NSF Launches ELEGANT Program to Translate Low-Dimensional Semiconductor Tech for U.S. Manufacturers

According to NSF News, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced an initiative designed to convert low-dimensional semiconductor technologies demonstrated in laboratories into platforms that U.S. manufacturers can utilize to develop and deploy advanced microelectronics.

The NSF Ecosystem for Low-dimensional Electronics: Growth, Assembly, Nanoelectronics, and Translation (NSF ELEGANT) program is intended to help the U.S. succeed in translating advanced microelectronics technologies into next-generation capabilities for areas such as high-performance computing, advanced communications, and artificial intelligence, which are noted as being vital to national security and economic competitiveness.

Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, stated that NSF ELEGANT intends to reduce the risk associated with advanced microelectronics manufacturing technology to a point where the industry can commit to its adoption in a timely, credible, and evidence-based manner. He further noted that the program's design and measurement heavily rely on sustained industry involvement, as the progress of every performing team is validated by industry partners at every stage, ensuring that the technologies advancing through ELEGANT are those manufacturers are prepared to adopt.

While microelectronics are essential for industry and drive global innovation, current manufacturing methods are reportedly unable to keep pace with the demand for smaller-scale microelectronics technologies at the necessary scale. The ELEGANT program works to advance innovation in low-dimension materials for semiconductor manufacturing while simultaneously bridging the gap between laboratory demonstrations and the creation of platforms relevant to industry.

To meet the program's goals, NSF issued an Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering (OTASO) that is looking for Ecosystems Coordinator and Expert Performer Teams across five distinct translation themes.

The five translation themes are: Theme 1: Manufacturable Materials Platform; Theme 2: Process Technology and Process Design Kit; Theme 3: Device, Circuit and Full-Chip Demonstration; Theme 4: Manufacturing Readiness and Transition; and Theme 5: AI-Enabled Acceleration.

The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) is working to engage all Americans in accelerating emerging and critical technologies to enhance U.S. competitiveness. This directorate collaborates across various sectors to advance three strategies: accelerating critical and emerging technology, broadening the geographic scope of American innovation, and cultivating a workforce that is ready for competition.