New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium

New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium
Name	New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium
Formation	2015
Location	Albany, New York, United States
Key people	Michael Fancher, Alain Kaloyeros
Focus	Wide-bandgap semiconductors, power electronics, manufacturing
Parent	SUNY Polytechnic Institute

New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium. The New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium is a public-private research and development alliance focused on advancing the manufacturing of next-generation wide-bandgap semiconductor devices for power electronics applications. Established in 2015 and anchored at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campuses in Albany and Rochester, it leverages the state's significant investments in nanotechnology infrastructure. The consortium aims to accelerate the commercialization of efficient semiconductor devices made from materials like silicon carbide and gallium nitride, which are critical for sectors including renewable energy, electric vehicles, and the smart grid.

Overview

The consortium operates as a core component of New York's broader technology development strategy, often associated with initiatives like Nano Utica and the Albany Nanotech Complex. Its mission is to establish a comprehensive, end-to-end ecosystem for wide-bandgap semiconductor innovation, spanning from advanced materials science research to pilot-scale manufacturing and workforce development. This initiative is designed to bolster domestic production capabilities for critical components used in power conversion and management, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. The collaborative model brings together leading global corporations, innovative startups, and premier academic research institutions under one umbrella.

Formation and Governance

The consortium was formally launched in 2015 by then-Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, as part of a statewide economic development effort spearheaded by Empire State Development. Its creation was closely tied to the research and administrative leadership of SUNY Polytechnic Institute and its then-President Alain Kaloyeros. Key governance and strategic direction have been provided by founding corporate members, including General Electric, IBM, and GlobalFoundries, alongside state entities. The operational framework is modeled on the successful public-private partnership template of the Albany Nanotech Complex, aiming to replicate its achievements in the specific domain of power electronics.

Research and Development Focus

Primary R&D activities concentrate on overcoming technical and economic barriers to the high-volume manufacturing of wide-bandgap semiconductor devices. This includes advanced processes for silicon carbide wafer production, epitaxy, device fabrication, packaging, and module integration. Research thrusts address key challenges such as crystal defect reduction, improving electron mobility, and developing novel metallization techniques to enhance device reliability and performance. The work supports applications in extreme environments for the Department of Defense, more efficient inverters for solar power, and advanced powertrains for the Ford Mustang Mach-E and other electric vehicles.

Member Organizations and Partnerships

The consortium features a diverse membership from industry and academia. Major industrial partners have included General Electric, IBM, GlobalFoundries, Texas Instruments, and Wolfspeed. Academic and research institution partners encompass SUNY Polytechnic Institute, the University at Albany, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and Cornell University. Critical collaborative partnerships also exist with federal agencies, notably the United States Department of Energy and its PowerAmerica institute, as well as with the United States Air Force Research Laboratory. These alliances ensure the R&D roadmap addresses both commercial market needs and national security priorities.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The consortium's activities are primarily housed within two flagship New York state-funded facilities: the **NanoFab Xtension** building at the **Albany Nanotech Complex** and the **NanoPower Research Labs** at **SUNY Poly's Rochester** campus. These sites provide access to state-of-the-art cleanroom space, advanced lithography tools such as those from ASML, and specialized equipment for materials characterization and electrical testing. This shared infrastructure allows member companies, which might include firms like ON Semiconductor or Infineon Technologies, to conduct cutting-edge research and development without bearing the full capital cost of such expensive installations.

Economic and Industry Impact

The consortium has been a significant component of New York's strategy to grow its tech economy and create high-tech jobs in regions like the Capital District and the Finger Lakes. By developing a localized supply chain for wide-bandgap semiconductors, it aims to attract further investment from the automotive industry and energy industry. The initiative also focuses on building a specialized workforce through training programs aligned with the needs of members like GlobalFoundries and Wolfspeed. Its success is seen as vital for maintaining United States competitiveness against global manufacturing hubs in Taiwan, South Korea, and the European Union.

Category:Research organizations in New York (state) Category:Semiconductor industry in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2015