The new phase focuses on advancing piezoelectric MEMS technologies for use in personal electronics, medical devices, and other high-impact applications.
STMicroelectronics has announced a significant expansion of its “Lab-in-Fab” initiative in Singapore, in partnership with the ASTAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME), ULVAC, and new collaborators including the ASTAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
This next phase of the Lab-in-Fab program is geared toward accelerating the development and commercialization of lead-free piezoelectric materials and compact, cost-effective piezoelectric MEMS (piezoMEMS) sensors and actuators. These next-generation components are expected to drive innovations such as ultrasound transducers for 3D imaging, miniaturized audio devices for personal electronics, and autofocus mechanisms in smartphone cameras.
The expansion enables Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations to access a complete manufacturing line, fast-tracking the path from R&D to commercial deployment. The Lab-in-Fab’s infrastructure provides support for prototyping and scaling new piezoMEMS technologies through Multi-Project Wafer services and research opportunities for interns and PhD candidates.
“We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with A*STAR and ULVAC and welcome new partners like IMRE and NUS,” said Anton Hofmeister, Group VP and General Manager at STMicroelectronics. “This expansion reinforces our commitment to advancing piezoMEMS technology and bringing cutting-edge innovations to market.”
According to Professor Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy CEO of Innovation & Enterprise at A*STAR, the initiative exemplifies how Singapore is reshaping R&D by integrating materials science, tool development, and manufacturing into a streamlined innovation pipeline. “This collaboration supports Singapore’s strategic position in the global semiconductor ecosystem,” he added.
ULVAC’s Executive Officer Harunori Iwai emphasized the company’s role in providing advanced manufacturing technology for the effort, calling the initiative a “milestone for the piezoMEMS industry.”
The original Lab-in-Fab was established in 2020 to develop a cleaner, low-lead method for producing piezoelectric thin films using PVD techniques. The success of that venture laid the groundwork for this expanded effort.
The project aligns with Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) plan, which prioritizes piezoMEMS alongside other key technologies like advanced packaging, wide bandgap semiconductors, millimeter wave RF, and photonics. These initiatives aim to cement Singapore’s role as a global innovation hub. The company continues to leverage its Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM) model to drive innovation from concept to mass production.
Academic leaders from institutions around the world praised the Lab-in-Fab model, citing improved efficiency, faster development cycles, and a more seamless transition from research to manufacturing.
With Lab-in-Fab 2.0, Singapore strengthens its foothold in the global race for next-generation semiconductor innovation—combining sustainability, scalability, and speed.
