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Austihn, TX --March 31, 2004-- Preserving Technology Leadership and Paving the Way for Tomorrow’s Employers.

The State of Texas and SEMATECH announced the signing of an agreement to launch the Advanced Materials Research Center with the University of Texas System and other Texas universities to investigate promising new semiconductor technologies and help ensure the state’s high-tech future.

The Reserch Center in Austin is aimed at generating more than 4,000 new high-tech jobs in the Lone Star State over the next 10 years.

The aim of the five-year AMRC effort will be to accelerate the commercialization of critical technology research that economists believe will generate the industries, careers, and tax revenue of the future.

The AMRC will focus on leading-edge materials and capabilities for next-generation semiconductors, as well as cutting edge research in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and other related advanced high-tech areas.

The initial $40M funding for the AMRC will be provided by the newly formed Texas Enterprise Fund and the remaining $160M will be funded from various sources over the next four years. This effort is expected to generate more than 4,000 high-tech jobs in Texas over the next ten years.

“This is a great day for Texas technology and for the economic future of all of our citizens,” said Texas Governor Rick Perry. “The AMRC will combine the enormous research strengths of Texas universities with SEMATECH’s world-class technology development and proven program management experience. Together, these institutions will advance the technologies that will help drive our state’s economy for the next 50 years, and keep Texas a leader in scientific achievement.”

The International SEMATECH facility located in Austin, Texas.

Texas Congressman John Carter added, “As important as the AMRC is to Texas, this center will play a critical national role in maintaining our country's leadership in high-tech and future technologies. The United States must maintain its dominance in these key areas, so that we can preserve our economic prosperity and maintain our national defense and security that is second to none.”

Under the agreement, the new center will establish a set of advanced material and technology projects to extend CMOS transistors to their limits and beyond. At the same time, researchers will pursue projects addressing the challenges of creating multiple layers of wiring within a semiconductor device, including the development of new insulator materials, improved “wires,” and novel next-generation approaches.

Lithography, the central component of semiconductor manufacturing technology, also will be a major focus. Work is planned on extending critical lithography components to overcome daunting industry patterning challenges, an effort that will include the emerging optical immersion techniques.

“The AMRC’s mission is to accelerate the commercialization of critical research in advanced technology, and it is a key component of the Texas Technology Initiative,” said Dave Saathoff, SEMATECH senior vice president and chief administrative officer. “The semiconductor industry has driven miniaturization and specialty materials for nearly 50 years.”

Added SEMATECH Associate Director Randy Goodall, “This achievement, combined with the people, facilities, and investment infrastructure provided by the semiconductor industry, forms the foundation of many vital emerging technologies, including nanotechnology and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).”

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