Extending U.S. technology leadership through R&D
The NSTC will reinforce and extend U.S. leadership in semiconductors by identifying and advancing promising research initiatives in semiconductor technologies and fostering collaboration throughout the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.
To support this goal, Natcast will work closely with NSTC Members to define and implement NSTC research awards and programs including:
- Focusing on the early stage of “lab-to-fab” gap and helping ideas achieve a proof-of-concept or validation point
- Executing the NSTC Research Agenda through research awards and other in-house and member-driven research opportunities
Strategic objectives:
- Jump start research program
- First research agenda
- Long-term research programs
- Convenings across the ecosystem
NSTC R&D Jump Start Programs
The NSTC has been chartered to identify, conduct, support, and enable semiconductor research and development to best serve the needs of the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem as envisioned by the CHIPS and Science Act. To that end, Natcast is developing a robust portfolio of NSTC R&D programs spanning both internally and externally performed R&D. One of the top priorities for the NSTC in 2024 was to launch a portfolio of external R&D initiatives competitively sourced within the community of NSTC Members.
Research Focus Areas of Jump Start Programs
At least $100 million will be allocated to initial R&D initiatives with high impact, quick turnaround, and broad ecosystem engagement.
Natcast has launched three NSTC R&D Jump Start programs: Artificial Intelligence Driven RF Integrated Circuit Design Enablement (AIDRFIC), Test Vehicle Innovation Pipeline (TVIP), and Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Reduction and Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing (PRISM).
AIDRFIC
The AIDRFIC program will enable domestically developed AI-based Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits.
TVIP
The TVIP program focuses on leveraging economies of scale in shared test vehicles to drive innovation.
PRISM
The goal of the PRISM program is to enhance the economic sustainability of semiconductor manufacturing.
NSTC Research Agenda
The NSTC Research Agenda will direct the NSTC’s research efforts, programming, and investments to maintain alignment and leadership in the evolving technical landscape. Natcast anticipates publishing the initial NSTC Research Agenda in spring 2025 with input from the NSTC Technical Advisory Board (TAB) and NSTC Members. Organized around industry challenges, the Research Agenda will be periodically updated to reflect evolving industry trends and stakeholder needs.
SMAP
The Scalable Memory Architecture Program (SMAP) will focus on architectural studies leveraging new memory devices and advanced packaging to address the memory wall.
Natcast Approach to Competitions and Awards
To advance and enable disruptive innovation and promote a skilled workforce, Natcast will be engaged in both internal and external projects. Many of the external projects will be awarded through a competitive proposal process.
The “Proposer overview of Natcast processes and policies for competitions and awards” document provides a high-level overview of Natcast’s approach to managing the competition and award process. The purpose of the overview is to give the NSTC membership (which is also the NSTC proposer community) a sense of how Natcast addresses process integrity issues including confidentiality, fairness, and rigorous decision-making.
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