Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has launched the Semiconductor CoLab at NY Creates' Albany NanoTech Complex, establishing a dedicated 6,000-square-foot facility designed to advance semiconductor research and strengthen academic programming in microelectronics. The facility positions RPI as a key contributor to the nation's semiconductor research infrastructure.

“When it comes to research and education in semiconductors, there’s no other place like Albany NanoTech,” said RPI President Martin A. Schmidt ‘81, Ph.D., at the October 24 ribbon-cutting event for the space. "We look forward to deepening our engagement with everyone here, and in so doing, driving the economic development of the region.”

The Albany NanoTech Complex is a world-renowned hub for research, development, and commercialization of nanotechnology and semiconductor innovation. RPI’s presence here strengthens the university’s partnerships with major industry players including IBM, GlobalFoundries, Micron, Applied Materials, and Tokyo Electron (TEL) Technology Center, America, LLC. The new space will also deepen ties with collaborators at partner academic institutions, including the University at Albany and Hudson Valley Community College.

The Semiconductor CoLab provides research workspaces for up to 40 researchers, faculty, and visiting scholars engaged in individual and collaborative projects. By co-locating research offices with a seminar capability and a flexible classroom space, the CoLab creates an integrated environment where investigation, discussion, and education occur in proximity.

The CoLab is located in the Zero Energy Nanotechnology (ZEN) building, a 356,000 square foot facility that serves as a living laboratory for clean and renewable energy technologies and houses many technology-driven companies.

“NY Creates is excited to welcome Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to our Albany NanoTech Complex’s ZEN building,” said Paul Kelly, NY Creates’ Vice President of Strategies, Partnerships, & New Ventures and Chief Operating Officer, who joined area leaders in a roundtable discussion at the ribbon-cutting event. “Our collaboration with RPI can help further strengthen New York’s position as a global leader in semiconductor research and innovation, while opening new opportunities for workforce development and student and faculty engagement with joint research in areas such as integrated photonics, quantum, AI, advanced packaging, and more.”

RPI's presence at the Albany NanoTech Complex began in 2024 and has since attracted more than 400 visitors from academic, industry, and community sectors. The Semiconductor CoLab expands this footprint and establishes permanent infrastructure for sustained research collaboration and educational programming.

The facility's design emphasizes collaboration and accessibility, with open workspaces that encourage interaction among faculty, students, and industry partners. This configuration supports RPI's objective of conducting high-impact research while providing students with experiential learning opportunities in authentic research environments.

The Semiconductor CoLab will host collaborative research projects, technical symposia, and workforce development programs aligned with national priorities in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. The facility is operational and available for research activities and educational programming.