The Semiconductor Research Corporation Launches SPARC Initiative

The Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) has introduced the Semiconductor and Packaging Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC) to expedite research in semiconductor technologies crucial for the next generation of microelectronics.

Collaborating with SRC member companies and top universities, SPARC aims to address emerging technical challenges in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and advanced packaging.

With an initial research portfolio already in place, SPARC has secured over $13 million in funding for 21 collaborative projects selected by an industry-funded research council.

These projects encompass various areas such as advanced transistor architectures, heterogeneous integration, analogue and mixed-signal systems, and manufacturing technologies, covering a broad spectrum of semiconductor innovation.

Academia has shown significant interest in SPARC, with nearly 500 concept papers submitted by researchers from 121 universities in response to the first research solicitation.

The selected projects will focus on Analogue & Mixed-Signal Technologies, Advanced Packaging, and Manufacturing & Devices, with new projects slated to commence on January 1, 2027.

David Henshall, SRC Senior Vice President, on SPARC

David Henshall, SRC Senior Vice President, emphasized how SPARC signifies the evolving collaboration between industry and academia to address future semiconductor challenges.

By enabling member companies to define and support targeted research opportunities, SPARC aims to accelerate innovation within a more agile framework while upholding SRC’s mission of advancing semiconductor technology through university research.

Enhancing Industry-Academia Collaboration

SPARC offers semiconductor companies flexibility in identifying emerging challenges and directing research towards areas with practical industrial value.

Unlike a fixed research agenda, the project-based model allows SRC members to identify technology priorities, collaboratively define research questions, and support university teams capable of addressing them.

This approach leverages SRC’s role in bridging industry and academic researchers, adapting it to the rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape.

Exploring Semiconductor Innovations

The initial SPARC portfolio reflects the interconnected nature of semiconductor development, exploring technologies from new transistor architectures to intelligent analogue and mixed-signal systems.

Research will incorporate artificial intelligence, digital twins, and system-technology co-optimization to develop scalable semiconductor technologies enhancing energy efficiency, performance, and reliability.

Advanced packaging plays a crucial role as the semiconductor industry seeks innovative approaches to boost chip performance, with heterogeneous integration enabling system-level innovation.

Meeting Academic Demand

The overwhelming response to SPARC’s call for submissions highlights the academic community’s interest in collaborative semiconductor research.

With 500 concept submissions from 121 universities, SPARC has a broad academic base for identifying promising research directions, aligning research efforts with industry-defined priorities.

By accelerating semiconductor technology development, SPARC aims to meet the evolving demands of an AI-driven global microelectronics industry.