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Albany has become a pivotal hub for semiconductor technology with the opening of the National Semiconductor Technology Center at Albany Nanotech. This groundbreaking facility, funded by the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to boost the United States' competitiveness in semiconductor research and manufacturing.
The center, which cost over $820 million, is equipped with the most advanced chip-making machinery in the world, focusing on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. This technology is crucial for developing next-generation microchips. The center's opening marks a significant milestone in efforts to make Albany a global leader in semiconductor research, as highlighted by U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. He stated, "Today, we help usher in America’s next era of chip research and manufacturing, with Upstate NY leading the way."
The project is a result of a public-private partnership involving significant investments from industry leaders like IBM, Micron, and Tokyo Electron. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the center's role in bolstering New York's tech economy and creating thousands of high-paying jobs. The facility will enable collaborative research between industry experts and university scientists, fostering innovation and commercialization of semiconductor technology.
The center's establishment is part of a broader strategy to secure the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and maintain technological leadership. The opening of this facility is expected to have a lasting impact on the region's economy and solidify New York's position as a leader in semiconductor research and manufacturing.