-of-the-art laboratory, powered by the New York Power Authority, stands as a testament to New York State’s commitment to revolutionize the way we harness and distribute energy. At the Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy they will test, model, and validate new electrification technologies, grid improvements, and the integration of renewable resources. AGILe will help lead us on the path towards a greener, more resilient future. Thank you to Governor Hochul, NYPA and all the other partners who worked to make this project a reality.”

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “A reliable and dynamic electric grid is an essential component of our transition to renewable energy and a clean energy economy. I commend NYPA and Governor Hochul for investing in AGILe, a facility that will help accelerate the deployment of emerging grid technologies and ensure that New York State and Albany County are able to capture the benefits of this innovation.”

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “Once again, the New York Power Authority is proving its commitment to building a sustainable future for all New Yorkers. By allowing new energy technologies to be tested quickly and safely, AGILe will have an enormous impact on municipalities, like Albany, as we work to meet our own sustainability goals. I want to thank NYPA for continuing to do the important work of ensuring a safe and reliable electric grid as the energy sector endures major transformations.”

New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State’s climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the state’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

News Coverage:

NewsChannel 13: First-of-its-kind energy lab now open

News 10: New energy laboratory coming to Albany NanoTech complex

Spectrum News: Power grid research hub opens in Albany to promote transition to cleaner energy

WRRV: Cutting-Edge Energy Lab Opens at Albany NanoTech Complex

APPA: NYPA Celebrates Official Opening of Grid Simulation Laboratory

WAMC: New York’s power grid simulation lab gets new home in Albany

News Release: NY CREATES and Raytheon Unveil Collaborative Semiconductor Workforce Training Initiative

NY CREATES and Raytheon Unveil Collaborative Semiconductor Workforce Training Initiative

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Contact:
Steve Ference |sference2@ny-creates.org | +1 (518) 424-602

Partnership Prepares High-Tech Workforce for the Future with In-Demand Engineering Skill

Albany, N.Y. – The New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), in collaboration with Raytheon, an RTX business, announced the deployment of the NY CREATES/Raytheon Workforce Training Program. This partnered instructional program offers participants an 80-hour course focusing on engineering skills, which are essential for success in today’s semiconductor industry. Participants will be immersed in areas of advanced training, including mechanical assembly, pneumatics operation, basic electronics components, and sensor technologies. Participants’ completion of this program signifies their advanced engineering competency and the value they can bring to the semiconductor manufacturing industry, which has been growing rapidly in New York State and across the nation.

“We look forward to this collaboration with Raytheon to help prepare participants for rewarding microelectronics careers. This valuable educational initiative exemplifies NY CREATES’ commitment to workforce development and the importance we place on such efforts to advance the semiconductor industry,” said Dave Anderson, NY CREATES President. “With our Albany NanoTech Complex as the launchpad, we are eager to work with our growing list of high-tech industry, academic, and government partners to provide in-depth, hands-on training that can help innovation-focused workers thrive and companies grow.”

“Raytheon’s commitment to innovation and talent have never been higher,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. “The knowledge and skill advancement our engineers gain through the Workforce Training Program will enable Raytheon to continue to lead the development and delivery of vital, cutting-edge semiconductor technology.”

The inaugural round of participant training included Raytheon employees who successfully completed the two-week program, with plans for additional participants to enroll in the coming months.

“The NY CREATES/Raytheon Workforce Training Program is designed to train participants with the specialized skills required to excel in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Dr. Robert Geer, NY CREATES Vice President of Education & Workforce Development. “Our partnership with Raytheon not only validates the quality of our training content, but it also demonstrates our pivotal role in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry.”

This training program builds upon the strong foundation established by Northeast Advanced Technological Education Center (NEATEC) workforce development efforts. NEATEC is supported by the National Science Foundation and centered at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex. NEATEC education and training content has been used at NY CREATES to train more than 700 technicians and engineers employed in the U.S. semiconductor industry. This content is also in use in colleges and university partners in New York State and Arizona to support innovation-focused skills building for students entering the broader nanotechnology and microelectronics industries.

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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 Raytheon

Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

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News Coverage:

Times Union: NY CREATES, Raytheon partner on chipmaking training

Semiconductor Digest: NY CREATES and Raytheon Unveil Collaborative Semiconductor Workforce Training Initiative

Spectrum News: Vet S.T.E.P. by NY CREATES aims to help veterans get employment in technology industry

Spectrum News

“The semiconductor industry is hiring veterans. A program called VET S.T.E.P. aims to help veterans get employment in the technology industry, and training is ongoing at NY Creates in upstate New York. 

It’s an exciting time for technology and the semiconductor industry for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Some are working to provide opportunities where these individuals can use the skills and discipline obtained through their military experience. So, funded by the National Science Foundation and hosted by NY Creates, this is a 10-week program with hands-on training at the Albany Nanotech Complex.”

Watch the story here