SMART USA Institute
It is our great pleasure to announce that SMART USA Institute has officially joined the Manufacturing USA network! Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) have finalized an agreement to launch a CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute for digital twins.
Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA, or SMART USA, Institute will focus on efforts to more rapidly develop, validate, and use digital twins to improve domestic semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test processes.
With combined funding totaling $1 billion, this investment will support the launch of the first-of-its-kind CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute. The new institute, known as SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA) Institute will focus on efforts to develop, validate, and use digital twins to improve domestic semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test processes. The CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute will join an existing network of seventeen Institutes designed to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust R&D infrastructure.
Digital twins are virtual models that replicate physical objects, like chips or complex machinery. Engineers and researchers can use these virtual models to design, develop, and test processes digitally before applying them in real life. Digital twin-based research can also leverage emerging technology like artificial intelligence to optimize chip design, improve production efficiency, and lower costs by streamlining operations and reducing the need for costly adjustments.
Membership
If you're interested in Membership, please begin by filling out our Membership Interest form:Membership Interest
Informational Webinar 
Looking for the information provided during the January 30 Informational Webinar?
When you complete the Membership Interest form, you will receive access to the slides and the webinar recording.
SMART USA Open House opportunities
We know you may have questions.
Drop by one of our Open House events to get the answers you need. Multiple opportunities are offered for each topic.
- Membership & Legal – 5 Feb 2025, Wed from 1:00 - 2:30 PM Eastern Register
- Membership & Legal – 6 Feb 2025, Thu from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Eastern Register
- Research Security – 6 Feb 2025, Thu from 2:00 - 3:30 PM Eastern Register
- Technical – 10 Feb 2025, Mon from 10:30 - 11:50 AM Eastern Register
- Workforce Development – 11 Feb 2025, Tues from 1:30 - 3:00 PM Eastern Register
- Workforce Development – 12 Feb 2025, Wed from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern Register
- Research Security – 13 Feb 2025, Thu from 2:00 - 3:30 PM Eastern Register