Miles SmithAn application period for $50 million in combined federal and industry funding is now open for public-private projects that advance semiconductor manufacturing.
The funding, granted by the federal CHIPS and Science Act, is available through the Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA Institute (SMART USA) and is its first project solicitation.
The solicitation for applications invites SMART USA members to submit collaborative proposals for development of digital twins, or virtual replicas of the physical semiconductor manufacturing process, equipment or the entire fabrication plant.
Applicants can also submit proposals for projects to develop education or workforce initiatives.
Individual awards will range up to $20 million for projects lasting up to 24 months, according to SMART USA officials.
Proposals are due by Aug. 11. Selected projects are expected to begin Aug. 1.
SMART USA’s five-year targets include using digital twins to reduce semiconductor manufacturing costs by more than 35%, improve process development times by 30% and demonstrate production-level digital twins spanning the entire semiconductor value chain.
Technical focus areas include:
- Using digital twins to optimize core semiconductor manufacturing processes.
- Integrating digital twins for advanced packaging and system technology co-optimization.
- Leveraging digital twin validation across semiconductor and/or packaging technologies.
Education and workforce development areas include:
- Democratizing access to community colleges and workforce programs.
- Establishing libraries of educational content and training programs.
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