The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded nearly $5 million to 17 small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program to develop new technologies that support the U.S. semiconductor industry. These projects aim to improve measurement tools, manufacturing processes, and materials analysis, which are critical for advancing microelectronics. The funding is part of the CHIPS Research and Development Office’s efforts to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem and support national security and economic growth. The selected businesses will be considered for Phase II funding in Spring 2025, which could provide up to $1.9 million per project.
The funded projects include innovations like high-speed imaging tools, advanced metrology systems, and AI-driven chip design software. These technologies are expected to benefit semiconductor manufacturers, researchers, and the broader electronics industry by improving efficiency, accuracy, and security in chip production. One project focuses on the Commercial Trust™ Protocol (CTP), which aims to enhance supply chain security and track the provenance of microelectronic components. Overall, the initiative supports the development of next-generation semiconductor technologies and strengthens the U.S. position in the global microelectronics market.
Keywords: metrology, semiconductor, quantum technologies
