European Research Collaboration by Merck and Intel Pioneers AI-Driven Sustainability in Semiconductor Manufacturing

European Research Collaboration by Merck and Intel Pioneers AI-Driven Sustainability in Semiconductor Manufacturing

(IN BRIEF) Merck and Intel have launched a collaborative academic research initiative in Europe, bringing together eleven institutions from six countries. The program focuses on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make semiconductor manufacturing more sustainable, with research projects dedicated to discovering new materials, improving process efficiency, and reducing waste. This initiative is part of broader efforts by both companies to address environmental challenges in the semiconductor industry and promote sustainable practices through innovation and collaboration across the value chain. Merck and Intel are also working toward ambitious climate neutrality goals, aligning with their shared commitment to advancing the industry sustainably.

(PRESS RELEASE) DARMSTADT, 8-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Merck and Intel have officially launched their ambitious European academic research program, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. This new initiative, which was first announced last year, brings together eleven prestigious institutions across six European nations. The program’s focus lies in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to innovate in semiconductor production processes, aiming for advancements in efficiency and waste reduction.

Through this initiative, six groundbreaking projects have been selected to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in the field. Merck, a prominent science and technology leader, and Intel, a giant in semiconductor design and production, are committed to fostering these developments to address the increasing environmental challenges within the semiconductor sector. These projects aim to explore new materials, enhance process efficiencies, and reduce the ecological footprint of semiconductor production, all with the ultimate goal of driving the industry toward sustainable practices.

“The semiconductor industry is rapidly evolving, with substantial global investments catalyzing growth. AI will be a cornerstone of this development, and it’s essential for industry investments to focus on sustainability to lessen environmental impacts and use resources more efficiently,” stated Dr. Anja Jatsch, Merck’s Head of Materials Innovation Pipeline Electronics. “We eagerly anticipate the potential of this multidisciplinary collaboration to uncover new insights and possibilities that can benefit the entire industry.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sanjay Natarajan, Intel’s Senior Vice President & General Manager of Components Research, remarked, “Intel is dedicated to advancing sustainable computing for a sustainable future. Collaborations across the value chain, like this research program, are vital for innovating new materials and more efficient processes in semiconductor manufacturing, accelerating progress toward our shared vision of a net-zero future.”

European Research Program Unites Six Nations

In 2023, Merck and Intel committed to a joint three-year investment in the academic research program, subsequently initiating a “Call for Proposals” across Europe. The rigorous submission and selection process has culminated in the selection of eleven scientific institutions from Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The selected research teams have now commenced their projects, and Merck and Intel are set to work closely with them, fostering a collaborative environment to strengthen Europe’s position in the global semiconductor landscape. A list of the participating institutions and their projects is available in the appendix of this release.

Materials as a Cornerstone for Sustainable Semiconductor Innovations

This research program represents a significant step in Merck’s sustainability commitment, emphasizing collaboration along the entire semiconductor value chain. In Merck’s Electronics sector, materials are integral to driving sustainable innovations in chip production, especially as cutting-edge semiconductors increasingly require novel solutions at atomic scales.

Merck, a key supplier of materials and components for chip production, collaborates closely with Intel to advance its Materials IntelligenceTM initiative. Together, they are working to identify and introduce innovative materials that integrate technological advancements with sustainable methods. Both companies are also active members of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium, established in 2022.

Striving Toward Ambitious Sustainability Goals

In alignment with its long-term sustainability ambitions, Merck has set substantial goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company targets climate neutrality by 2040, with interim aims of cutting its direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions by 50% by 2030. Additionally, Merck is committed to reducing its Scope 3 emissions by 52% per euro of value added by 2030. To meet these goals, Merck intends to source 80% of its global electricity from renewable energy by 2030, with wind and solar projects in the USA, Europe, and China expected to contribute approximately 70% of the company’s energy supply by 2025. Detailed progress toward these objectives is documented in the company’s 2023 Sustainability Report.

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About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

Media Contact:

Adrian Woitzik
+49 151 1454-7499
adrian.woitzik@merckgroup.com

SOURCE: Merck