Albany Nano Tech Complex in Upstate New York has been selected as the site of the nation’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), receiving $825 million in federal funding to establish an Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator. This initiative aims to create a flagship semiconductor research facility, promote high-tech industry and economic development in Upstate New York, and solidify the United States’ leading position in semiconductor technology. During a press conference, Senate Majority Leader Schumer emphasized the importance of the U.S. maintaining leadership in semiconductor technology and directly mentioned China, expressing the determination not to allow China to catch up with the U.S.
On October 31, Governor Hochul, along with Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, jointly announced that Albany Nano Tech Complex, operated by NY CREATES, had been selected as the site for the nation’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center, receiving $825 million in federal funding. The EUV Accelerator facility is scheduled to be operational next year, focusing on cutting-edge innovation in semiconductor technology to ensure the U.S. maintains its leading position in the semiconductor supply chain and next-generation chip development.
Schumer stated during the press conference that the establishment of the first National Semiconductor Technology Center in Albany will serve as the headquarters of the world’s most advanced chip research, ensuring that the semiconductor technology of the next century is manufactured in the U.S. and not developed and produced in China or elsewhere.
He directly challenged China, saying, “China, we will not let you catch up with us…We cannot allow China to dominate this industry. With this investment, China now knows that the U.S. is serious about maintaining its position as a technology leader and catching up… it will be very difficult.”
In a statement, Secretary Raimondo emphasized the crucial importance of chip development, stating that the U.S. must not only produce the most advanced semiconductors in the world to power all high-tech industries from smartphones to advanced artificial intelligence but also safeguard U.S. long-term national security and maintain competitiveness for the next few decades.
The Biden administration’s 2022 CHIPS and Science Act sets a goal for the U.S. to manufacture 20% of the world’s advanced chips and establish three National Semiconductor Technology Centers. In addition to the first center in Albany, the Department of Commerce has yet to announce the locations for the other two centers.