US puts up $100m to apply AI/AE to chip manufacturing

The US government has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for activities that will use AI and autonomous experimentation (AE) technologies to support the long-term viability of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.

The CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) funding opportunity will be critical in meeting the industry’s technology, economic, and sustainability goals.

On November 8, 2024, CHIPS for America will host a webinar to provide general information regarding this NOFO, offer general guidance on preparing applications, and answer questions. You can register here.

On November 15, 2024, the CHIPS Research and Development Office will host a one-day hybrid meeting for potential applicants to this funding opportunity. Registration will open soon.

Through industry-informed, university-based collaborations, this investment will seek to demonstrate that new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes that meet industry needs, can be designed and adopted for industry testing within five years.

The investment will also expand the number of universities, researchers, and graduates participating in the U.S. semiconductor R&D ecosystem while helping increase the sustainability of semiconductor manufacturing.

To accomplish this, CHIPS for America anticipates that the total Federal funds available under CARISSMA will be up to approximately $100 million with individual awards ranging from approximately $20 million to $40 million.

Expected participants include teams of universities and other research entities with significant experience in artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE); semiconductor industry partners; emerging research institutions; and civil society organizations focused on environmental sustainability or human health and safety.

AI/AE combines automated synthesis and characterisation tools with an AI “planner” to determine the next round of an experimental campaign, vastly accelerating the design of new materials and the acquisition of materials data.

Boosting capacity at emerging research institutes will greatly increase the number of undergraduate and graduates participating in semiconductor related R&D.

To help support build a strong and ready workforce, applicants to this funding opportunity must 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.

For more information about CHIPS for America, visit CHIPS.gov.