New $100m Investment in AI-Enabled Sustainable Semiconductor Materials

The US government is taking a significant step towards the development of sustainable semiconductor materials by launching a competition that focuses on machine learning and AI technologies. The initiative, spearheaded by the US Department of Commerce, aims to showcase how AI can play a crucial role in creating new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes that can be implemented within the next five years.

The program, with a budget of $100 million, will be overseen by universities and will concentrate on the advancement of artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) for sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. This approach, which has already been successfully utilized in the development of new battery materials, is poised to revolutionize materials research and development.

AI/AE represents a groundbreaking method for expediting materials research by integrating automated synthesis and characterization tools with an AI "planner" to guide experimental campaigns. This streamlined process not only accelerates the design of new materials but also facilitates data acquisition, fostering collaborations among various research entities, industry partners, and national laboratories.

According to Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio, this initiative presents a unique opportunity for the United States to establish itself as a global leader in efficient, safe, and competitive semiconductor manufacturing. The CHIPS for America funding opportunity is expected to drive the development of sustainable manufacturing processes and materials to meet the growing demand for sustainability and safety in the industry.

US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to expedite the development of sustainable semiconductor materials in response to the climate crisis. The program aims to not only accelerate the readiness of new semiconductor materials for production but also ensure long-term sustainability in semiconductor manufacturing. By harnessing the power of AI, the initiative seeks to empower workers and innovators while fortifying the domestic semiconductor industry.