On October 31, 2024, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced that a semiconductor research facility in Albany, New York, has been selected as one of three national technology centers, with funding of up to $825 million.

The facility will focus on enhancing chip manufacturing through extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, which is essential for producing advanced processors used in smartphones, notebooks, and data center CPUs and GPUs.

This strategic investment aims to restore U.S. competitiveness in the semiconductor industry, which is currently dominated by East Asian countries, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

The semiconductor sector is vital for various industries, including automotive and defense, and this funding is intended to ensure economic stability and technological sovereignty for the U.S.

The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) will prioritize semiconductor technology innovation, workforce development, and collaboration with private and academic sectors.

The NSTC is expected to begin operations in 2025, following funding from the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to create high-tech jobs and enhance U.S. competitiveness against international rivals.

EUV lithography technology is crucial for producing smaller, faster, and more efficient microchips, pushing the boundaries of Moore's Law, which predicts a doubling of transistors on integrated chips annually.

Overall, this investment positions the U.S. as a leader in semiconductor innovation, enhancing national security and creating high-paying jobs in the tech sector.

The funding is part of a larger $5 billion allocation from the CHIPS and Science Act aimed at research and development facilities and workforce development led by the NSTC.

The complex will foster collaboration between public and private sectors in semiconductor technology, promoting local economic growth and securing U.S. leadership in innovation.

ASML, the sole supplier of EUV equipment, may receive a significant portion of the funding, highlighting the need for U.S. independence in semiconductor manufacturing.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated that this facility represents a significant milestone for the U.S. in maintaining its global leadership in semiconductor innovation and research.