In an effort to bolster the state’s nanotechnology business, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Wednesday a partnership between his state and Israel.
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in New York and the Israeli Industry Center for Research & Development will join together hoping to “significantly expand business, technology, and economic relations in the burgeoning field of nanotechnology, while enabling billions of dollars in new investments and the creation of thousands of high-tech jobs in New York and Israel,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“Nanotechnology is one of the major areas in which both Israel and New York have a great deal to offer,” said Dan Vilenski, Former Chairman of Applied Materials’ Israeli subsidiary and Board member of the Israeli National Nanotechnology Initiative “Israel is the leader in metrology and inspection in the semiconductor market, and the State of New York has built one of the leading facilities in the world for Nano scaling research and will play a significant role in shaping the future of this industry.”
The partnership will facilitate bilateral and multilateral research, development, and commercialization programs in innovative nanoscale technologies between corporations and academic institutions in the U.S. and Israel.
Through the agreement, the Israeli government has allocated up to $300 million a year to fund access for Israeli companies and universities to CNSE’s state-of-the-art 300mm wafer and 450mm wafer infrastructure, facilities and resources.
During President Obama’s trip to Israel on Wednesday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Obama with a gold-coated silicon chip that was etched with the declarations of independence of the United States and Israel. The gift, produced at Technion, Israel's major technological university, was intended to illustrate that nation's accomplishments in nanotechnology.
The agreement is designed to enable a host of nanotechnology research and development (R&D), prototyping, demonstration and commercialization activities, including the facilitation of partnerships to spur collaborative projects targeting industrial R&D and commercialization; exchange of technical information and expertise to promote global development of next-generation nanoscale technologies; and the organization of joint seminars and workshops to enhance cooperation between corporate and academic entities in New York and Israel.
Specific technology areas targeted for initial collaboration include sub-systems, sensors and accessories for deployment in the nanoscale cleanroom environment; simulation and modeling for next-generation tools and technologies; and tools, processes, and testing technologies essential to accelerate critical innovations in the multiple fields enabled by nanotechnology, including nanoelectronics, energy and health care, among others.
The centerpiece of the collaboration is the NanoCollege, an advanced nanotechnology education, research, development, and deployment enterprise.
With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, over 300 global corporate partners, and a footprint that spans upstate New York, CNSE is “uniquely positioned to support this first-of-its-kind partnership,” according to a government statement.