NY CREATES Signs Five Future Cleanroom Operators at Capital Region BOCES CTE National Signing Day

Image courtesy of Capital Region BOCES

As part of the 2025 Career and Technical Education (CTE) National Signing Day celebration, NY CREATES proudly recognized five exceptional high school seniors who have committed to joining our team as Cleanroom Operators (CRO I) upon graduation.

CTE National Signing Day honors students across the country as they sign letters of intent to begin careers in skilled trades, technical fields, or continue their education—highlighting the value of hands-on learning, technical training, and direct-to-career pathways.

Each student will graduate this June from their home school district and their Capital Region BOCES CTE program, officially beginning their transition from student to skilled professional in New York’s advanced manufacturing and semiconductor workforce.

Capital Region BOCES and NY CREATES 2025 Signing Day Class:

  • Giovanni Blenman – Electrical Trades, Schenectady City School District
    Ariana Nahlupin – Cosmetology, South Colonie Central School District  
  • Tristan Szesnat – Electrical Trades, Mohonasen Central School District
    Spencer Tracy – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Mohonasen Central School District
  • Hayden Hyslop – Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology, RCS Central School District (not pictured)

These students will be offered Cleanroom Operator (CRO I) positions at NY CREATES following graduation, and we are thrilled to support their launch into meaningful careers at the Albany NanoTech Complex, celebrating their achievements in partnership with Capital Region BOCES and their home districts.

Their signing and committing to start their careers at NY CREATES reflects the power of strong education-to-career pathways and the bright future of the semiconductor industry in our region. We looking forward to welcoming these future innovators to NY CREATES soon! 

Media Coverage:

News10 ABC: BOCES students commit to jobs with area businesses

Capital Region Chamber: Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day is a Success: 40 Area Teens Sign Letters of Intent to Work in the Skilled Trades

NORDTECH Technical Director Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf Recognized as 40 Under 40 Honoree by Albany Business Review

NY CREATES proudly congratulates Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf, Technical Director of the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH), on being honored as a 2025 Albany Business Review 40 Under 40 recipient. Dr. Fahrenkopf was celebrated alongside fellow honorees during a luncheon hosted by the publication, recognizing young professionals making a significant impact in the Capital Region.

Through his leadership at NORDTECH, Dr. Fahrenkopf helps advance national security and economic competitiveness by driving microelectronics innovation and facilitating collaboration among academic, government, and industry partners. His recognition underscores the vital role of semiconductor research and development in shaping the future of U.S. technology leadership.

Read the Albany Business Review Article HERE. [Paywall]

NY CREATES’ 2024 Annual Review

NY CREATES Annual Review 2024 Graphic with image of Albany NanoTech Complex

Reflecting on the past year, NY CREATES is proud to share the remarkable progress and accomplishments in our 2024 Annual Review. It highlights a year marked by growth, strategic collaboration, and innovation, reinforcing our role as a leader in semiconductor research and development, workforce development, and economic advancement. 

View and Download Here

NY CREATES Collaborative Quantum Research Published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

Congratulations to NY CREATES’ Ekta Bhatia and colleagues on the publication of their article on niobium surface oxides in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. The team’s work, in partnership with PNNL, BNL and Neutral Physics Corp., is featured on the supplementary journal cover, an honor given to four exemplary research articles from each issue. The findings detailed in this article are important to understand how superconducting circuits for quantum computing can be improved.

Utilizing 300mm wafer-scale fabrication at NY CREATES, isotopic labeling studies, and modeling at DOE labs, coupled with state-of-the-art metrology, Ekta Bhatia, Jeffrey Dhas, and the team uncovered the details of hydrogen incorporation in surface oxides and its mitigation through innovative processes. This accomplishment is a shining example of the cutting-edge research conducted at NY CREATES, with partners across the U.S.

Read the Article Here

IBM Newsroom: Tokyo Electron and IBM Renew Collaboration for Advanced Semiconductor Technology

“Our collaboration at the Albany NanoTech Complex has been instrumental in driving innovation and we look forward to continuing this journey together,” said Toshiki Kawai, Representative Director, President & CEO Tokyo Electron Limited.

Please find a copy of the related IBM Press Release below:

ALBANY, N.Y. and TOKYO, April 2, 2025 – Today, IBM and Tokyo Electron (TEL) announced an extension of their agreement for the joint research and development of advanced semiconductor technologies. The new 5-year agreement will focus on the continued advancement of technology for next-generation semiconductor nodes and architectures to power the age of generative AI.

This agreement builds on a more than two-decade partnership between IBM and TEL for joint research and development. Previously, the two companies have achieved several breakthroughs, including the development of a new laser debonding process for producing 300 mm silicon chip wafers for 3D chip stacking technology.

