SUNY Poly Joins $19. 9 Million National Science Foundation Initiative Utica Phoenix
UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is playing a key role in a new national research initiative led by Rice University, which has received a $19. 9 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The project will use artificial intelligence, robotics, and cloud-based laboratories to accelerate the discovery and manufacturing of next-generation […]
UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is playing a key role in a new nationalresearch initiative led by Rice University, which has received a $19. 9 million award from theNational Science Foundation (NSF). The project will use artificial intelligence, robotics, andcloud-based laboratories to accelerate the discovery and manufacturing of next-generationelectronic and quantum materials. The four-year project, “Revolutionizing AI-Driven Autonomous Experimentation for Next-Generation Semiconductor Synthesis” (READINESS), begins on August 1 and brings togetherresearchers from Rice University, SUNY Poly, and the University of Texas at Austin to developan AI-powered research platform that will accelerate the discovery of advanced materials whileexpanding access to cutting-edge research infrastructure. As part of the collaboration, SUNY Poly will leverage its expertise in semiconductor materialsprocessing and workforce development. Vice President for Research and co-PrincipalInvestigator Dr. Michael Carpenter will help lead development of the autonomous PVD systemfor oxide thin film synthesis and oversee installation of the autonomous CVD system for two-dimensional materials, developed by Rice University Materials Scientist and PrincipalInvestigator Dr. Jun Lou. A key feature of the project is that both SUNY Poly and Rice Universitywill operate identical autonomous PVD and CVD systems, expanding research capacity andworkforce development opportunities at both institutions. SUNY Poly will also help create shortcourses and stackable credentials that prepare students and industry professionals for careersin semiconductor manufacturing, laboratory automation, and AI-enabled materials research. The READINESS platform will integrate automated synthesis equipment, robotics, advancedcharacterization tools and digital twin technology, allowing researchers to simulate andremotely conduct experiments while AI continuously improves future testing. “This award reflects the growing recognition of SUNY Poly as a national leader in semiconductorinnovation, advanced manufacturing, and applied artificial intelligence,” said SUNY PolyPresident Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “Through strategic partnerships with leading researchinstitutions, we are accelerating scientific discovery while expanding opportunities for students,researchers, and industry. READINESS exemplifies our mission to integrate cutting-edgeresearch with workforce development, strengthening both America’s semiconductor ecosystemand the talent pipeline that will drive future innovation. ”READINESS further positions SUNY Poly as a key contributor to advancing national priorities insemiconductor innovation, artificial intelligence and workforce development as part of SUNY’sgrowing research enterprise, supported by The Research Foundation for SUNY. “READINESS represents exactly the kind of collaborative, high-impact research that is drivingSUNY Poly’s continued growth as a leader in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing,semiconductor materials and technology innovation,” said Dr. Carpenter. “By bringing togetherexpertise in AI, robotics and advanced materials across leading institutions, this initiative willaccelerate scientific discovery and industry adoption of next-generation materials whilecreating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and workforce development. ”“The collaboration between Rice University and SUNY Polytechnic Institute is at the heart of theREADINESS PCL node,” said Dr. Lou. “Together, we are creating a new model for AI-enabledautonomous laboratories that will transform semiconductor manufacturing while educating thenext generation of scientists and engineers who will lead this technological revolution. ”The initiative will initially focus on developing advanced materials, including two-dimensionalmaterials, oxide semiconductors and diamond thin films, with applications in faster electronics,lower-power computing and quantum technologies. “The future of semiconductor leadership depends not only on breakthrough research, but onpreparing a highly skilled workforce to translate those discoveries into real-world impact,” saidSenior Director of Workforce Development Erica Schoff. “Through READINESS, SUNY Poly willhelp develop flexible educational pathways that equip students and working professionals withthe technical skills needed to succeed in semiconductor manufacturing, laboratory automationand AI-enabled research. ”The NSF award is part of the agency’s Programmable Cloud Laboratories Test Bed initiative, anational effort to create a network of remotely accessible, AI-enabled research laboratoriesdesigned to improve the speed, reliability and reproducibility of scientific experimentation. ####################About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N. Y. , is a vibrant and inclusive community wherestudents, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education anddynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60thanniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley andbeyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation andinterdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, andHealth Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research andtransformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, andhumanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For more info, visithttp://www. sunypoly. edu.