New York marked a significant advancement in semiconductor development with the opening of the NSTC EUV Accelerator at the NY CREATES Albany Nanotech Complex. Governor Kathy Hochul, along with industry representatives from IBM, Micron, and others, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 1. As reported by the Governor’s Office, the initiative represents a major step forward in semiconductor research and development, with potential economic benefits for the state. With New York contributing $1 billion to the project, the investment highlights Albany’s strong commitment to the chip industry.
The EUV Accelerator is one of three facilities aimed to ramp up research, development, and manufacturing capabilities for semiconductors in the US, prominently featuring a publicly-owned High NA EUV Center that's expected to bolster the making of powerful semiconductors, Governor Hochul has pitched this move as a critical initiative for ensuring NY's leading position in the tech economy, which, considering the additional $825 million investment it attracted, appears to be a strategic move to establish Albany as a key center in the national semiconductor industry, Governor Hochul said, “The opening of the NSTC EUV Accelerator showcases what public and private partnership can accomplish to bolster the state’s workforce, while setting the stage for semiconductor research and manufacturing nationwide,” according to the news release.
Natcast CEO Deirdre Handford highlighted the facility's prominent role in advancing semiconductor technologies in a statement obtained by the Governor's office: “The grand opening of the EUV Accelerator marks a momentous milestone for Natcast, the NSTC, and the entire U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.” Handford stressed the significance of the EUV Accelerator in "providing Natcast and NSTC Member researchers access to the critical tools needed to facilitate a wider range of research and a path to commercialization to advance U.S. leadership in the technologies of tomorrow."
The EUV Accelerator offers advanced lithography equipment, collaborative workspaces for member organizations, and dedicated offices and staff for Natcast. With the anticipated arrival of High NA EUV systems in 2026, the facility is positioned to contribute significantly to technological innovation in the U.S. In addition to its standalone capabilities, it complements the CHIPS for America DCF and PPF programs as a key R&D hub. Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight highlighted the substantial regional economic growth driven by this initiative, noting, “America’s semiconductor resurgence runs through New York, with the EUV Accelerator playing a crucial role,” as stated in the news release.
The state-of-the-art facility is part of a broader effort to establish New York as a leader across multiple industries. Governor Hochul’s executive budgets have allocated $100 million, in addition to FAST NY’s $175 million, to prepare sites for industrial development. Major investments, such as Micron Technology’s $100 billion facility, have contributed significantly to state employment and economic growth, according to the Governor’s office. This new semiconductor initiative is expected to position Albany—and New York State more broadly—at the forefront of global technological competition, supported by the state’s commitment to advancing semiconductor manufacturing.
