WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. \u2014 Purdue University has announced a master research agreement (MRA) with GlobalFoundries (GF), a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors, significantly expanding the university\u2019s research capabilities and bolstering the talent pipeline in the semiconductor ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MRA builds upon a strategic partnership first announced in November 2022<\/a>, creating a formalized, streamlined framework for multiple collaborative projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the unified framework, the agreement enables new research initiatives to launch quickly and efficiently, accelerating innovation in semiconductor technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The MRA between Purdue and GF represents a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between these two distinguished institutions. It establishes a streamlined framework for researchers and experts from both organizations to collaborate on topics of shared interest and advance high-impact research and innovation,\u201d said Mark Lundstrom<\/strong><\/a>, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering. \u201cIn the past year, Purdue and GF have started collaborating on multiple projects in the fields of semiconductor technologies, AI hardware, photonics and security.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lundstrom said this public-private partnership serves as a model on how strategic partnerships span collaborative technology innovation, workforce development and the student talent pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n National leadership in microelectronics and semiconductors<\/a> is a core component of Purdue Computes<\/a>, a comprehensive university initiative that emphasizes four key pillars of Purdue\u2019s extensive technological and computational environment: computing departments, physical AI, quantum science and semiconductor innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GlobalFoundries, the world\u2019s third-largest semiconductor foundry by revenue, serves various markets, including mobile devices, automotive, aerospace, defense, data centers and the Internet of Things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company manufactures specialized integrated circuits for fabless customers \u2014 those who design chips but do not own fabrication plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This multifaceted collaboration will include joint research and development programs conducted in partnership with university students and faculty. The agreement provides opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to work on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies while advancing research and development of key innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through its university collaborations, GlobalFoundries\u00a0provides academic partners with access to its differentiated technologies and engineering support, enabling students and faculty to bring their chip designs to manufacturing through the company\u2019s multiproject wafer runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis master research agreement strengthens our commitment to advancing semiconductor innovation through academic collaboration,\u201d said Gregg Bartlett, GlobalFoundries\u2019 chief technology officer. \u201cBy working closely with Purdue, we\u2019re not only pushing the boundaries of technology but also preparing the next generation of semiconductor professionals who will drive our industry forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The partnership\u2019s impact extends beyond the classroom and laboratory. Since 2023, GlobalFoundries has hosted students from\u00a0Purdue\u2019s Summer Training, Awareness, and Readiness for Semiconductors<\/a><\/u>\u00a0(STARS) program at its U.S. headquarters and fabrication facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of the Purdue at GlobalFoundries Day, the students were able to see firsthand how the knowledge and skills they gained through their academic learning in manufacturing and packaging translate into real-world semiconductor production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further illustrating its prowess in this sector, Purdue was the first university in the country to launch a comprehensive set of innovative, interdisciplinary degrees and credentials in semiconductors and microelectronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n