Semiconductors and Microelectronics Research

Semiconductors and Microelectronics Research is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Semiconductors and Microelectronics | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Semiconductors and Microelectronics View image credit & caption For decades, the U.S. National Science Foundation has invested in the technological building blocks of the modern electronics that people depend on every day.

Semiconductors are the backbone of most electronics, from smart phones to home appliances, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to satellites. Breakthroughs in semiconductors and microelectronics will be key to overcoming limits in critical areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, manufacturing and communications.

Find funding for semiconductor research NSF's decades of sustained investments have ensured the continual advance of semiconductors and microelectronics. Pioneering work supported by NSF includes: From their liquid crystal displays to their microprocessors, NSF-supported research into semiconductor materials and microelectronics was essential to the creation of many materials found in smartphones.

Since the 1980s, NSF has funded some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, including Frontera and Delta , and made these resources widely available to the research community. NSF-funded research expanded the capabilities and energy efficiency of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, found in everyday electronics from smartphones and computers to streetlamps, home appliances and ceiling fans.

NSF-funded research into nanotechnologies is facilitating groundbreaking discoveries at the quantum level, enabling advances in faster computer chips, high-performance imaging systems and more.

How NSF-funded research led to semiconductor breakthroughs We invest in research that builds knowledge to enhance the performance, energy use, scalability, security, interoperability and resilience of semiconductor materials and microelectronic technologies. Next-generation semiconductors We support researchers in developing and fabricating secure, high-performance semiconductor devices built with novel and sustainable materials.

Innovations in microelectronics We support new designs and methods that bring electrical, optical, magnetic and quantum components into microelectronics for diverse platforms and systems. Access to fabrication facilities We provide researchers and students across the U.S. with access to facilities where they can fabricate and test devices and systems.

Education and workforce development We invest in education and training, in partnership with industry, to foster a nationwide research and development ecosystem for semiconductors and microelectronics.

Partnerships to accelerate progress We partner with other federal agencies, industry and nonprofits to share data, tools, expertise and other resources; strengthen workforce development; and translate research into products and services that benefit society.

America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) Supports startups and small businesses to translate research into products and services, including semiconductors and microelectronics , with the potential to transform their industries and make a positive impact on society.

Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices Supports research on novel devices based on the principles of electronics, optics and photonics, optoelectronics, magnetics, opto- and electromechanics, electromagnetics and related physical phenomena. Supports large-scale research projects in computer science and engineering, including addressing complex problems related to semiconductor technology and its applications.

Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies Supports experiential learning opportunities that provide cohorts of learners with the skills needed to succeed in advanced computing and other emerging technology fields.

Partnership for Prototyping of CMOS+X Systems Supports collaborative research that integrate CMOS — short for complementary metal-oxide semiconductors — semiconductor chips with emerging technologies like resistive and nanomagnetic memories. Security, Privacy and Trust in Cyberspace Supports research to develop secure and trustworthy computing systems, including those relying on advanced semiconductor technologies.

Explore more semiconductor funding NSF directorates supporting semiconductor research Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) International Science and Engineering (OISE) Biological Sciences (BIO) Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE ) Integrative Activities (OIA) NSF announces $1.

5B for foundational research to drive scientific breakthroughs for American technological leadership Podcast: New microchips could supercharge AI NSF awards 12 new Regional Innovation Engines to fuel research, jobs and economic growth nationwide Explore more semiconductor news Request for Information on Semiconductor Research and Education Read a summary of responses to NSF's request for information.

NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure User facilities with leading-edge fabrication and characterization tools, instrumentation and expertise in nanoscale science and engineering. National Nanotechnology Initiative A multi-agency federal approach to advance the discovery, development and deployment of nanotechnology.

National Quantum Initiative A coordinated federal approach to quantum information science and engineering and its technological applications. Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers A network of NSF-funded centers located at academic institutions throughout the United States.

"CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" The act authorizes historic investments in use-inspired, solutions-oriented research and innovation in key technology focus areas.