FuzeHub is the lead organization for Upstate Makes, a National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine that’s designed to drive innovation in the microelectronics industry and strengthen chip manufacturing in the United States. This collaborative effort spans 5+ Upstate New York metro areas and includes 60+ partners from R&D centers, private industry, and workforce development.
Materials Innovation and Microelectronics
The focus of Upstate Makes is materials innovation in microelectronics, a segment of the electronics industry that focuses on the design and manufacturing of extremely small electronic components and circuits. Microelectronics uses materials like silicon to fabricate semiconductor devices. A major application is the creation of complex integrated circuits (ICs) on a single chip.
According to a recent report from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), U.S. companies account for 48% of the world’s chip sales; however, U.S. semiconductor fabrication facilities (fabs) account for only 12% of global semiconductor manufacturing. That’s a 25% decrease from 1990, when 37% of the world’s semiconductor fabs were in the United States.
As the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) explains, “all major U.S. defense systems rely on semiconductors.” Moreover, the civilian economy needs chips for everything from automobiles to artificial intelligence (AI). By leveraging materials innovations and domestic supply chains, Upstate Makes can promote U.S. competitiveness and strengthen national security.
Many Partners and Three Main Areas of Thrust
The partners in Upstate Makes include materials science labs, private industry and end-users, entrepreneurial support and investment organizations, workforce development providers, other implementation partners, and diverse stakeholder groups. Together, their efforts will support existing manufacturers and startups while fostering job creation and strengthening local communities.
There are three main areas of thrust:
- Use-inspired R&D will advance microelectronics acceleration by removing obstacles along the technology path from research to adoption. Through materials innovations and domestic supply chain superiority, America will make the next-generation of semiconductor devices.
- Translations of Innovations to Practice involves strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Upstate New York’s microelectronics industry by stimulating new industry segments, products, companies, and supply chains that can generate substantial job growth and investment.
- Workforce Development will strengthen and diversify the workforce pipelines for microelectronics manufacturing, materials science and engineering, and related entrepreneurship.
A Vision for the Future
Through Upstate Makes, Upstate New York has an opportunity to become a global leader in accelerating materials innovations in the microelectronics industry. It’s a winning proposition for America since New York State is already home to world-class R&D centers and businesses that are some of the world’s most innovative microelectronics and semiconductor companies.
As the lead organization for Upstate Makes, FuzeHub is administering an NSF Engines Development Award worth $1 million for up to two years. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer created the NSF Engines program as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, legislation for which he was the lead sponsor. In February, FuzeHub and its partners will apply for a $160 million award to help realize their vision.
For more information about Upstate Makes, including partnership opportunities, contact us.