New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a $20 million public-private partnership to launch a state-of-the-art semiconductor research facility at Stony Brook University, designed to train students in cutting-edge silicon carbide (SiC) chip technologies.
Backed by $8 million from semiconductor leader onsemi and $2 million from Empire State Development, the facility will anchor a new education-to-industry pipeline. Stony Brook University will invest $10 million in renovations and equipment.
“The state-of-the-art research facility at Stony Brook University will be another step in our mission to reshore the semiconductor industry, strengthen our national security, and cement New York’s status as the chips capital of the United States,” Gov. Hochul said. “By investing in cutting-edge technology and world-class talent, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Long Island, and New York.”
“This public-private partnership between onsemi, Stony Brook, and Empire State Development provides tremendous opportunity for economic development and national security,” said Stony Brook University Incoming President Andrea Goldsmith.
“This partnership places Stony Brook and New York State at the forefront of advancing power semiconductor technology while providing students hands-on research and practical opportunities as they prepare for leadership roles in high-skill, high-demand technology fields,” added Goldsmith.
The new center will be located in Stony Brook University’s Engineering Quad on its West campus.
The facility – led by engineering professor Michael Dudley – will immerse undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and even industry professionals in hands-on SiC research. The advanced lab will support everything from crystal growth to chip processing and metrology.
To prepare students for these high-tech roles, Stony Brook University is developing a curriculum for an undergraduate minor and a graduate master’s degree and certificate focused on silicon carbide and wide bandgap semiconductors.
“Through private-public partnerships we are able to give our researchers and students the tools they need to make breakthroughs in science. From environmental science to medicine and from artificial intelligence to quantum, there are opportunities for faculty and students to unveil new discoveries,” the SUNY Board of Trustees said.
