Applied Materials and A*STAR team up to build $150m R&D lab

Aiming to future-proof Singapore through semiconductor tech.

With the pace of semiconductor technology rising exponentially, no country can be too sure that it won’t get left behind.

Engineering solutions firm Applied Materials collaborated with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research to establish a new R&D laboratory in Singapore, with the focus of developing semiconductor technology to fabricate future generations of logic and memory chips.

According to a statement by Applied Materials, the joint lab will feature a 400sqm Class 1 cleanroom, with a semiconductor process equipment designed by Applied Materials.

“The facility will be staffed by 60 researchers and scientists, working together with extended research teams at A*STAR’s other research institutes,” the statement said.

The joint investment would combine Applied Materials’ expertise in materials engineering with A*STAR’s R&D capabilities.

“The joint lab is also supported by The Singapore Economic Development Board, and is in line with its efforts to promote leading-edge R&D and advanced manufacturing activities. The intention is for products developed by the joint lab to be manufactured by Applied Materials in Singapore,” the statement added.