Merck, a German multinational science and technology company, and Intel have agreed to jointly fund an academic research program in Europe aimed at promoting sustainable semiconductor manufacturing solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies.
The program will run for three years and focus on driving innovation in semiconductor manufacturing processes and technologies. Merck’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2040 is a driving force behind the program.
“Semiconductors are the basis for most of our everyday electronic devices and demand is increasing worldwide. Manufacturing is very energy and resource intensive and practically calls for sustainable innovations. Identifying these cutting-edge practices and technologies while ensuring the stable performance of chips that are becoming smaller and more sensitive is crucial. Artificial intelligence can open completely new avenues for us here,” said Dr. Beate Burkhart, Head of Materials Innovation Pipeline at the Electronics business of Merck, adding, “we want to combine expertise from science and practice because we believe in the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve innovative breakthroughs and positively change the entire industry.”
The companies plan to invite Europe-based research groups to apply for funding through a joint Call for Proposals process, beginning in Q2 2023. The program seeks to identify sustainable innovations, such as environmentally friendlier materials, more efficient use of resources, AI-based solutions for modeling chemical processes, and opportunities for waste and emissions reductions.
“More sustainable solutions for semiconductor process technology are important for the planet and benefit from collaboration throughout the value chain. New fundamental insights, methodologies and tools are needed—from material and process technology research and development through high-volume manufacturing,” said David Nessim, Program Manager at Intel Corporation. “The time is ripe to responsibly harness and accelerate the potential of AI to continue to deliver innovative pathways and breakthrough solutions. We look forward to engaging European academic excellence and government support for the success of these ambitious goals.”
The research program will foster collaboration between Merck and Intel with awarded research groups, engaging closely with faculty and students. In addition to university funding from both companies, public co-funding of the program, including from European governments, will be sought to support the program’s ambitious, multi-disciplinary scope and goals.
Merck and Intel are both members of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium, founded in November 2022, and are committed to promoting sustainability along the entire semiconductor value chain.
Merck has already set climate targets that have been confirmed by the independent Science Based Targets Initiative, including reducing absolute direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reducing indirect emissions along the entire value chain by 52% per euro value added by 2030.
The joint research program demonstrates the companies’ commitment to sustainability and collaboration across different fields to achieve innovative breakthroughs in the semiconductor industry.
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