WASHINGTON, D.C . - Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $179 million in funding for three Microelectronics Science Research Centers (MSRCs). These three MSRCs will perform basic research in microelectronics materials, device and system design, and manufacturing science to transform future microelectronics technologies. The MSRCs were authorized by the Micro Act, passed in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, and complement the activities appropriated under the CHIPS and Science Act at the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and other agencies.
For decades, DOE has been at the leading edge of microelectronics, both as a consumer and as an engine of scientific understanding that has enabled many of the technological breakthroughs adopted by industry. Today, as we look beyond Moore’s Law, the emergence of new computing, artificial intelligence, and sensing workloads, in addition to rapidly expanding data, have resulted in an unprecedented need and opportunity to redesign the microelectronics materials and innovation process. In addition to needing more energy efficient microelectronics, DOE also needs microelectronics designed to operate in extreme environments, including high-radiation, cryogenic, and high magnetic field environments.
The three MSRCs are:
The centers are formed as networks of projects, 16 in total led out of 10 national laboratories. These projects were selected by competitive peer review under the DOE Laboratory Announcement “Microelectronics Science Research Center Projects for Energy Efficiency and Extreme Environments.”
Total funding is $179 million for projects lasting up to four years in duration, with $41 million in Fiscal Year 2024 dollars and outyear funding contingent on congressional appropriations. The list of projects and more information can be found on the Office of Science program homepage.
Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time.