STMicroelectronics’ Anton Hofmeister highlights new phase of Singapore lab-in-fab collaboration

STMicroelectronics has announced the expansion of its “Lab-in-Fab” collaboration in Singapore, aiming to drive innovation in piezoelectric Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology and accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation devices.

“We are excited to advance our collaboration with ASTAR IME and ULVAC, and welcome ASTAR IMRE and NUS to work on new projects in the Lab-in-Fab 2.0,” said Anton Hofmeister, Group Vice President and General Manager, Central R&D for the Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS & Sensors Group at STMicroelectronics. “This initiative will drive innovation in piezoelectric MEMS technology and support the commercialisation of next-generation devices.”

STMicroelectronics, which also operates a major manufacturing plant in Malta and is one of the country’s largest private employers, focuses on developing environmentally friendly, lead-free piezoelectric materials and creating miniaturised, cost-effective sensors and actuators.

The Lab-in-Fab, established in 2020, initially worked on using physical vapour deposition to grow lead zirconate titanate thin films, which significantly reduced lead content compared to conventional bulk piezoelectric materials. Building on that success, the expanded collaboration brings in new partners, including Singapore’s A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and the National University of Singapore.

Professor Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy Chief Executive (Innovation & Enterprise) at A*STAR, said the initiative aims to “accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation power-efficient piezoMEMS devices using environmentally friendly lead-free materials and strengthen Singapore’s position in the global semiconductor value chain.”

For startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational corporations (MNCs), and institutes of higher learning (IHLs), the Lab-in-Fab offers access to a full manufacturing line to help speed up the development and market readiness of piezoMEMS technologies.