July 2025 CHIPS Update

by | Jul 29, 2025 | Innovation

The CHIPS and Science Act continues to drive significant progress in the U.S. semiconductor industry. Here are the latest developments:

Natcast Opens NSTC EUV Accelerator at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex

In a major milestone for U.S. semiconductor innovation, Natcast celebrated the grand opening of the CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator on July 14, 2025. Located at the NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Complex, this facility is one of three NSTC flagship R&D facilities across the country.

The EUV Accelerator, operational since July 1, will provide researchers access to cutting-edge EUV lithography tools essential for developing smaller, faster, and more efficient chips. The facility features standard numerical aperture EUV lithography capabilities now, with High NA EUV equipment expected in 2026.

New Research Initiatives Open for Public Input

Natcast has announced two Requests for Information (RFIs) to shape future research programs:

1. Interconnect Materials and Processes for Computing Applications

This initiative focuses on developing innovative materials and integrated processes for monolithic backend of line (BEOL) interconnects. As transistor density increases, the resulting resistance and capacitance in BEOL interconnects create challenges that this program aims to address through novel conducting materials, low-k ILD materials, and integrated processes.

Submissions are due by August 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT.

2. Co-Packaged Optical Engine Development for AI Infrastructure

This RFI seeks stakeholder input to establish R&D priorities for co-packaged optical engines that will help scale AI and HPC infrastructure. The program aims to identify gaps in standards, challenges in prototyping, and barriers to commercialization.

Both RFIs welcome input from a broad range of organizations including foundries, IDMs, materials suppliers, equipment vendors, academia, startups, and research institutions.

For more information on these initiatives or to submit proposals for the EUV Accelerator, visit natcast.org.