Clarkson and the Semiconductor Industry
A Commitment to the Semiconductor Industry
Clarkson University is building on its long-standing strengths to position itself as a leader in the semiconductor sector, with a distinctive emphasis on advancing sustainability across energy, water, chemicals, circularity, supply chains, and facilities. Through its research centers and specialized facilities, Clarkson brings together deep expertise in advanced materials; energy, materials, and waste management; environmental health and safety; and design for resilience, circularity, and responsible life-cycle management.
At the core of this effort is our NYS-designated Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP), which expands semiconductor R&D capacity, fosters collaboration across institutions, and accelerates innovation in semiconductor manufacturing.
Clarkson’s leadership in chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) – underscored by more than 25 years of hosting the International Symposium on Chemical-Mechanical Planarization – demonstrates its impact on advancing critical process technologies while meeting workforce needs.
Additional strengths include the Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions, which addresses industrial and environmental contamination, and the Center for Electric Power System Research has significant expertise in the high-fidelity power system modeling that is required to capture the impacts of the rapid load dynamics of data centers and semiconductor fabrication plants, an issue that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has flagged as a constraint on grid integration.
Workforce development remains central to Clarkson’s mission. The university continues to expands its portfolio of industry-relevant micro-credentials, and provides broad access to foundational knowledge through public-facing offerings such as the free Introduction to Semiconductors Course. These efforts prepare students and professionals with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector.
Institutional investments further amplify this momentum. Through initiatives such as $32 million Solinsky Challenge, Clarkson’s Board of Trustees is driving new research facilities, donor engagement, and strategic growth in advanced and sustainable manufacturing.
By offering academic, government, and industry partners a comprehensive portfolio of curricula, credentials, research expertise, and collaborative opportunities, Clarkson delivers more than research excellence. It provides a pipeline of industry-ready talent, practical solutions to complex challenges, and a demonstrated commitment to building a more sustainable future for the semiconductor industry.