The US government has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to seek applications for research and development (R&D) activities that will apply AI and autonomous experimentation (AE) technologies to support the long-term viability of manufacturing for the next generation of semiconductors.
The CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) funding opportunity anticipates approximately $100 million in funding with individual awards ranging from approximately $20 million to $40 million. This is the newest NOFO released by CHIPS for America, aiming to meet as well as enhance the industry’s technology, economic, and sustainability goals.
This investment seeks new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes to meet industry needs. The process of collecting data and making new materials will be greatly enhanced when using AI/AE technology through a combination of automated synthesis tools with plans made by AI. This can be designed and adopted for industry testing within five years through collaborations between the university and the industry.
In addition, this funding will not only attract the number of universities, researchers, and graduates joining the U.S. semiconductor R&D ecosystem but also increase the sustainability of semiconductor manufacturing.
It is aimed at participants including teams of universities and research entities with significant experience in artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE), semiconductor industry partners, civil society organizations focused on environmental sustainability or human health and safety.
In Particular, capacity at emerging research institutions will also help to increase the number of undergraduate and graduate students participating in semiconductor-related R&D.
The CHIPS Research and Development Office will host a one-day hybrid meeting for potential applicants to this funding opportunity on November 15, 2024.
Applicants are also required to show how their projects will develop and expand the number of domestic researchers skilled in AI/AE methods relevant to the semiconductor industry materials and processes.
On August 9, 2022, Former President Biden signed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law to support American innovation for decades to come. CHIPS for America is part of the economic plan to invest in America in order to stimulate private sector investment, create good-paying jobs, make more in the United States, and revitalize communities left behind.
