A partnership between Stony Brook University and onsemi, a major U.S. manufacturer of silicon carbide power semiconductors, will bring a $20 million semiconductor research facility to the university’s campus. The initiative was announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on July 17.
The new center aims to explore the potential of silicon carbide chips and develop technology for clean energy industries. Silicon carbide is crucial for next-generation semiconductors used in electric vehicles and energy infrastructure.
Governor Hochul stated, “The state-of-the-art research facility at Stony Brook University will be another step in our mission to reshore the chip industry, strengthen our national security, and cement New York’s status as the chips capital of the United States.”
Dinesh Ramanathan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at onsemi, emphasized the importance of advanced power semiconductors in AI and electrification. He said, “This new center will play a key role in accelerating innovation in one of the most critical fields for these global megatrends.”
onsemi plans to invest $8 million into the center’s operations while Stony Brook University commits $10 million for renovations and equipment. Empire State Development supports this project with a capital grant of up to $2 million.
Stony Brook University’s Incoming President Andrea Goldsmith highlighted the partnership’s benefits: “This public-private partnership between onsemi, Stony Brook and Empire State Development provides tremendous opportunity for economic development and national security.”
Located at Stony Brook University’s Engineering Quad, the center will enable researchers to study crystal growth and processing with goals such as reducing device costs and improving material quality. It will also offer opportunities for students through hands-on research experiences.
The center plans to collaborate with industrial entities through consortium agreements focusing on silicon carbide growth processes. These partnerships aim to foster workforce development by providing training grounds for students and professionals.
Professor Michael Dudley from Stony Brook University will lead the center along with Professors Balaji Raghothamachar and Dilip Gersappe. Professor Dudley expressed gratitude towards onsemi for their support: “Much appreciation to onsemi for recognizing this and supporting the establishment of this innovative center at Stony Brook University.”
Andrew Singer, dean of Stony Brook University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, remarked on the strategic significance: “At a moment when strengthening the nation’s semiconductor supply chain is both an economic and strategic imperative, this new center represents a tremendous opportunity.”
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law added that Long Island’s reputation as an innovation hub would be enhanced by this facility: “This facility will not only advance critical semiconductor research but also create exciting career pathways for Long Island residents in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.”
Scheduled to become fully operational by early 2027, initial equipment at the center includes furnaces, wafering tools, polishing equipment, and metrology instruments.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised Governor Hochul’s leadership: “Governor Hochul has charged SUNY to be a leader in semiconductor research and development.”
