A new semiconductor research and development facility is set to be established at Stony Brook University, following a $20 million partnership with onsemi, a leading manufacturer of silicon carbide power semiconductors. The announcement was made by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on July 17. The facility will focus on advancing the potential of silicon carbide chips, which are essential for cleaner and more efficient electric vehicles and energy infrastructure.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of this initiative: “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, highlighted the significance of advanced power semiconductors: “Advanced power semiconductors are at the core of enabling the widespread adoption of AI and electrification. This new center will play a key role in accelerating innovation in one of the most critical fields for these global megatrends.”
The project includes an $8 million investment from onsemi for operations support and $10 million from Stony Brook University for renovations and equipment. Empire State Development will contribute up to $2 million through a capital grant recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.
Andrea Goldsmith, incoming president of Stony Brook University, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration: “This public-private partnership between onsemi, Stony Brook and Empire State Development provides tremendous opportunity for economic development and national security.”
The facility will be located in Stony Brook University’s Engineering Quad on its West Campus. It aims to enhance research capabilities in crystal growth, processing, and metrology to improve silicon carbide crystal quality and reduce costs.
Professor Michael Dudley from the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering will lead the center. He stated: “Since 1991, I have been involved in silicon carbide crystal growth and metrology... Thanks to the Provost for coming through with funds for equipment and renovation.”
Andrew Singer, dean of Stony Brook University's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, remarked on the strategic importance: “By advancing silicon-carbide crystal growth right here on Long Island... we are not only pushing the frontier of power-device technology but also helping secure domestic manufacturing capacity.”
Kevin Law, Chairman of Empire State Development Board and Stony Brook Council Chairman added: “Long Island has long been home to world-class research... This facility will not only advance critical semiconductor research but also create exciting career pathways for Long Island residents.”
The center is expected to become fully operational by early 2027.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. commented: “Stony Brook University is at the center of key research initiatives at SUNY... We are excited to help build the onsemi Silicon Carbide Crystal Growth Center.”