CHIPS for America R&D Launch

The U.S. has taken a important step to boost semiconductor research and development.

Backed by the Biden-Harris administration, the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) has selected NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex as the first research and development (R&D) flagship site under the CHIPS for America initiative.

With an expected $825 million federal investment, this facility is set to accelerate semiconductor innovation, support national security, and ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in technology.

A Strategic Investment in Semiconductor Innovation

The Albany NanoTech Complex, situated in New York, has earned its position as the first R&D flagship site due to its history of success in public-private partnerships, workforce development, and its focus on fostering a dynamic research environment.

This new facility will be dedicated to the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, a hub designed to bring together top industry players, academics, and government partners to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology.

The $825 million investment is a powerful move to solidify the U.S. as a frontrunner in semiconductor R&D and help create high-quality jobs, boosting the economy and enhancing technological independence.

By establishing this R&D flagship, the Biden-Harris administration aims to address the following objectives:

• Extend U.S. technology leadership, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Strengthen supply chain resilience by reducing dependency on foreign semiconductor sources.
• Establish a robust workforce ecosystem equipped to meet the demands of an evolving tech landscape.

What’s on the Horizon: EUV Lithography at the Albany NanoTech Complex

The Albany NanoTech Complex’s research will center on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, a game-changer in semiconductor manufacturing that enables the production of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient microchips.

EUV lithography is critical for advancing Moore’s Law—the observation that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years. As transistors reach ever-smaller dimensions, EUV technology will be essential to sustaining this pace of innovation.

Incorporating EUV lithography will bring several advances:

1. High numerical aperture (NA) systems: These systems, expected to launch in 2025, will set new standards in chip production capabilities.
2. Reduction of prototype time and cost: With improved lithography techniques, time-to-market will decrease significantly, allowing companies to prototype at a faster rate.

In addition to these advancements, the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator will house some of the most cutting-edge R&D tools available, enabling the U.S. to take a giant leap toward leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing.

Building a Strong Semiconductor Workforce

A critical component of the CHIPS for America initiative is workforce development, which is essential to sustaining long-term U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology.

The Albany NanoTech Complex will serve as a magnet for talent, providing NSTC members with onsite offices and resources to drive training programs and facilitate a collaborative environment among researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

The facility’s workforce initiatives will include:

• Training programs: In partnership with academic institutions, Albany NanoTech will develop programs to train the next generation of semiconductor professionals.
• Industry collaboration: Collaboration across government, academic, and private industry sectors will foster a community dedicated to semiconductor R&D.

These programs will not only supply the U.S. with skilled workers but also encourage innovation through knowledge-sharing and a continuous influx of fresh talent.

National Security and Economic Stability

At its core, the CHIPS for America initiative represents a strategic investment in national security and economic stability. By bolstering the U.S. semiconductor industry, the Albany NanoTech Complex will help to reduce reliance on overseas production and secure the country’s technology supply chain.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the project’s broader impact, noting that the R&D facility’s launch marks a significant milestone for the U.S., one that will keep America competitive and safeguard critical infrastructure for decades.

Strategic Benefits of the CHIPS for America Initiative:

• Enhances U.S. semiconductor production capacity, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
• Boosts economic stability by providing high-quality, tech-driven jobs.
• Advances U.S. technology leadership in a global market, helping secure essential components across industries.

A Collaborative Path Forward

In line with the goals of the CHIPS and Science Act, Albany NanoTech’s EUV Accelerator will be a collaborative effort between NSTC members and NY CREATES, fostering an inclusive environment for R&D across the semiconductor ecosystem.

This environment will not only accelerate innovation but also encourage shared advancements that benefit both national and global semiconductor sectors.

The collaboration between NY CREATES and Natcast, the NSTC’s operating body, also strengthens efforts to establish additional facilities in the coming years. With this shared mission, the U.S. is well on its way to creating a stable and resilient semiconductor sector, ready to meet the demands of an increasingly tech-driven economy.

Strengthening U.S. Technological Leadership

The Albany NanoTech Complex’s selection as the CHIPS for America R&D flagship is a signal that the U.S. is serious about leading in semiconductor innovation.

From cutting-edge EUV lithography to workforce development, this initiative underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth and securing national interests.

As the first flagship under the CHIPS for America umbrella, Albany NanoTech’s EUV Accelerator paves the way for future R&D sites that will together form a powerful network. With continued public-private cooperation, the U.S. semiconductor industry is set to not only meet domestic needs but also redefine the global semiconductor landscape.

Sources: THX News & US Department of Commerce.