Applied Research Initiative advances Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem
Phoenix-based startup Crystal Sonic reimagines a key component of chip manufacturing by using sound-based technology.
The Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI), a passionate collective of business and community leaders dedicated to accelerating Arizona’s economic opportunities, announced Crystal Sonic, a Phoenix-based hard-technology start-up, is joining its industry-leading Applied Research Center. This public-private partnership with researchers at ASU will advance chip manufacturing techniques to further solidify the state of Arizona as a leader in semiconductor technology innovation.
Crystal Sonic's unique advanced manufacturing technology harnesses the power of sound to allow for the reuse of precious wafer material used in semiconductor device manufacturing. This lets chip manufacturers improve manufacturing sustainability, reduce waste and dramatically lower cost, which in turn will accelerate the adoption of next generation chips used for electrification, communications and sensing technologies. As a cohort member of the Applied Research Center, Crystal Sonic will expand its scope to conduct process tests and feasibility studies on its product prototype.
"The resources available through the PEI Applied Research Center open up new opportunities for us to prioritize sustainable manufacturing processes and make the most of these valuable materials,” said Arno Merkle, CEO of Crystal Sonic. “We will work in partnership with the experts at ASU to reduce costs and waste production and revolutionize the industry standard.”
PEI’s Applied Research Center focuses on guiding advanced technology projects from the initial idea generation phase to project formation, research validation, and finally commercialization. Project leaders collaborate with experts at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona to develop innovative technologies that have transformative impact across wearables, med tech, climate and clean tech, and semiconductor industries. Public-private partnerships built on intentional investments and shared resources ensure the accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness of these innovative technologies.
"We are proud to pilot the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing and fast-track the impact of Crystal Sonic’s technology on the regional semiconductor ecosystem. This Arizona technology will drive economic growth as chips are increasingly ubiquitous across communications, computing, healthcare, transportation, clean energy, and others” said Kathleen Lee, Director of Applied Research Centers for the Partnership for Economic Innovation.
