Silvaco Joins SMART USA Institute to Propel Digital Twin Innovations Under CHIPS Manufacturing USA Program

PRESS RELEASE – (Nasdaq: SVCO), a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation, is proud to announce its participation in the Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins (SMART) USA Institute. This first-of-its-kind initiative, part of the CHIPS Manufacturing USA program under the CHIPS and Science Act, focuses on leveraging digital twin technologies to advance semiconductor design, manufacturing, and packaging.

The Department of Commerce’s CHIPS for America program has entered into negotiations to provide Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) $285 million to establish and operate the SMART USA Institute. The SMART USA Institute, with more than 150 expected partner entities representing industry, academia and the full spectrum of supply chain design and manufacturing, will span more than 30 states and have combined funding totaling $1 billion.

The SMART USA Institute will focus on creating a national open-source digital backbone for semiconductor manufacturing, enabling real-time process optimization and predictive maintenance. These advancements will revolutionize chip production by reducing development time, enhancing efficiency, and addressing supply chain disruptions.

Silvaco brings decades of expertise in TCAD and EDA software to the SMART USA Institute’s mission, providing advanced modeling and simulation capabilities to optimize semiconductor manufacturing processes. Silvaco’s innovative platforms will play a critical role in developing digital twins to enhance chip design, streamline manufacturing and reduce production costs.

Silvaco’s contributions will include the deployment of its FTCO™ (Fab Technology Co-Optimization™) solution designed to enable AI-driven Digital Twin modeling, which provides unparalleled insights into semiconductor manufacturing workflows. Through its proven software solutions, Silvaco will help accelerate the integration of digital twin capabilities into the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, fostering innovation and workforce development.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the SRC’s leading academic institutions like Purdue University, and industry leaders, to drive this transformative initiative,” said Dr. Babak Taheri, CEO of Silvaco. “Participating in the SMART USA Institute aligns perfectly with Silvaco’s vision of driving innovation through AI-powered semiconductor design and digital twin technologies and highlights our ongoing commitment to fostering industry-academic partnerships and supporting the domestic semiconductor supply chain through cutting-edge solutions.”

“We are honored by CHIPS for America’s recognition of SMART USA Institute’s pivotal role in driving semiconductor innovation. This designation as the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute reaffirms our dedication to fostering collaboration and excellence across the semiconductor ecosystem,” said Dr. Todd Younkin, Executive Director of SMART USA Institute. “At its core, the SMART USA Institute is about bringing people together as a cohesive team. Through this collaboration, we harness the collective strengths and expertise of our partners. Teamwork is the cornerstone of our strategy, and it is through this united effort that we will succeed in achieving our ambitious goals.”

About CHIPS for America

CHIPS for America is part of President Biden’s economic plan to invest in America, stimulate private sector investment, create good-paying jobs, make more in the United States, and revitalize communities left behind. CHIPS for America includes the CHIPS Program Office, responsible for manufacturing incentives, and the CHIPS Research and Development (R&D) Office, responsible for R&D programs. Both offices sit within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce. NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST is uniquely positioned to successfully administer the CHIPS for America program because of the bureau’s strong relationships with U.S. industries, its deep understanding of the semiconductor ecosystem, and its reputation as fair and trusted. Visit https://www.chips.gov to learn more.