US launches $100M competition for AI semiconductor innovation

Groundbreaking AI initiative for sustainable semiconductors: The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a $100 million competition to accelerate research and development in sustainable semiconductor materials using artificial intelligence and autonomous experimentation technologies.

• The CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) funding opportunity aims to demonstrate that new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes can be designed and adopted for industry testing within five years.
• The program will provide individual awards ranging from $20 million to $40 million to teams of universities, research entities, industry partners, and civil society organizations.
• This initiative is part of the broader CHIPS for America program, which seeks to enhance U.S. technological leadership and competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.

Key objectives and impact: The CARISSMA program aims to address critical challenges in the semiconductor industry while promoting sustainability and expanding the U.S. semiconductor R&D ecosystem.

• The investment will focus on developing environmentally sustainable solutions across the full lifecycle of microelectronic components and systems.
• The program will expand the number of universities, researchers, and graduates participating in the U.S. semiconductor R&D ecosystem.
• By leveraging AI/AE technologies, the initiative seeks to vastly accelerate the design of new materials and the acquisition of materials data for semiconductor manufacturing.

Technological innovation and collaboration: The program emphasizes the use of cutting-edge AI and autonomous experimentation technologies to drive advancements in semiconductor manufacturing.

• AI/AE combines automated synthesis and characterization tools with an AI “planner” to determine the next steps in experimental campaigns, significantly speeding up research processes.
• The technology enables federated research across multiple locations, creating opportunities for collaborations between established research universities, emerging research institutions, industry, and national laboratories.
• This approach is expected to lower barriers to participation by emerging research institutions and strengthen the ability to engage a diverse workforce in solving semiconductor industry challenges.

Workforce development and diversity: CARISSMA places a strong emphasis on expanding and diversifying the semiconductor workforce.

• Applicants must demonstrate how their projects will develop and expand the number of domestic researchers skilled in AI/AE methods relevant to semiconductor industry materials and processes.
• The program aims to boost capacity at emerging research institutes, increasing the number of undergraduate and graduate students participating in semiconductor-related R&D.
• By fostering collaboration across various institutions, the initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and diverse semiconductor innovation ecosystem.

Government support and leadership: The Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to technological leadership is evident in the strong backing for this initiative.

• U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of technological leadership for the United States’ long-term competitiveness.
• The program is a direct result of the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to strengthen America’s position in the global semiconductor industry.
• Government officials highlight the program’s potential to spur innovation in sustainability and create a pipeline from lab to fab, helping the U.S. outpace global competition.

Next steps and engagement: The CHIPS for America program has outlined upcoming events to provide information and guidance for potential applicants.

• A webinar is scheduled for November 8, 2024, to offer general information about the NOFO and guidance on preparing applications.
• A one-day hybrid meeting for potential applicants will be held on November 15, 2024, by the CHIPS Research and Development Office.
• Interested parties are encouraged to visit CHIPS.gov for more information about the CHIPS for America program and upcoming events.

Broader implications: The CARISSMA program represents a significant step towards integrating advanced AI technologies with sustainable semiconductor manufacturing, potentially reshaping the industry’s future.

• The initiative’s focus on sustainability aligns with growing global concerns about environmental impact and resource conservation in high-tech industries.
• By accelerating the development of new materials and processes, the program could lead to breakthroughs that enhance the performance and efficiency of semiconductor devices while reducing their environmental footprint.
• The emphasis on collaboration between academia, industry, and government institutions may serve as a model for future technology development initiatives, fostering a more integrated and responsive innovation ecosystem.