Applied Materials has signed a memorandum of understanding with A*STAR and institutions of higher learning in Singapore to deepen collaborations on foundational technologies for advanced packaging of semiconductor chips and talent development to meet growing industry needs.
These institutions include National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).
Under this memorandum, they will jointly develop and implement educational and training programs in the area of heterogeneous integration for Applied and A*STAR employees, and undergraduate and postgraduate students of NUS, NTU and SIT.
In a separate development, last September, A*STAR and Applied announced a new joint lab to collaborate on developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for semiconductor equipment and creating capabilities for the local chip ecosystem.
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 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.
