As part of the $1.5 billion “Nano Utica” initiative that was recently announced by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to further build upon the state's successful nanotechnology-based economy, construction continues on the Computer Chip Commercialization Center — informally known as Quad-C.
Co-founded and managed by the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and State University of New York Institute of Technology (SUNYIT), Quad-C is located on the SUNYIT campus near Utica, N.Y., and is focused on device processing and packaging, IT, and supply chain support. Quad-C also is poised to provide workforce training for anticipated growth at the adjacent 420 acre Marcy Nanocenter site, expected to be the site of 450 mm computer chip manufacturing, and to support high-tech growth throughout the region.
As Michael Fancher, CNSE vice-president of business development and economic outreach and director, New York State Center for Advanced Technology in Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics (CATN2) explained, the center is a key component of Cuomo's high-tech growth and jobs initiatives for New York State.
“Quad-C is part of an inter-regional nanotechnology partnership between CNSE, SUNYIT, and Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation [EDGE]. This $125 million technology complex will leverage the same publicly-led public-private partnership model that has proven to be so successful at CNSE's Albany NanoTech facility, a $20 billion megaplex that is the most advanced research facility of its kind in the world.
“As a high-tech model for economic growth, Quad-C is scheduled to open in late 2014, and it will house the computer chip packaging consortium, consisting of Advanced Nanotechnology Solutions Incorporated [ANSI], SEMATECH, and Atotech, as well as SEMATECH and CNSE partner companies, including IBM, Lam Research, and Tokyo Electron,” said Fancher. “Quad-C will be the site of cutting-edge research and development related to computer chip packaging and lithography development and commercialization. These innovations — what are called 'system-on-a-chip innovations' — will lead to a variety of new technologies and products, including more advanced smart phones, tablets and laptops, or incredibly fast and secure computer servers and IT systems, as well as game-changing sensor technologies for novel healthcare, clean energy, and environmental applications.”
As a result of the Nano Utica initiative and the commitment of major companies to locate at the Nano Utica facility, Quad-C will be expanded from its original plans and will include world-class cleanrooms and laboratories, hands-on education and workforce training facilities, and integrated offices. Supporting the project, New York State will invest $200 million over the next decade to purchase new equipment for the facility. No private company will receive any state funds as part of the initiative, although, Fancher said, “it should also be noted that Quad-C is already home to a number of companies, including nfrastructure, a New York-based IT enterprise, and VALUTEK, a leading manufacturer of cleanroom supplies which moved from Arizona.”