ISMI Relocate HQs and Operations to CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex

Governor David A. Paterson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver joined SEMATECH President and CEO Daniel Armbrust and UAlbany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros today to announce that the International SEMATECH Manufacturing Initiative, Inc. (ISMI) will relocate its headquarters and operations to CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex beginning in January 2011.

The move will create more than 100 high-tech jobs and position New York as the world leader in advanced manufacturing technologies for the computer chips of the 21st century.

ISMI's relocation to the UAlbany NanoCollege -- already home to the headquarters and operations of International SEMATECH -- was spearheaded by a $10 million investment from the New York State Assembly, which was matched by a $10 million grant from the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). ISMI and its private industry partners will invest $80 million in capital and operational funding as part of the $100 million initiative, which is expected to attract additional technology investments, high-tech jobs and corporate participants to upstate New York.

The ISMI move will be launched in January 2011 and will be completed within 12 months. At the conclusion of the ISMI move, SEMATECH will have relocated its entire operation to the UAlbany NanoCollege. The global consortium was founded in Austin, Texas, in 1988 as a collaboration of the world's leading nanoelectronics companies to drive innovative research, development and commercialization for next-generation computer nanochips.

"This is a major investment in our State's economy and ensures the long-term future of New York as an international leader in nanotechnology and nanoelectronics," Governor Paterson said. "Continuing this partnership with SEMATECH is a perfect example of New York investing in companies at the forefront of their industry, as well as leaders in technology and innovation that hold promise for the future. I commend everyone involved with this historic investment, and I look forward to the many opportunities this will bring to UAlbany's Nanocollege and the entire Empire State."

"When the Assembly partnered with Dr. Kaloyeros and made the first of many investments in the Albany NanoTech Complex, it was with the express intention of transforming New York State into the world center of nanotech innovation, opportunity and jobs. ISMI's decision to relocate here sends a clear message that this is the place to be for cutting-edge computer chip manufacturing, commercialization and fabrication," said Speaker Silver. "University/industry partnerships are how we will build a 21st Century economy and create good jobs in our state. I commend our Capital Region delegation -- Assembly Members Ron Canestrari, Jack McEneny, Bob Reilly and Tim Gordon -- for their continuing leadership in ensuring the growth of Tech Valley."

The world's top technology leader responsible for the development and implementation of international nanoelectronics manufacturing roadmaps and standards, ISMI will partner with CNSE on advanced manufacturing technologies that are critical to enabling fabrication of multi-functional computer nanochips, which drive nearly every facet of society, from the electronics, information technology, automotive and military sectors to emerging opportunities in clean energy and health care, among many others.

SEMATECH President and CEO Dan Armbrust said, "Today marks the important addition of SEMATECH's unique manufacturing collaboration initiative called ISMI to complement the long standing partnership between SEMATECH, New York State and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Our objective is to enhance ISMI's ability to improve manufacturing productivity and reduce costs in today's manufacturing facilities and in the factories of the future. By locating ISMI at CNSE's Nanotech complex in Albany, we will enable the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies with the leading-edge research of SEMATECH and CNSE, allowing us to accelerate the development and introduction of new cost-competitive chip technologies to serve the critical needs of our members and the worldwide nanoelectronics industry."

CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros said, "The relocation of ISMI to New York State is testament to, and a direct result of, the groundbreaking vision, unparalleled leadership, and proactive investment of Assembly Speaker Silver and Governor Paterson, who have ensured that in the global competition to lead the 21st century nanotechnology revolution, all roads truly point to New York State. The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to build its partnership with SEMATECH through the addition of ISMI's world-class capabilities at CNSE, as we work together to drive cutting-edge research, development and manufacturing technologies to enable today's innovation-driven society, and firmly establish New York as the world's 'go-to' location for technology investment, corporate location and high-tech job creation."

"The growing presence of our research and development firms and our cutting edge high technology companies right here in New York State is unmatched, setting us apart from other state and countries across the globe," said Empire State Development Chairman and CEO Dennis M. Mullen. "I'm pleased that we can now add world renowned International Sematech to that list. The company's decision to choose and invest in New York State is a testament to all this region has to offer-an educated workforce, a strategic location and, of course, the partnerships with our premier academic institutions. This new joint venture with the unsurpassed College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering will create jobs, starting with the 100 new positions that will come with the SEMATECH relocation, and will enhance our state's ability to compete on an international scale. Today's exciting announcement is a critical piece of Governor Paterson's New Economy initiative and I applaud his administration for their unwavering commitment to what we know is the foundation for our future economic prosperity."

Approximately 14,000 square feet of existing space will be renovated at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex to accommodate ISMI, to include state-of-the-art infrastructure and tooling and the acquisition of leading-edge equipment for processing and prototyping activities.

With over $6.5 billion in high-tech investments, CNSE's 800,000-square-foot Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced research enterprise in the academic world, featuring the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms.