Laurie E. Locascio Director of NIST and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology | Official Website
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a $100 million competition to enhance research and development in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous experimentation (AE) technologies for sustainable semiconductor materials. This initiative, known as the CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA), aims to support the long-term viability of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.
The semiconductor industry is focused on advancing environmentally sustainable solutions throughout the lifecycle of microelectronic components. The investment will promote collaborations between universities and industry partners to design new sustainable semiconductor materials that meet industry needs within five years. It also seeks to expand participation in the U.S. semiconductor R&D ecosystem.
CHIPS for America anticipates federal funding under CARISSMA will reach approximately $100 million, with individual awards ranging from $20 million to $40 million. Participants are expected to include university teams, research entities experienced in AI/AE, semiconductor industry partners, emerging research institutions, and civil society organizations focused on environmental sustainability or human health.
"The key to protecting the United States’ long-term competitiveness hinges on our technological leadership," stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Because of the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, we are harnessing new cutting-edge technologies like AI/AE."
Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Arati Prabhakar added: "As President Biden and Vice President Harris say, America must win the competition for the 21st century."
AI/AE technology combines automated synthesis tools with an AI planner to accelerate material design and data acquisition. It enables federated research across multiple locations, fostering collaboration among established universities, emerging institutions, industry partners, and national laboratories.
Laurie E. Locascio from the National Institute of Standards and Technology emphasized: “AI/AE facilitates virtual collaboration to solve difficult research problems.”
A webinar hosted by CHIPS for America is scheduled for November 8, 2024, followed by a one-day hybrid meeting on November 15, 2024.
For more information about CHIPS for America initiatives visit CHIPS.gov.