University at Buffalo (UB) has launched the Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies, a beacon of innovation and research in the rapidly evolving world of microelectronics. This groundbreaking initiative is set to harness the immense potential of the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region, recently designated a federal tech hub under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The Center aims to synergize with this federal momentum, drawing a $280 billion investment into U.S. microchip research and production.
In essence, the Center fosters collaborative research across various disciplines, addressing the burgeoning energy needs of contemporary computing. This includes the development of widegap semiconductors for electric vehicles and renewable energy grids, as well as pioneering advanced photovoltaic technologies. These efforts align with New York State’s ambitious clean energy objectives, marking a significant stride in energy-efficient microelectronics innovation.
Under the leadership of Jonathan Bird, the Center is not just an academic hub but a crucible for the next generation of leaders and engineers in the semiconductor industry. Its multidisciplinary approach reflects Buffalo’s unique capacity to catalyze advanced research and development, supporting both the semiconductor industry and regional high-tech resources.
The Center’s strategic role extends beyond research; it is instrumental in the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” initiative. This ambitious project envisions transforming the tri-city region into a global center for semiconductor technology workforce training, innovation, and manufacturing. Faculty members within the Center are at the forefront, driving microelectronics and semiconductor research initiatives, and shaping educational opportunities for a new workforce in the semiconductor sector.
At the core of this initiative is a commitment to integrate with existing UB programs and departments, enhancing collaborations with the semiconductor industry. The UB Center for Industrial Effectiveness and the Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics play pivotal roles in fostering these partnerships. Their efforts will not only bolster academic programs but also contribute significantly to the national workforce in the microelectronics industry.
The Center’s goal is encapsulated by Kemper Lewis, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: “The Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies will place the University at Buffalo and Western New York at the forefront of microelectronics research in the world. The partnerships forged through this effort will lead to unique learning opportunities for our students, a stronger regional economy, and new technologies that benefit us all.”
As UB joins forces with the Northeast Defense Technology Hub, a regional coalition of microelectronics experts, Buffalo’s technological landscape is set for a transformative journey. This synergy aims to supercharge New York’s burgeoning chip industry, spurring innovation, attracting new businesses, and fortifying the workforce—a crucial component of the nation’s security.
Experts pushing the frontiers of science and engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering, the Department of Materials Design and Innovation (MDI), and the Department of Physics will advance data-driven discovery methods and accelerate the development and design of new materials and processes.
University at Buffalo’s Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies represents a significant leap forward for Buffalo’s technology ecosystem. By blending cutting-edge research with educational and economic opportunities, the Center not only positions UB as a global leader in semiconductor technologies but also promises to revitalize Western New York’s technological landscape.