Lam Research and NY Creates to Train 3,500 Semiconductor Students via Virtual Fab
A new partnership leverages SEMulator3D software to bridge the chip industry's talent gap across the Northeast.
Lam Research has partnered with the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering and Science (NY Creates) to train approximately 3,500 students in semiconductor process integration over the next five years. The initiative aims to scale the technical workforce by providing industry-grade simulation tools to a network of partner colleges and universities across the Northeast.
To achieve this, the program utilizes Lam's SEMulator3D virtual fabrication software. This physics-based simulation tool allows students to design and optimize chip manufacturing flows in a virtual environment, bypassing the need for immediate, expensive access to physical cleanrooms. According to David Fried, chief AI officer and corporate vice president for Semiverse Solutions at Lam Research, preparing the next generation of engineers requires practical experience with the complex process decisions that define advanced chip production, moving beyond traditional classroom instruction.
The Fabrication Barrier
The semiconductor industry is currently grappling with a critical talent shortage driven largely by the prohibitive cost of entry for academic institutions. The immense expense of building and maintaining physical fabrication facilities, purchasing specialized equipment, and sourcing raw materials prevents many universities from offering students necessary hands-on experience in process integration.
NY Creates, which operates the Albany NanoTech Complex—one of North America's primary nonprofit-led R&D sites—is positioned to address this as the Regional Node lead for the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME). By shifting the initial learning curve to a virtual platform, the partnership removes the physical and financial barriers that have historically limited student exposure to advanced fabrication.
Strengthening the Regional Pipeline
This shift toward immersive, virtual learning is intended to accelerate the development of a workforce capable of managing modern fabrication flows and advanced logic technologies. By integrating these simulations directly into academic curricula, the program creates a more efficient pipeline of skilled graduates ready for immediate entry into the workforce.
Dr. Robert Geer, NY Creates Vice President for Education and Workforce Development, stated that the collaboration provides students across the Northeast with hands-on learning that directly prepares them for careers in advanced manufacturing, thereby strengthening the regional ecosystem's talent pipeline.
Future Outlook
As the program rolls out across its partner network, the industry will be watching to see how effectively virtual simulation translates to physical cleanroom proficiency. The success of this model could provide a blueprint for other regions seeking to scale their semiconductor workforce without the immediate capital expenditure of building new physical labs. For now, the focus remains on the five-year goal of certifying 3,500 students in the complexities of process integration.