How can artificial intelligence (AI) assist in developing new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes that meet industry needs in a timely manner? The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently announced plans for an open competition that supports the sustainability of the U.S. semiconductor industry while recognizing the ongoing demand for improving microelectronics.
Led by NIST’s CHIPS Research and Development Office (CHIPS R&D), the competition encourages collaboration between universities and industry to demonstrate how AI can assist in developing new sustainable semiconductors that can be designed and adopted within five years.
NIST, which administers the initiative, reports that its CHIPS for America anticipates up to $100 million in funding to award recipients, as needed, to support at least two large, team-oriented awards.
“Right now, new semiconductor materials often take years to be production-ready and are incredibly resource-intensive. If we’re going to quickly build up America’s semiconductor manufacturing base, in a way that’s sustainable over the long term in the face of increasing threats from the climate crisis, we need to leverage AI to help develop sustainable material processes quickly. With this new program, the Biden-Harris Administration will harness the vast capabilities of AI to unleash the full potential of our workers and innovators, while building a more secure and enduring domestic semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“We have a unique opportunity to make the United States a world leader in efficient, safe, high-volume, and competitive semiconductor manufacturing,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST director Laurie E. Locascio. “This CHIPS for America funding opportunity will help bring about sustainable manufacturing processes and materials to meet increasing demands for sustainability and safe working environments in perhaps as few as five years.”
The notice of funding opportunity is expected to be released later this year, and the notice of intent can be found via NIST.
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