SEMI Expands Nanotechnology Emphasis

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 9 -- SEMI announced that Lubab L. Sheet has been named senior director of nanotechnology and will spearhead expanded efforts to pursue new technology and market opportunities for the organization's global membership.

Together with the launch of a comprehensive market study, a global executive conference and standards development activities, the new appointment reaffirms SEMI's increasing emphasis on nanotechnology-related information, public policy, services and events, the association said.

"Semiconductor equipment and materials companies have long been working on nanoscaled manufacturing processes," said SEMI president and COO Steve Newberry, who is a member of the SEMI International Board of Directors and chairs the board's Nanotechnology Working Group. "Yet, as an industry, we need better understanding about the future of nanotechnology in microelectronics and business opportunities in other sectors."

In July, SEMI and IEEE signed a memorandum of understanding to support their respective programs to create nanotechnology and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) standards. SEMI hosted it first NanoForum conference in November in Austin, Texas, with over 400 international delegates from various industries. SEMI NanoForum 2005 is scheduled for Oct. 3-6, at the San Jose Marriott.

In cooperation with the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), SEMI has also launched a comprehensive market study on nanotechnology applications in the electronics industry. "Global Nanoelectronics Markets and Opportunities," to be available in the third quarter of 2005, will provide definition of the rapidly emerging global nanoelectronics markets and will offer a global perspective of requirements and opportunities for equipment and materials suppliers.

"In response to heightened member interest, SEMI has expedited activities related to nanotechnology," said Stanley Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. "Building on that initial success, we are now acting on SEMI board approval to focus additional resources on this important field."

Effective immediately, Sheet will coordinate the association's global services in nanotechnology. She was formerly research development director at SEMI and was previously vice president of content and co-founder of SemiSales, a management consultant for Rose Associates and a member of the Silicon Development Group at Applied Materials Inc.

For more information, visit: www.semi.org