October 31, 2024 – Washington, D.C. – In a significant development for the U.S. semiconductor industry, the Department of Commerce, alongside Natcast, which operates the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), today revealed the anticipated site for its flagship CHIPS for America research and development (R&D) facility. The cutting-edge CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator is slated to be housed within NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex in Albany, New York, backed by a proposed substantial federal investment of approximately $825 million. This facility is set to be a pivotal center for advancing the latest EUV technology critical for the semiconductor sector’s future.
As part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative, the CHIPS for America initiative aims to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, accelerate the country’s leading-edge R&D efforts, and create high-quality jobs nationwide. This facility will unite NSTC members from across the semiconductor ecosystem, fostering collaboration and providing essential access to advanced technologies, capabilities, and vital resources that will spur innovation in semiconductor R&D.
“With the establishment of this first proposed flagship facility, CHIPS for America is poised to deliver access to state-of-the-art research tools for the NSTC, marking a crucial milestone in maintaining the United States’ position as a global frontrunner in innovation as well as semiconductor research and development,” stated Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The research and development aspects of the CHIPS and Science Act are vital for our long-term national security, ensuring that the U.S. remains the most technologically competitive nation on the globe. Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are not only producing the world’s most advanced semiconductors but also constructing a resilient ecosystem that powers everything from smartphones to sophisticated AI, thereby safeguarding U.S. national security and sustaining America’s competitive edge for generations ahead.”
“This substantial $825 million investment from the Biden-Harris Administration will solidify Albany’s position as a premier hub for entrepreneurs, researchers, and engineers dedicated to semiconductor innovation and research and development,” remarked National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.
“With a track record spanning two decades in cultivating effective public-private partnerships and over $25 billion invested in semiconductor research and development, manufacturing, and workforce growth since its establishment, NY CREATES is ideally equipped to advance the NSTC’s mission of creating an open environment that accelerates research, reduces the time to commercialization, and nurtures a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem within the United States,” stated 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 is a testament to our commitment to pioneering and advancing next-generation semiconductor technologies on U.S. soil,” highlighted Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “This collaboration with NY CREATES will grant Natcast and NSTC members access to vital EUV lithography tools and processes, facilitating broader research opportunities and speeding up the commercialization of tomorrow’s technologies.”
Natcast, in partnership with NY CREATES—a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing semiconductor R&D and workforce development—plans to establish the EUV Accelerator, enabling NSTC members to engage in cutting-edge semiconductor research and development activities. With initial operations projected to commence in 2025, the EUV Accelerator will foster teamwork among Natcast, NY CREATES, and NSTC members to conduct critical research and development essential for accelerating the commercialization of innovative semiconductor technologies and reinforcing the U.S.’s leadership in the technological arena. The EUV Accelerator is expected to offer the following key capabilities:
- Access to groundbreaking EUV lithography tools and next-generation research and development capabilities, including high numerical aperture (NA) EUV systems, with standard NA EUV expected by 2025 and High NA EUV in 2026.
- Facilitating collaboration with industry, academic, and government partners to promote technological innovation.
- Dedicated NSTC on-site offices to support researchers from Natcast and NSTC members.
- Support for initiatives aimed at cultivating and enhancing a skilled workforce.
- Efforts to expand NSTC membership and engagement while nurturing an open, collaborative R&D environment across all NSTC facilities.
In addition to the EUV Accelerator, plans for the CHIPS for America NSTC Prototyping and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility, as well as the CHIPS for America Administrative and Design Facility, are still in development. The Department and Natcast anticipate announcing further details in the coming months regarding the process for selecting affiliated technical centers.
Natcast and NY CREATES have entered into a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and expect to finalize a contract with a projected term of 10 years. This final agreement will be subject to due diligence, ongoing negotiations, and refinement of various terms, which may differ from the preliminary terms outlined in the MOU announced today. To learn more about the CHIPS for America R&D facilities, click here.
For more information on the NSTC, its membership opportunities, and how to join, please visit natcast.org/NSTCmembership.
**Interview with Deirdre Hanford, CEO of Natcast, on the Launch of the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Deirdre. The announcement of the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator at the Albany NanoTech Complex is a huge milestone for the semiconductor industry. Can you share your thoughts on why this facility is so significant?
**Deirdre Hanford:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The EUV Accelerator is pivotal because it places the United States at the forefront of semiconductor technology. With this facility, we will be able to explore and develop extreme ultraviolet lithography—an essential technology for producing the next generation of chips. This will not only benefit our national security but will also ensure the U.S. retains its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global market.
**Editor:** Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of innovation and national security in her statement. How do you see the EUV Accelerator contributing to these goals?
**Deirdre Hanford:** The EUV Accelerator will provide vital access to state-of-the-art research tools and technology for our members at the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). By fostering collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, and engineers, we can expedite the research and development process, bringing advanced semiconductor technologies to market more quickly. This aligns perfectly with our national security interests, as having a resilient domestic semiconductor supply chain is critical in today’s technology-driven world.
**Editor:** The proposed $825 million federal investment is substantial. How do you foresee this supporting the ecosystem you’re aiming to build?
**Deirdre Hanford:** This investment will significantly enhance our capability to innovate within the semiconductor space. It allows us to cultivate a robust environment where public-private partnerships can thrive. The funding will enable NY CREATES and Natcast to offer unparalleled resources and support to researchers and startups, accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and ultimately leading to job creation and economic growth in the region.
**Editor:** With operations expected to begin in 2025, what are the immediate next steps for the EUV Accelerator and its development?
**Deirdre Hanford:** We’re currently in the planning and development phase, coordinating with NY CREATES and our NSTC partners to finalize the design and operational framework of the EUV Accelerator. This includes identifying key research projects and recruiting talent in semiconductor technologies. Our focus is to streamline the transition from research to commercial applications, reducing the time it takes for innovations to reach the market.
**Editor:** as the semiconductor landscape continues to evolve, what message do you have for those who are watching this space?
**Deirdre Hanford:** I want to assure everyone that the launch of the EUV Accelerator is just the beginning. We are committed to not only leading in semiconductor innovation but also nurturing the next generation of talent in this field. This is a moment of great opportunity for the U.S., and I encourage everyone to engage with our initiatives. Together, we can shape the future of technology.
**Editor:** Thank you, Deirdre, for your insights. We look forward to seeing the impact of the EUV Accelerator on the semiconductor industry.