Now, bringing together IBM’s expertise in semiconductor process integration and TEL’s leading-edge equipment, they will explore technology for smaller nodes and chiplet architectures to achieve the performance and energy efficiency requirements for the future of generative AI.

“The work IBM and TEL have done together over the last 20 years has helped to push the semiconductor technology innovation to provide many generations of chip performance and energy efficiency to the semiconductor industry,” said Mukesh Khare, GM of IBM Semiconductors and VP of Hybrid Cloud, IBM. “We are thrilled to be continuing our work together at this critical time to accelerate chip innovations that can fuel the era of generative AI.”

“IBM and Tokyo Electron have built a strong relationship of trust and innovation through years of joint development. We are excited to continue to build on our long-standing partnership with IBM for another five years. This renewed agreement underscores our mutual commitment to advancing semiconductor technologies, including patterning processes with High NA EUV.” said Toshiki Kawai, Representative Director, President & CEO Tokyo Electron Limited. “Our collaboration at the Albany NanoTech Complex has been instrumental in driving innovation and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”

IBM and TEL are members of the Albany NanoTech Complex, the world’s leading ecosystem for semiconductor research, owned and operated by NY CREATES. For years, IBM, TEL, and others have worked together to build the most advanced public-private semiconductor research facility to accelerate chip innovation. As a result, last year, the site was selected as America’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center, the NSTC EUV Accelerator. As part of this new agreement, IBM and TEL researchers will continue to work together in Albany utilizing its unique ecosystem and R&D capabilities.

About TEL
As a leading global company of innovative semiconductor production equipment, Tokyo Electron (TEL) engages in development, manufacturing, and sales in a wide range of product fields. All of TEL’s semiconductor production equipment product lines maintain high market shares in their respective global segments. TEL provides outstanding products and services to customers through a global network in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence, and consulting expertise. We help clients in over 175 countries harness insights from their data, optimize business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on the IBM hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to achieve their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting offer open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, accountability, inclusion and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

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.

Natcast News Release: National Semiconductor Technology Center Surpasses 100-Member Milestone

NY CREATES Among First 100 NSTC Members
View Original News Release HERE. 
Milestone reinforces public-private consortium as enduring institution engaging full U.S. semiconductor ecosystem to drive U.S.-led innovation, economic competitiveness, and national security

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 27, 2025 — Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity designated by the Department of Commerce to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government, today announced that the NSTC has reached a significant milestone with more than 100 signed Members. This achievement underscores the NSTC’s vital role in convening industry leaders, academic institutions, government partners, and organizations from across the value chain to accelerate U.S.-led semiconductor research and innovation and reinforce the country’s economic and national security.

“We are humbled and excited by this milestone, which is a testament to the NSTC’s mission and the shared desire for collaboration across the semiconductor ecosystem to advance semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing in the United States and strengthen our economic and national security,” said Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “As a public-private consortium, the NSTC is a national priority driving the imperative for cross-sector investment and collaboration to accelerate semiconductor research, build a strong domestic workforce development ecosystem, and extend U.S. leadership in the technologies and industries of tomorrow. We’re thrilled to have such a broad and varied group of Members on board.”

Natcast launched the NSTC Membership program on September 30, 2024, to support and advance the mission of the NSTC, which focuses on three shared and strategic goals:

  1. Strengthen U.S. semiconductor leadership

  2. Reduce time from lab-to-fab

  3. Expand the U.S. semiconductor workforce.  

With immediate interest from a wide range of companies and organizations, the NSTC had more than 50 committed Members within its first month. Building on this initial momentum, NSTC Membership has since grown to encompass more than 100 signed entities from across the semiconductor ecosystem. A comprehensive list of NSTC Members can be found here.

“Today’s milestone reflects the NSTC’s commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem that empowers collaboration to drive U.S.-led innovation,” said Susan Feindt, SVP of Ecosystem Development at Natcast. “We are energized by the engagement we’ve received so far — and this is just the beginning. Leveraging this momentum, we’ll continue to rollout member-driven programs and services that are responsive to real-time industry challenges to collaboratively build the NSTC as an enduring institution that will extend U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology for decades to come.”

NSTC Members benefit from access to leading-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, shared physical and digital assets, dedicated events and collaboration opportunities, and employer-driven workforce development programming. These resources are aimed at encouraging cross-sector collaboration, reducing barriers for members to bring new technologies from lab-to-fab, and supporting member efforts to build and sustain a strong U.S. semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

Today’s milestone comes roughly one year after the NSTC consortium was officially established on February 9, 2024.

The NSTC is actively accepting new Members. Learn more about the NSTC Membership program and apply to join at natcast.org/nstcmembership.