IU lands READI grant in support of microelectronics research
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Indiana University has been awarded a $4 million READI grant to advance its microelectronics research and development, in particular an effort to create microchips that can withstand harsh environments such as space.
The funds from the second round of the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative will pay for specialized equipment at the IU Center for Reliable and Trusted Electronics, the university said.
The center focuses on designing radiation-hardened microelectronics for space, automotive and power applications, while also training students to meet the needs of industry and government partners.
The award also further reflects the university’s commitment to invest at least $111 million over the next several years in microelectronics.
“Indiana University is deeply committed to accelerating Indiana’s progress in building the state’s microelectronics industry,” IU President Pamela Whitten said in a news release. “This generous READI 2.0 grant will support IU’s major investments in this area, push the boundaries of research on high-reliability microelectronics and ensure IU is well-positioned to support the country’s mission to reassert our leadership in microelectronics.”
The specialized equipment is expected to shorten the chip development process by providing IU researchers with new ways to test chip design configurations and verify their reliability in harsh environments. The tools, which include optical lasers and modeling and simulation devices, also will be available to industry partners in microelectronics and advanced packaging.
“These enhancements will ensure that IU faculty are at the forefront of technological advancements that will shape a vibrant microelectronics innovation ecosystem here in Indiana and beyond,” said Joanna Millunchick, dean of IU’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. “We continue to build our capabilities to fully address the challenges to designing and developing safe, secure and reliable microelectronics, as we also provide our students with technically excellent STEM education and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for success in the semiconductor workforce.”
Nonprofit economic development organization Regional Opportunity Initiatives and the Indiana Uplands READI steering committee announced the grant on Thursday. Indiana Uplands promotes economic and workforce development in 11 counties of southwest Indiana, including Monroe, where Bloomington is.
“This READI 2.0 funding award to Indiana University reinforces our vision for the Indiana Uplands as an innovation center, leveraging advanced technologies in key employment sectors to drive growth,” said Tina Peterson, president and CEO of Regional Opportunity Initiatives. “This investment not only accelerates cutting-edge research but also positions the Indiana Uplands as a key player in national efforts to advance microchip technology and strengthens our region’s capacity to develop, retain and attract in-demand talent.”
IU’s $111 million commitment to boost the U.S. microelectronics industry was announced in October of 2023 and includes further collaboration with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane to address national security challenges, the university said.
Gov. Eric Holcomb established the now $1.25 billion READI program in 2021.