Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new, public-private partnership between Stony Brook University and Onsemi to construct a semiconductor research and development facility on campus.
“I thank Governor Hochul for bringing this investment and collaboration with Onsemi to Stony Brook University and for fostering a more economically sustainable region for our future generations,” said State Senator Anthony Palumbo. “As one of New York’s two flagship universities, Stony Brook continues to be at the forefront of tech research and will provide even more highly-skilled jobs and educational pathways that are essential for critical industries, from electric vehicles and smart grids to renewable energy systems and aerospace technology.”
“Stony Brook University is at the center of key research initiatives at SUNY and is helping to move New York State and our entire nation forward,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “We are excited to help build the new center, which will be a catalyst to create the next generation of semiconductors.”
“This state-of-the-art research facility represents a significant step forward in securing America’s semiconductor future while advancing New York’s technology and clean energy leadership,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “By supporting groundbreaking silicon carbide research at Stony Brook University, we’re investing in technologies that will power everything from electric vehicle charging networks to renewable energy storage systems.”
Onsemi is the largest U.S.-based manufacturer of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors. Silicon carbide is a key component of next-generation semiconductors and is vital to building more powerful, efficient and cleaner electric vehicles and energy infrastructure.
“Advanced power semiconductors are at the core of enabling the widespread adoption of AI and electrification,” said Onsemi Corporate Strategy Senior Vice President Dinesh Ramanathan. “This new center will play a key role in accelerating innovation in one of the most critical fields for these global megatrends.”
The center will be located in Stony Brook University’s Engineering Quad on its West campus and it will allow university research scientists, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students to study crystal growth, processing, and metrology with the goal of growing bigger, higher-quality silicon carbide crystals. This will reduce device costs, improve material quality and accelerate the adoption of SiC power electronics in high-performance, high-efficiency applications. Research performed at the center will support new discoveries that bolster New York State’s leadership in the semiconductor industry. The center will be led by Professor Michael Dudley, Department of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering.
“Since 1991, I have been involved in silicon carbide crystal growth and metrology, collaborating with major silicon carbide companies including Onsemi,” said Professor Dudley. “As the Director, I believe this center will make an integral approach to crystal growth a reality. New ideas in silicon carbide crystal growth can be tested while students and professionals gain a comprehensive work experience in state-of-the-art semiconductor materials development.
The new research facilities will be available to scientists and industry professionals through potential new consortium agreements to drive R&D in the growth, processing and metrology of silicon carbide crystals. Stony Brook will seek agreements with industrial entities such as crystal growers, equipment manufacturers, raw material suppliers, process modelers and others, as well academic and research laboratories.
Through the agreements, they would be able to engage in the silicon carbide growth process directly to test their products and ideas. The work conducted would then provide a training ground for students and professionals who will eventually form the workforce joining these industries, universities and laboratories.
“The new $20 million semiconductor research facility at Stony Brook University is an exciting investment in New York’s future,” said Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay. “The partnership with Onsemi is promising for the future of our regional job market, furthering Long Island’s ability to attract, train, and employ individuals for good paying jobs in the tech field.
“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,” said Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law. “We’re building the foundation for sustained technological leadership that will benefit our communities, our workforce, and our regional economy for decades to come.”
The university will develop a curriculum for an undergraduate minor and a graduate master’s degree and certificate focused on silicon carbide and wide bandgap semiconductors.
“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.”
Because of this partnership, Onsemi will invest $8 million to support the center’s operations, while Stony Brook University will invest $10 million in renovations and equipment. Empire State Development will support the new facility through a capital grant of up to $2 million recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.