Semiconductor lab funding/ Albany NanoTech/ semiconductor research hub/ Newslooks/ ALBANY/ N.Y./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Albany NanoTech complex in New York was selected as one of three national semiconductor technology hubs, receiving up to $825 million to advance semiconductor research. Senator Chuck Schumer announced the funding as part of the U.S. push to strengthen domestic chip-making and technological competitiveness.
New York Semiconductor Site Secures $825 Million: Quick Look
- Albany NanoTech: Chosen as a national semiconductor technology center, backed by $825 million.
- EUV Lithography Research: Albany will lead research in extreme ultraviolet lithography, critical for advanced chip manufacturing.
- Federal Support: Part of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at boosting U.S. chip competitiveness.
- Economic Impact: The project is set to bolster New York’s position as a semiconductor research leader and create high-tech jobs.
- Further Investments: Federal funds also support semiconductor projects with companies like GlobalFoundries and Micron across New York and other states.
Schumer Announces $825M Funding for NY Semiconductor Research
Deep Look
In a significant federal initiative to strengthen America’s semiconductor research capabilities, the Albany NanoTech complex in upstate New York has been chosen as one of three national technology hubs, securing up to $825 million in funding. The announcement was made on Thursday by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who emphasized that the facility will play a pivotal role in advancing semiconductor research and bolstering U.S. technological competitiveness.
The Albany NanoTech complex will serve as the national headquarters for research focused on a specialized semiconductor technology known as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. This cutting-edge technology, essential for producing advanced microchips, enables the creation of smaller, more powerful, and more efficient chips. With the most advanced semiconductor equipment in the world, Albany NanoTech will facilitate collaborative research between industry professionals and academic experts, fostering innovation in the field. Schumer, who serves as Senate Democratic majority leader, highlighted that these developments will be critical to securing an economic and technological advantage for both the U.S. economy and military.
“When you do the high-end research, which will be done here, and you can make the most advanced chips in the world, it ensures that our military has the edge,” Schumer stated in an interview. “It also guarantees that our economy and businesses stay at the forefront.”
The funding comes as part of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to expand high-tech job opportunities in the U.S. while positioning the nation as a leader in the semiconductor industry. Currently, the U.S. is working toward producing 20% of the world’s advanced chips, reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers and improving its capacity to compete with global leaders like China.
The Albany NanoTech complex’s selection further advances longstanding efforts by Schumer and other officials to establish upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Last year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a strategic partnership with the semiconductor industry, setting the foundation for the new EUV Center’s construction.
In addition to Albany NanoTech, the Biden administration is investing in other semiconductor initiatives across the U.S. This February, the administration pledged $1.5 billion in funding to GlobalFoundries to expand production north of Albany and in Vermont. In April, the federal government allocated $6.1 billion to support Micron Technology’s advanced memory chip production in Syracuse, New York, and Boise, Idaho.
Schumer underscored the long-term importance of these projects for the state and nation. “This will make upstate New York the center of semiconductor research, not just for America, but for the world,” he said. The Department of Commerce is expected to announce the locations of the two remaining national technology centers in the coming months.
