RIT semiconductor fabrication lab to be upgraded with the help of a $2 million worth of grant

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wednesday, the institute said that RIT will get $2 million to update its semiconductor fabrication lab.

RIT says that the facility is used to study photonics, quantum chip development, solar cells, LEDs, and nanomembranes. The cleanroom is used for testing, developing the workforce, and teaching students.

Congressman Joe Morelle, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer worked together to get the money. They all think it will be good for the semiconductor industry.

Sen. Gillibrand said, “This $2 million investment will help grow the microchip industry in Upstate New York, which is already growing, and train the next generation of leaders in our country and around the world.” “I will keep fighting to help build this growing technology economy and help workers in New York and elsewhere.”

“This will create jobs, grow our economy here in Rochester, and make the United States more competitive around the world,” said Morelle. “I’m glad that RIT won this award, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them to keep Rochester at the forefront of high-tech progress.”

RIT says that new technologies like AI, quantum computing, and biomedical sensors are built on research into semiconductors. Smart systems in healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing would be made better with semiconductor technology.

Last year, there were problems with the supply chain for semiconductor chips. This hurt a number of industries. Since then, Governor Hochul signed the Green CHIPs Bill, which aims to improve the state’s production of semiconductors, and Micron Technology put money into building a factory in Upstate New York.