Advanced Manufacturing Features AIM Photonics and NY Creates in “Enabling Quantum Leaps in PIC Technology”

Zoomed in wafer and tool
Amit Dikshit (right), AIM Photonics design enablement manager, at OFC 2024. The Optical Fiber Communication Conference is the largest global conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals.

A new feature from Advanced Manufacturing spotlights how AIM Photonics and NY Creates are driving innovation in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology.

Over the past decade, the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) has been instrumental in advancing U.S. manufacturing through its open-access, multi-project-wafer (MPW) platform, accelerating domestic development and prototyping of cutting-edge PICs.

At the heart of this progress is NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex world-class facility provides the technologies, advanced cleanroom infrastructure, and high-volume semiconductor manufacturing tools that enable AIM Photonics to deliver wafer-scale photonic integration and specialized prototyping.

Read the full article in Advanced Manufacturing: AIM Photonics: Enabling Quantum Leaps in PIC Technology

GE Aerospace Release Press: GE Aerospace Foundation Launches Next Engineers with University at Albany, miSci and NY Creates in New York’s Capital Region

Plans to reach 4,000 local students with engineering learning and development opportunities

October 7, 2025 – Niskayuna, New York – GE Aerospace Foundation announced today its partnership with University at Albany – State University of New York and Schenectady’s Museum of Innovation & Science (miSci) and NY Creates to launch the Next Engineers program in the New York Capital Region. As a key location in the continued expansion of Next Engineers, New York will play a vital role in inspiring and preparing the next generation of engineering leaders.  

“We are proud to inspire and train the next generation of engineering professionals in the New York Capital Region, where GE Aerospace’s roots stretch back for over a century,” said Germaine Hunter, Vice President, Workplace & Employee Experience at GE Aerospace. “Nearly 1,000 employees help advance the future of flight at the GE Aerospace Research Center where ideas become reality, making it a fitting location as we continue growing our Next Engineers program—a key part of our philanthropic commitment to empowering and supporting the communities we serve.” 

“NY Creates is excited to support this positive initiative enabling experiential learning for students in the Capital Region to expand the critical innovation-centered pipeline which underpins the growth of high-tech companies across New York State and beyond,” said Dr. Robert Geer, NY Creates Vice President for Workforce Development and Education. “We are thrilled to partner with GE Aerospace, the University at Albany, and MiSci to deliver programming that will lead to tangible results for countless students, unlocking lifelong career opportunities as we leverage our workforce development network with our partners to inspire the next generation of talent.”

Read the full GE Aerospace Press Release HERE. 

News Mentions:

Quantum Circuits Highlights Effort with NORDTECH, NY CREATES

Quantum Circuits, Inc. is excited to announce that it has joined the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH) to expand its contribution to the national quest for developing state-of-the-art fabrication technology for supporting superconducting quantum computers.

Our Head of Solutions Architecture and Strategic Relations, Mowaffak Midani, plays a key role in managing relations and projects at Quantum Circuits, and from his perspective joining NORDTECH is a natural step for Quantum Circuits, given our existing participation in the SQFab project, which is a four-year long project that has already demonstrated significant results in the design, fabrications, and characterization of key quantum computing components.

The SQFab project is a DOW funded project for Improved Materials for Superconducting Qubits with Scalable Fabrication. It is led by NY CREATES with work taking place at the non-profit organization’s Albany NanoTech Complex, a world-leading R&D, innovation hub and commercialization facilitator advancing technologies in the areas of logic, heterogeneous packaging, memory, integrated photonics, and more. The SQFab mission is to co-develop technologies necessary to demonstrate scalable quantum error correction, using new materials, innovative quantum circuits and qubit control schemes.

Harvey Moseley, our VP of Quantum Hardware Engineering at Quantum Circuits, sees new materials, fabrication techniques, and approaches to superconducting device production as being essential to manufacture high performance resonators, transmons, and other critical microwave circuit elements necessary for scalable quantum computing systems. 

NORDTECH is a regional coalition within The Microelectronics Commons program, which is a network of regional technology Hubs acting on a shared mission: to expand the nation’s global leadership in microelectronics. The Microelectronics Commons program is accelerating domestic prototyping and growing a pipeline of U.S.-based semiconductor talent. 

Being a part of NORTECH is an exciting opportunity for Quantum Circuits to both contribute to the community and build on our expertise in nanofabrication. We look forward to engaging with its leaders and members to foster a robust effort in accelerating advanced fabrication methods to realize scalable device production and further the Northeast’s leading position as a leader in quantum technology.

 NY CREATES featured in Times Union Article: As Albany’s tech sector takes flight, region fights to keep young talent

Mike Irene working inside cleanroom at Albany NanoTech Complex. Image credit Times Union

Semiconductor industry continues to grow, create jobs

Mike Irene working inside cleanroom at Albany NanoTech Complex. Image credit Times Union

Image courtesy of the Times Union

ALBANY — Michael Irene has traveled to South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland and all over the United States working in the semiconductor industry.

But recently, Irene chose the Capital Region as his home to take on the role of program manager at NY Creates, the nonprofit that operates Albany NanoTech, where he will be focusing on work related to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light. His first day aligned with the opening ceremony of the $1 billion National Semiconductor Technology Center Lab earlier this month.

It’s more of a homecoming for Irene, who grew up in Windsor and had his first job in the semiconductor industry at the NY Creates facility in 2011. With evolving opportunities within upstate New York’s semiconductor industry, Irene said that “Albany is a hidden gem.”

“Read more here.” [Paywall]

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

Read Governor Kathy Hochul’s News Release Here

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

Read original Natcast News Release Here

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Key capabilities at the EUV Accelerator include:

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

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

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

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

 

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