The White House has announced a notice of funding opportunity, or NOFO, aimed at boosting semiconductor manufacturing through the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous experimentation technologies.
The Department of Commerce said Wednesday the current administration launched the CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes program to develop sustainable materials and processes microelectronic components and systems. Interested industry partners will leverage AI to enhance research and development for sustainable materials needed for future semiconductor industry innovations.
The funding opportunity seeks innovations that can be developed and deployed within five years. A total of approximately $100 million in federal funds will be allocated for the project with each awardee potentially receiving $20 to $40 million for their projects.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, stated, “Because of the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, we are harnessing new cutting-edge technologies like AI/AE and creating a pipeline from lab to fab to out-run and out-innovate the rest of the world.”
CHIPS for America will host a webinar about the NOFO on Nov. 8 while the CHIPS Research and Development Office will hold a hybrid meeting for potential applicants on Nov. 15.