The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Applied Materials today announced a new joint lab to collaborate on developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for semiconductor equipment and creating capabilities for the local chip ecosystem. Minister of State, Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, witnessed the signing ceremony.
The Applied Materials - A*STAR Joint Lab for Applied Process Equipment Accelerator (APEX) will focus on:
- Developing semiconductor manufacturing processes that minimise material waste and maximise resource efficiency;
- Developing components and methods to enhance the quality and functionality of semiconductor equipment targeted for ICAPS markets (IoT, Communications, Automotive, Power and Sensors); and
- Creating computer models to test, simulate and optimise new processes and designs.
The joint lab will also enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore to support development of these solutions.
A*STAR’s research institutes – Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Institute of Microelectronics (IME), and Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) – will contribute their research and expertise in advanced manufacturing, materials, simulation and sensor technologies, to develop new approaches in designing and building innovative manufacturing processes and components for semiconductor equipment.
