The University of Arizona (U of A) and Taiwan’s National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) have initiated a collaborative research and education center, aimed at pioneering advancements in technology that enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. This initiative is set to cultivate the next wave of professionals in the semiconductor and photonics fields across Southern Arizona and Taiwan.
Semiconductors are crucial components in computer chips, integral to the technologies that drive modern society and the global economy. Photonics, on the other hand, leverages light for information transmission and processing, allowing for rapid data movement while minimizing energy consumption compared to conventional electrical connections.
The new center, named the Silicon Photonics at Arizona-Kaohsiung Center (SPARK), was announced by U of A’s Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, and NSYSU President Chih-Peng Li. The announcement took place during SEMICON Taiwan, a significant industry event in Taipei. Notably, Kaohsiung, a prominent industrial and technological hub in Taiwan, is home to NSYSU.
“I can think of no more fitting place to launch SPARK than here in Taiwan, at the center of a semiconductor industry that has transformed the global economy,” Díaz de la Rubia remarked. “We are also at an extraordinary moment for this technology. AI and high-performance computing are pushing the limits of how quickly and efficiently we can move enormous amounts of data. Meeting that challenge will require new approaches that bring semiconductors and photonics together. SPARK puts researchers, students and industry from Arizona and Taiwan at that intersection, with an opportunity to help shape the future of computing.”
SPARK is a progression of a significant six-party collaboration agreement established in March. This agreement, involving the universities and various civic leaders from Tucson, Pima County, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), and the City of Kaohsiung, seeks to enhance cross-border economic and technological relationships.
“Arizona and Kaohsiung share an important partnership built on shared strengths across high-tech sectors including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and research and innovation,” stated Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the ACA. “By bringing together university research and industry, SPARK will accelerate semiconductor innovation, expand commercialization pathways, and grow Arizona’s strategic collaboration with Kaohsiung. We commend the leadership from the University of Arizona and NSYSU and look forward to building on this milestone.”
This partnership aims to propel the commercialization of future computing technologies in Southern Arizona and Kaohsiung by utilizing photonics for faster data transmission.
“By developing a robust talent pipeline, we are providing Southern Arizona companies with the resources they need to grow while also creating opportunities for new suppliers, startups and investments. This initiative offers a chance to strengthen our international efforts and further establish Pima County’s position in the global semiconductor economy,” said Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, director of Pima County Economic Development. The establishment of SPARK is expected to generate high-tech job opportunities within the region.
Such agreements signify a mounting regional initiative to bolster Southern Arizona’s semiconductor prowess. Recently, U of A expanded its semiconductor fabrication facility, with backing from the ACA.
Faster, More Efficient Computing for Industry
SPARK is assembling researchers and industry collaborators to enhance data transfer efficiency between computing components. Optical systems are capable of transmitting data at high bandwidths with minimal energy loss compared to electrical connections. This includes advanced packaging, which integrates chips and other components more closely to boost data efficiency. Additionally, SPARK will investigate co-packaged optics, which integrates optical components with computer chips to curtail power consumption and reduce data lag.
These innovations are crucial as AI-driven workloads increase, elevating power demands at data centers. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicts that data centers might account for 11.8% of U.S. electricity usage by 2030. By embedding energy-efficient optical features directly with AI-powered chips, the partnership seeks to devise novel solutions to accommodate the needs of advanced computing systems.
Creating the Semiconductor Workforce of Tomorrow
The collaboration will also open avenues for educational and workforce development, including practical training centers in Arizona and Kaohsiung.
“SPARK strengthens the growing innovation corridor between Southern Arizona and Taiwan by connecting Tucson’s world-class expertise in optics and photonics with Kaohsiung’s leadership in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero commented. “Together, we are preparing the next generation of workers, researchers and professionals in both regions for high-quality careers in the industries shaping the future of the global economy. The technologies developed through this partnership can support energy-efficient computing, strengthen renewable-energy systems and accelerate our progress toward a carbon-neutral economy.”
Dr. Matt Heinz, vice chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, expressed local backing for enhancing the region’s semiconductor sector.
“Pima County is proud to support the SPARK initiative alongside our partners at the U of A, City of Tucson, NSYSU and the Kaohsiung City government,” Heinz stated. “SPARK realizes the potential of collaboration among academia, government and industry, and will bring research, development and prosperity to Pima County. It’s truly an exciting project with unlimited potential.”
SPARK will feature collaboratively developed courses, online learning options for industry stakeholders, and academic programs enabling students to earn degrees through smaller credentials.
Industry partners will be integral to SPARK’s research agenda, selecting projects that align with their needs, engaging with university researchers, and gaining early access to research outcomes and students skilled in engineering, optical sciences, information science, and physics. The center will also support companies in translating research into marketable products by offering opportunities to build upon research findings and intellectual property developed through SPARK.
A version of this story originally appeared on the Office of Research and Partnerships website.
Read More Here
