UAlbany Nanotechnology Research Center to Receive $10 Million

A person outfitted in a white lab coat, gloves and mask holds a piece of equipment in a laboratory.

The CATN2 worked with an industrial partner to bring this Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition system, which allows researchers to manipulate experimental chip designs at the atomic level, to the Innovation Lab at CNSE. (Photo by Patrick Dodson)

By Bethany Bump

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 17, 2025) — UAlbany’s Center for Advanced Technology in Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics (CATN2) will receive another $10 million from Empire State Development as a hub for semiconductor and microelectronics research and development.

Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) recently announced that the CATN2 is among 10 Centers for Advanced Technology, or CATs, that will receive funding over the next decade.

Originally known as the Center for Advanced Technology in Thin Films and Coatings after the complex chemistries and materials needed to develop more powerful microchips, the CATN2 was founded in 1993 as a crucial link between UAlbany’s groundbreaking semiconductor research and industrial partners that launched Albany NanoTech. It is based at UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering and located at the Albany NanoTech Complex, which is owned and operated by NY CREATES.

Albany’s growing semiconductor hub

With microchips now integral to advanced artificial intelligence systems, their economic importance has surged. The center’s fourth decade of work begins at a time of enormous investment in New York’s semiconductor sector, including a landmark $1 billion state investment in the NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Complex that helped lead to its selection to host the $825 million CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator. The EUV Accelerator, which is part of the National Semiconductor Technology Center funded by the CHIPS & Science Act and operated by Natcast, launched in Albany on Monday.

“As the next era of semiconductor innovation in New York begins with the EUV Accelerator, we are thrilled to continue the CATN2’s work helping New York build a stronger economy at the cutting edge of critical technologies like microelectronics and artificial intelligence,” said Thenkurussi (Kesh) Kesavadas, UAlbany’s vice president for research and economic development. “NYSTAR’s strategic investment in key industries like semiconductors has cemented New York’s reputation as leader in high technology, and UAlbany is grateful for ESD’s continued support.”

The CAT program is designed to spur economic and job growth by supporting applied R&D and commercialization of new technologies, including semiconductors, chip design and biotechnology — all of which depend on advances in nanomaterials and nanoelectronics.

“The University is grateful for Empire State Development’s continued support for the center’s expertise in nanotechnology to drive innovation, commercialization, education, outreach and provide a compelling return-on-investment to the New York economy,” said Michael Fancher, CATN2’s executive director and principal investigator for the center.

Investing in the ‘industries of tomorrow’

ESD identified seven areas — including nanotechnology, semiconductors and microelectronics and advanced manufacturing — with significant potential for expanding the New York economy.

“NYSTAR’s Centers for Advanced Technology have been critical to the growth of New York State’s economy over the past four decades,” said ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “When we invest in the industries of tomorrow, New Yorkers will benefit today: more jobs, increased revenues, and new companies choosing to set up shop in the Empire State. Congratulations to this round of designees who will undoubtedly contribute to the long and storied history of the CAT program.”

Of the 10 CATs that received funding, the CATN2 was among nine existing research centers that received re-designations, meaning their funding will continue.

Located at the NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Complex, UAlbany’s CATN2 leverages the tools and infrastructure of the fully integrated research, development, prototyping and educational facility, and NY CREATES’ open innovation business model that has attracted global semiconductor industry leaders such as IBM, GlobalFoundries and Samsung.

Leveraging the CHIPS Act

The center’s continued work will complement other existing programs funded through the landmark $52 billion federal CHIPS and Science Act. In addition to the NSTC, these include the Northeast Regional Defense Technology (NORDTECH) Hub led by UAlbany, RPI, Cornell, NY CREATES and IBM to support microelectronics innovation for national security and the Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins (SMART) USA Institute, led by the Semiconductor Research Corporation, which is focused on using digital twins to improve domestic semiconductor production.

The latest round of CAT funding will build on the approximately 150 New York companies the CATN2 has already supported, generating more than $1.6 billion in economic impact and creating more than 1,750 new jobs.

“This redesignation is further evidence of CNSE and UAlbany’s historic and continuing leadership in this research and development space,” said CNSE Dean Michele J. Grimm. “The faculty and staff of the Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering continue to work at the cutting edge of these fields and now provide education and training programs that cover the full span between K-12 outreach and post-high school workforce development to BS, MS, and PhD degree programs. In addition, working with our industry partners, microcredentials and graduate certificate programs are now available to support the professional development of individuals who are working in the semiconductor industry or wish to transition to those amazing opportunities within New York State. We are excited to continue to lead and innovate in this area for the benefit of the Capital Region, New York and the entire country.”