UTICA, NY – 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.
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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where
students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and
dynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th
anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and
beyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation and
interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and
Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and
transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and
humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities.
For more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
