New York is positioning itself at the center of the next generation of chipmaking, with state officials announcing a major step forward at the Albany NanoTech Complex that could shape the future of computing.
Governor Kathy Hochul said installation has begun on a critical piece of equipment for the state’s High NA Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography Center — a first-of-its-kind, publicly accessible research hub in North America focused on next-generation semiconductor development.
The newly installed system, developed by Tokyo Electron, will be used to apply and process light-sensitive materials on silicon wafers, a foundational step in manufacturing advanced microchips. The tool is the first major component of a broader buildout that will eventually include one of the most advanced lithography machines in the world, expected to arrive in stages later this year.
That system, produced by ASML, is designed to enable chip production at the most advanced levels currently possible, supporting emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and advanced sensors.
State officials say the project is part of a $10 billion public-private partnership aimed at cementing New York’s role in the global semiconductor industry. The initiative includes $9 billion in private investment and $1 billion in state funding, with major industry players such as IBM, Micron and Applied Materials involved.
The broader goal is to create a research ecosystem capable of driving long-term innovation while strengthening domestic chip production — a priority that has gained urgency amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical competition.
Officials also tied the project to economic development, pointing to job creation and workforce expansion tied to semiconductor growth across upstate New York. Micron’s planned investments in the region, for example, are expected to support tens of thousands of jobs over time.
The Albany facility is expected to serve as a national hub for collaboration between private industry, researchers and government, giving partners access to cutting-edge tools needed to develop increasingly complex chips.
With installation now underway and additional equipment on the way, the project marks a key milestone in what state leaders describe as a long-term strategy to anchor the future of semiconductor innovation in New York.
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