When it comes to science and technology, there are perhaps no bigger giants than the Empire State and the Startup Nation. In an agreement signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on March 20th, New York State and Israel will begin a long term cooperation in the fields of nonotechnology that will bring in billions of dollars and thousands of new high-tech jobs for both New Yorkers and Israelis.
The Memorandum of Understanding involves Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and the Israeli Industry Center for Research & Development (MATIMOP). The agreement will facilitate bilateral and multilateral research and devlopment, as well as commercialization programs in nanoscale technologies among both academic institutions and corporations in both Israel and the U.S.
According to the MOU, Israel will allocate up to 300 million dollars a year to give Israeli reseachers from both companies and academic institutions access to CNSE's state-of-the-art laboratories, and Israeli researchers will participate in developing microprocessors on 450-millimeter silicon disks. Current chips are fabricated on 300-millimeter, or 12-inch, disks. The goal of moving to 450 mm, or 18 inches is part of a multibillion dollar effort to revolutionize how chips are made and with it, boost industry productivity and lower costs.
While CNSE has over $14 billion in high tech investments with over hundreds of entities, this partnership with Israel is the first of its kind.
"I am so proud of the partnership between the State of Israel and College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, which continues to be the leader in the global nanotechnology industry," said Governor Cuomo. "This partnership will strengthen our state's relationship with the State of Israel, while also investing in a thriving industry that will create jobs and expand the economy right here in New York."
Nili Shalev, Israel's Economic Minister to North America, said, "This agreement is the first significant step to stimulate scientific and industrial collaboration in areas where both states excel. The partnership will enable Israeli companies to access to CNSE's renowned facilities and collaborate with leading American and multinational companies on campus. It introduces many other opportunities, including industrial R&D and commercialization joint ventures, natural synergy between the two G450 Consortia of both states, and the enhancement of academic research in Nano scaling. I would like to congratulate Governor Cuomo, Lt. Governor Duffy and Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, the CEO of CNSE, for supporting this initiative."