SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is playing a key role in a new national research initiative led by Rice University, which has received a $19.9 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The project will use artificial intelligence, robotics, and cloud-based laboratories to accelerate the discovery and manufacturing of next-generation electronic and quantum materials.

The four-year project, “Revolutionizing AI-Driven Autonomous Experimentation for Next-Generation Semiconductor Synthesis” (READINESS), begins on August 1 and brings together researchers from Rice University, SUNY Poly, and the University of Texas at Austin to develop an AI-powered research platform that will accelerate the discovery of advanced materials while expanding access to cutting-edge research infrastructure.

As part of the collaboration, SUNY Poly will leverage its expertise in semiconductor materials processing and workforce development. Vice President for Research and co-Principal Investigator Dr. Michael Carpenter will help lead development of the autonomous PVD system for oxide thin film synthesis and oversee installation of the autonomous CVD system for two-dimensional materials, developed by Rice University Materials Scientist and Principal Investigator Dr. Jun Lou. A key feature of the project is that both SUNY Poly and Rice University will operate identical autonomous PVD and CVD systems, expanding research capacity and workforce development opportunities at both institutions. SUNY Poly will also help create short courses and stackable credentials that prepare students and industry professionals for careers in semiconductor manufacturing, laboratory automation, and AI-enabled materials research.

The READINESS platform will integrate automated synthesis equipment, robotics, advanced characterization tools and digital twin technology, allowing researchers to simulate and remotely conduct experiments while AI continuously improves future testing.

“This award reflects the growing recognition of SUNY Poly as a national leader in semiconductor innovation, advanced manufacturing, and applied artificial intelligence,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “Through strategic partnerships with leading research institutions, we are accelerating scientific discovery while expanding opportunities for students, researchers, and industry. READINESS exemplifies our mission to integrate cutting-edge research with workforce development, strengthening both America's semiconductor ecosystem and the talent pipeline that will drive future innovation.”

READINESS further positions SUNY Poly as a key contributor to advancing national priorities in semiconductor innovation, artificial intelligence and workforce development as part of SUNY's growing research enterprise, supported by The Research Foundation for SUNY.

“READINESS represents exactly the kind of collaborative, high-impact research that is driving SUNY Poly's continued growth as a leader in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor materials and technology innovation,” said Dr. Carpenter. “By bringing together expertise in AI, robotics and advanced materials across leading institutions, this initiative will accelerate scientific discovery and industry adoption of next-generation materials while creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and workforce development.”

“The collaboration between Rice University and SUNY Polytechnic Institute is at the heart of the READINESS PCL node,” said Dr. Lou. “Together, we are creating a new model for AI-enabled autonomous laboratories that will transform semiconductor manufacturing while educating the next generation of scientists and engineers who will lead this technological revolution.”

The initiative will initially focus on developing advanced materials, including two-dimensional materials, oxide semiconductors and diamond thin films, with applications in faster electronics, lower-power computing and quantum technologies.

“The future of semiconductor leadership depends not only on breakthrough research, but on preparing a highly skilled workforce to translate those discoveries into real-world impact,” said Senior Director of Workforce Development Erica Schoff. “Through READINESS, SUNY Poly will help develop flexible educational pathways that equip students and working professionals with the technical skills needed to succeed in semiconductor manufacturing, laboratory automation and AI-enabled research.”

The NSF award is part of the agency’s Programmable Cloud Laboratories Test Bed initiative, a national effort to create a network of remotely accessible, AI-enabled research laboratories designed to improve the speed, reliability and reproducibility of scientific experimentation.