TVIP

Test Vehicle innovation pipeline (TVIP)

Bringing new technology from “lab-to-fab” is a difficult and costly enterprise. One way to accelerate innovation is to leverage economies of scale by using shared test vehicles comprised of common sets of standardized processes with reusable masks or partially fabricated wafers. Developing a comprehensive set of test vehicles will accelerate the “lab-to-fab” transition by reducing non-recurring engineering costs and accelerating cycles of learning. These test vehicles can be augmented using a small number of steps to evaluate new technologies and leading-edge process modules. In many cases, some of these steps can be done by leveraging existing capabilities at commercial foundries or advanced research facilities. This is a cost-effective way to accelerate research that can also help resolve fundamental issues when introducing new materials and process modules into semiconductor foundries. 

The NSTC will establish a new Test Vehicle Innovation Pipeline (TVIP) program to address the challenges in transitioning basic scientific discoveries from research into development. The TVIP program will provide a new family of test vehicles for semiconductor research which will be available to NSTC members. These vehicles will be useable within members’ own facilities or other facilities they may partner with to drive new technologies from low to high technology readiness levels at the lowest possible cost.

Overcoming The Barriers researchers and entrepreneurs face

Despite the tremendous advantages that test vehicles offer in terms of time and operational cost, getting started through the design of test chips and the acquisition of mask sets can incur millions of dollars in non-recurring engineering costs. Given the “high risk” nature of many projects, the availability of capital is not sufficient to help drive programs into success. By identifying key research verticals and making test vehicles broadly accessible across technology readiness levels within a vertical, the NSTC can address this key challenge to supply test vehicles to researchers at a fraction of the startup cost.

A successful team will demonstrate the creation of a complete and comprehensive set of test vehicles to rapidly test large numbers of entry level projects within a given subject area, screen them for viability with trusted measurements, model their performance, and then move them into the next technology readiness level.

By making this new, growing repository of test vehicles with commensurate measurement capabilities, and data analysis tools available to NSTC members, the TVIP program will break down barriers to accessing industrially relevant research tools and quickly identify winning technological innovations. In addition to helping researchers move faster, the ability to benchmark emerging innovations will improve the visibility in emerging technology trends to investors and implementers.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Total program award funding up to $55M with 4-12 awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range from $1M to $20M. 

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants include domestic for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, and accredited institutions of higher education.

While entities are not required to be NSTC members at the time of application, Natcast will work with each awardee so they can become an NSTC member at the time of Award.

More information will be available in the full Call for Proposals (CFP) when posted.

Application Timeline

QUESTIONS?

Questions can be submitted to [email protected]. Responses to frequently asked questions will be posted to this TVIP website page.

Additional Information: TVIP Webinar

Presentation Slides (.pdf)