Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC)

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to establish and operate a Manufacturing USA institute, known as SMART USA, focused on efforts to develop, validate, and use digital twins to improve domestic semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test processing. 

Activities to be Performed

SMART USA aims to create a collaborative environment to convene stakeholders across the semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test industry to address challenges relevant to digital twins.

Expected Outcomes 

The CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute, SMART USA, will help accelerate innovation in the U.S. chip design and manufacturing by streamlining the development and adoption of advanced semiconductor technologies to reduce time-to-market. The institute will implement efficient design and validation methods using digital twins, and significantly cutting expenses and improving productivity. SMART USA will provide training opportunities for the next generation of semiconductor workers: this includes creating programs aimed at skill development and workforce readiness.

The new institute will join an existing network to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust R&D infrastructure.

Intended Beneficiaries 

The intended beneficiaries will be the funded, digital twin-based researchers, technicians, and engineers. With physical assets and novel digital capabilities provided by SMART USA, they can develop new technical skills, tools, mechanical systems, and chemicals, while protecting workplace safety. The CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute will join an existing network of seventeen Institutes designed to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust R&D infrastructure.

Subrecipient Activities

SMART USA and its planned members, with more than 150 expected partner entities representing industry, academia, and the full spectrum of supply chain design and manufacturing. Collaborators also include ten national laboratories, five Manufacturing USA institutes, five economic development agencies, and four Trade and Union groups. Details of stakeholder activities will be added following the negotiation process.