Biden administration funds $825 million chip research project
Albany facility aims to strengthen US semiconductor industry.
The Biden administration is investing $825 million in a new semiconductor research facility in Albany, New York, as part of a broader push to bolster US chip production and reduce reliance on foreign technology. The Albany facility will serve as a primary hub within the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NTSC), which aims to accelerate advancements in chip design and manufacturing, supporting initiatives laid out in the CHIPS and Science Act passed in 2022. Senator Chuck Schumer, a key advocate for the Albany location, said the facility will advance US leadership in semiconductor technology and support high-tech manufacturing jobs.
The Albany site, based at the Albany NanoTech Complex, will focus on developing cutting-edge machinery to enhance chip production. Additional hubs for chip design and packaging will be announced soon. The complex will also feature a state-of-the-art ‘High NA’ machine from ASML, allowing chip makers to create densely packed semiconductors capable of advanced computing. Schumer believes this investment could make New York a significant chip production centre, with companies like GlobalFoundries, Micron, and Wolfspeed also planning expansions in the state.
The CHIPS Act allocated $11 billion for semiconductor R&D and an additional $39 billion for manufacturing subsidies, though the rollout of these funds has faced criticism for delays. Despite challenges, the Biden administration views this program as essential to sustaining growth in high-tech manufacturing, especially in areas like AI, while also reducing design and production costs for American companies. With Albany set to lead the charge, federal officials are hopeful this investment will help the US regain its competitive edge in the global semiconductor industry.
