Partnering with tech giants like Intel, Micron, and Samsung, the US National Science Foundation has set aside $42.4 million for semiconductor research grants, supporting 23 projects across America.
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), in collaboration with tech companies including Ericsson, Intel, Micron Technology, and Samsung, announced $42.4 million in grants for its ‘Future of Semiconductors’ (NSF FuSe2) competition on Monday.
This funding aims to support research and education in semiconductor technologies, enhance U.S. leadership, and address challenges such as emerging computing tasks, energy efficiency, performance, manufacturing, and supply chains.
FuSe2 supports 23 research projects across 15 states and includes various institutions, emphasising diversity and inclusion in STEM fields through educational programmes and outreach.
The awarded projects aim to revolutionise advanced computing technologies, enhance energy efficiency, and develop high-performance electronics. They will also focus on next-generation materials and devices, driving data storage and processing capabilities breakthroughs.
Besides promoting semiconductor R&D, the NSF FuSe2 awards aligns with the goals of the ‘CHIPS and Science Act of 2022’ to maintain leadership in microelectronics. With increasing demand for advanced computing, particularly in AI and machine learning, the initiative will explore novel solutions to current semiconductor design and fabrication limitations.
This announcement follows the success of the initial ‘FuSe’ programme, launched a year ago. The programme provided $45.6 million for 24 projects funded by the Biden administration’s CHIPS act.
Commenting on the matter, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan noted the importance of innovation in semiconductor research for national competitiveness and security, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce to tackle global challenges.
