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

Rhea-AI Summary

Silvaco Group (Nasdaq: SVCO) has joined the Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins (SMART) USA Institute, a pioneering initiative under the CHIPS Manufacturing USA program. The Department of Commerce's CHIPS for America program is negotiating to provide $285 million to establish the institute through SRC Manufacturing Consortium

The SMART USA Institute, with over 150 expected partners across industry and academia spanning 30+ states, will have combined funding of $1 billion. The initiative focuses on creating a national open-source digital backbone for semiconductor manufacturing, utilizing digital twin technologies to advance semiconductor design, manufacturing, and packaging.

Silvaco will contribute its FTCO™ solution for AI-driven Digital Twin modeling and its expertise in TCAD and EDA software to optimize semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Positive

• Part of a $1 billion combined funding initiative
• Access to CHIPS for America program's $285 million funding allocation
• Partnership with over 150 entities across 30+ states
• Integration into national semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The SMART USA Institute initiative represents a significant development in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The $285 million potential funding from CHIPS for America, combined with partner contributions totaling $1 billion, demonstrates substantial financial commitment to advancing domestic chip production infrastructure.

Silvaco's participation is strategically valuable due to their FTCO™ platform and digital twin modeling capabilities. The focus on open-source digital infrastructure for semiconductor manufacturing could accelerate industry-wide innovation and reduce dependency on fragmented proprietary systems. Their AI-driven approach to fab optimization positions them well within the initiative's goals of real-time process enhancement and predictive maintenance.

While this partnership presents long-term growth potential for Silvaco, the immediate financial impact may be as the program is still in early stages. The initiative's success will depend on effective collaboration among the 150+ partners and successful implementation of shared technological infrastructure.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Silvaco Group, Inc. (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.

About Silvaco

Silvaco is a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation. Silvaco’s solutions are used for semiconductor and photonics processes, devices, and systems development across display, power devices, automotive, memory, high performance compute, foundries, photonics, internet of things, and 5G/6G mobile markets for complex SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. For more information, please visit https://silvaco.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, that are intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" provisions of those sections. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business, and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including those described in the Company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203297121/en/

Media Contact

Tyler Weiland

press@silvaco.com

Investor Relations:

Greg McNiff

investors@silvaco.com

Source: Silvaco Group, Inc.

FAQ

What is Silvaco's (SVCO) role in the SMART USA Institute?

Silvaco will provide TCAD and EDA software expertise, including its FTCO™ solution for AI-driven Digital Twin modeling, to help optimize semiconductor manufacturing processes and develop digital twins for chip design.

How much funding is allocated to the SMART USA Institute program that Silvaco (SVCO) joined?

The SMART USA Institute has combined funding totaling $1 billion, with $285 million being negotiated from the CHIPS for America program through SRC Manufacturing Consortium

What is the main objective of the SMART USA Institute that Silvaco (SVCO) joined?

The main objective is to create a national open-source digital backbone for semiconductor manufacturing, enabling real-time process optimization and predictive maintenance through digital twin technologies.