$20M State-of-the-Art Semiconductor Research Facility Coming to Stony Brook University
Public-private partnership between SBU and onsemi, a global leader in semiconductors
A new, public-private partnership between Stony Brook University and onsemi, a global leader and the largest U.S.-based manufacturer of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, will construct a $20 million, state-of-the-art semiconductor research and development facility on the Stony Brook University campus.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the partnership on July 17. Research at the new center will unlock the full potential of silicon carbide chips, and the facility will drive the development of cutting-edge technology used in clean energy industries. Silicon carbide is a key component of next-generation semiconductors and is vital to building more powerful, cleaner, more efficient electric vehicles and energy infrastructure.
“The state-of-the-art research facility at Stony Brook University will be another step in our mission to reshore the chip industry, strengthen our national security, and cement New York’s status as the chips capital of the United States,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in cutting-edge technology and world-class talent, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Long Island, and New York.”
“Advanced power semiconductors are at the core of enabling the widespread adoption of AI and electrification. This new center will play a key role in accelerating innovation in one of the most critical fields for these global megatrends,” said onsemi Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy Dinesh Ramanathan. “Aligned with Governor Hochul’s vision, and in strong partnership with Stony Brook and Empire State Development, we are building a pipeline of skilled talent who will drive the next wave of breakthroughs in power semiconductors and pave the way for our sustainable future.”
As a result of the partnership, onsemi will invest $8 million to support the center’s operations, while Stony Brook University will invest $10 million in renovations and equipment. Empire State Development will support the new facility through a capital grant of up to $2 million recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.
“This public-private partnership between onsemi, Stony Brook and Empire State Development provides tremendous opportunity for economic development and national security,” said Stony Brook University Incoming President Andrea Goldsmith. “As a technology entrepreneur and the founder of a fabless semiconductor startup, I am thrilled that Stony Brook is a key academic partner with onsemi, an industry leader in power semiconductors. This partnership places Stony Brook and New York State at the forefront of advancing power semiconductor technology while providing students hands-on research and practical opportunities as they prepare for leadership roles in high-skill, high-demand technology fields.”
Located in Stony Brook University’s Engineering Quad on its West Campus, the new center will allow university research scientists, postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students to study crystal growth, processing, and metrology with the goal of growing bigger, higher-quality silicon carbide crystals. This will reduce device costs, improve material quality and accelerate the adoption of SiC power electronics in high-performance, high-efficiency applications. Research performed at the center will support new discoveries that bolster New York State’s leadership in the semiconductor industry.
The new research facilities will be available to scientists and industry professionals through potential new consortium agreements to drive R&D in the growth, processing and metrology of silicon carbide crystals. Stony Brook will seek agreements with industrial entities such as crystal growers, equipment manufacturers, raw material suppliers, process modelers and others, as well academic and research laboratories.
Through the agreements, they would be able to engage in the silicon carbide growth process directly to test their products and ideas. In turn, the work conducted would provide a training ground for students and professionals who will eventually form the workforce joining these industries, universities and laboratories. Stony Brook University will also develop a curriculum for an undergraduate minor and a graduate master’s degree and certificate focused on silicon carbide and wide bandgap semiconductors.
The center will be led by Professor Michael Dudley, Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering. Professor Dudley and his team are leaders in SiC growth and metrology with more than 30 years of experience. Professor Balaji Raghothamachar, also experienced in SiC growth and metrology, and Professor and Department Chair Dilip Gersappe, with extensive experience in modeling of materials systems, will also be part of the center’s leadership team.
“Since 1991, I have been involved in silicon carbide crystal growth and metrology, collaborating with major silicon carbide companies including onsemi. Much appreciation to onsemi for recognizing this and supporting the establishment of this innovative center at Stony Brook University,” Professor Dudley said. “Thanks to the Provost for coming through with funds for equipment and renovation and thanks to Empire State Development for their support as well. As the Director, I believe this center will make an integral approach to crystal growth a reality. New ideas in silicon carbide crystal growth can be tested while students and professionals gain a comprehensive work experience in state-of-the-art semiconductor materials development. We look forward to partnering with companies, universities, and national labs in silicon carbide semiconductor technologies and workforce development.”
“At a moment when strengthening the nation’s semiconductor supply chain is both an economic and strategic imperative, this new center represents a tremendous opportunity,” said Andrew Singer, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University. “By advancing silicon-carbide crystal growth right here on Long Island, we are not only pushing the frontier of power-device technology but also helping secure domestic manufacturing capacity, creating high-skill jobs, and training the engineers who will keep the United States at the forefront of the global semiconductor landscape.”
“Long Island has long been home to world-class research and technology companies, and the new center will further cement our region’s reputation as an innovation powerhouse,” said Empire State Development Board Chairman and Stony Brook Council Chairman Kevin Law. “This facility will not only advance critical semiconductor research but also create exciting career pathways for Long Island residents in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. We’re building the foundation for sustained technological leadership that will benefit our communities, our workforce, and our regional economy for decades to come.”
The new center will initially house advanced equipment including furnaces, wafering and polishing equipment and metrology tools. The center is expected to be fully operational in early 2027.
“Stony Brook University is at the center of key research initiatives at SUNY, and is helping to move New York State and our entire nation forward,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “We are excited to help build the onsemi Silicon Carbide Crystal Growth Center, which will be a catalyst to create the next generation of semiconductors. Governor Hochul has charged SUNY to be a leader in semiconductor research and development, and we appreciate her investment and support as we work to achieve that goal.”