The U.S. is investing millions in expanding Albany nanotech as the first chip for America’s flagship facility. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer made the announcement at a news conference last month. The $825 million in federal funding is due to the CHIPS & Science Law. This is part of the Biden administration’s goal to make 20% of the world’s advanced chips.

NewsChannel 13 spoke with Marty Schmidt, President of RPI. She said this facility will not only make semiconductors, but also help create new technologies. Any company interested in using or creating the next generation of tech can also use the facility.

“This is going to bring a lot of people into the region and further grow this incredible asset that we have in Albany,” Schmidt said. So you are going to see a lot of talent coming together. But what’s exciting is that this is going to be where the next generation of technologies is invested. And it may be applied to technologies in New York state, Arizona, Texas, or maybe even Hokkaido, Japan.”

Schmidt also said that this means the new wave of technology will be able to start in the Capital Region before going anywhere else. Companies like Micron or IBM can use the facility to create new chip technology or even the next generation of AI technology.

“Then take it out and manufacture electronic devices – chips in their own plants,” Schmidt said. “So the facility we have in Albany, which is now enhanced by this $28 million investment, is a primary global development facility for this technology.”

The center’s operators, the Department of Commerce and Natcast, will spend the money on equipment to conduct extreme ultraviolet (EUV) research and development.

Albany NanoTech will be one of only two facilities in the world with this advanced machinery, according to a statement. It is used to print patterns and make chips on computer wafers, which will power AI in smartphones and computers.

The goal of the center is to be operational by 2025.