NY CREATES and SEMI sign MoU
Plan to establish a strategic framework aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting environmentally sustainable practices within the semiconductor industry.
The New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES) and SEMI, the global industry association representing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic framework aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting environmentally sustainable practices within the semiconductor industry. This MOU sets the stage for joint development agreements and research programs that will align with sustainable strategies for the industry as it continues to grow, with an emphasis on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) abatement to further move the industry toward greener practices.
“While the semiconductor industry is set to ride the Artificial Intelligence wave to tremendous growth, we face serious challenges, with sustainability standing out as a top concern,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO. “Unprecedented challenges around climate change and PFAS call for unprecedented actions and public-private partnership. This agreement is a positive step forward in aligning the efforts of the SEMI Sustainability Initiative and Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC) with government programs to maximize the impact.”
"We look forward to collaborating with our industry partners on this critical initiative, as we focus on meaningfully ensuring we advance the technologies of tomorrow in a sustainable way today," said NY CREATES President Dave Anderson. "Signing this agreement ensures we provide leadership in the area of environmental responsibility. This is important while we simultaneously establish our new High NA Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Center and expand capabilities at our Albany NanoTech Complex."
Empire State Development Executive Deputy Commissioner and COO Kevin Younis said, “This partnership between NY CREATES and SEMI demonstrates that sustainable manufacturing is crucially important to the semiconductor industry while highlighting the many cutting-edge R&D advancements at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex. New York State has long been a leader in promoting a green economy. From Governor Hochul’s $10 billion Green CHIPS program, to investing in the High NA Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Center, we will continue to grow jobs and investment, reduce our carbon footprint and ensure a brighter future for New Yorkers for generations to come.”
Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI) Senior Vice President and Executive Director Merideth Andreucci said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a more sustainable and innovative semiconductor industry. The partnership between NY CREATES and SEMI exemplifies our shared commitment to driving forward-thinking R&D that not only spurs commercial success but also addresses critical global challenges. This MOU underscores our dedication to integrating sustainability at the core of our technological advancements, ensuring that as we innovate, we also protect our planet. Together, we are poised to lead the semiconductor industry into a greener and more prosperous future.”
This MOU sets the foundation for entering into one or more joint development agreements that foster innovative solutions to address semiconductor and related manufacturing challenges that have an impact on the environment and community. These challenges are difficult to solve, and a collaboration such as this can help to bring together the best minds from the ecosystem to find solutions. For example, novel approaches can be created and implemented to reduce greenhouse gases, which can be replaced with alternatives using sustainable technologies and new abatement technologies. These activities can help us better address PFAS concerns and ensure these chemicals are properly managed when used throughout the semiconductor manufacturing process.
NY CREATES and SEMI will work closely to align their research initiatives, prioritizing sustainability as a core component of all projects. The SEMI Scope 1 working group within the Semiconductor Climate Consortium and SEMI PFAS working groups will be spearheading this research together with researchers at NY CREATES.
This partnership builds on the momentum in New York created by Governor Hochul's $1 billion investment to fund the construction of a cutting-edge High NA Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Center that will support the research and development of the world's most complex and powerful semiconductors. NY CREATES and industry partners have also agreed to a range of sustainability commitments throughout the construction and operational phases of the project that are closely aligned with New York’s nation-leading Green CHIPS program, including use of best available technology for greenhouse gas emission reduction; prioritization of renewable energy, with preference for New York sources; and pursuit of LEED certification for new buildings related to the project.
Additionally, partners are committed to integrating sustainability as a primary goal of R&D activities, including sustainable semiconductor manufacturing processes; materials use; waste reuse and reclamation; and fab design. Now, the collaboration between NY CREATES and SEMI will be able to further leverage this new state-of-the-art center to drive innovations prioritizing sustainability and environmental stewardship.
This collaboration is especially timely as the industry increasingly recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability. As NY CREATES looks to support the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) initiative under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, both organizations are enabling advancements that integrate sustainable practices into the semiconductor supply chain.
