Semiconductors are the foundation of modern computing infrastructure, powering everything from smartphones to data centers. They are especially vital for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development in two ways:

1. As the computational backbone enabling AI model training and deployment.
2. As a critical component in specialized AI chips and quantum computing hardware.

The semiconductor manufacturing industry is facing an unprecedented workforce shortage at a pivotal moment in technological history. The current workforce gap poses a risk to both traditional semiconductor manufacturing and the advancement of next-generation technologies. This issue is especially relevant in New York State, which has emerged as a major semiconductor hub. The state features existing facilities such as GlobalFoundries, a planned new Micron facility, and ambitious quantum computing and semiconductor research initiatives at IBM and NY CREATES.

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Our program QUEST for Quantum Future, aims to establish an experiential learning pipeline in the field of

Semiconductor Quantum Technologies (SQT) and prepare students for current and future workforce needs. By partnering New York City College of Technology (City Tech) and Queensborough Community College (Queensborough CC), both part of the City University of New York (CUNY), with the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), GlobalFoundries Inc. (GF), and Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi), we are creating a unique ecosystem that bridges academic training with in-situ, emerging technology-specific professional work experiences.

The objectives of QUEST for Quantum Future are to:

• Provide students with hands-on experiences in traditional semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing applications through practical training and internships at GF and QCi, respectively.
• Introduce students to advanced semiconductor research by utilizing ASRC's Photonics Core facilities.
• Leverage GF's industrial expertise to ensure curriculum alignment with current manufacturing needs.
• Incorporate QCi's innovative perspective to prepare students for emerging technologies.
• Establish clear pathways from Queensborough CC to City Tech and into careers in the advanced semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing sectors.

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The overarching vision of QUEST for Quantum Future is to boost awareness and cultivate interest in Semiconductor Quantum Technologies within local communities in the Brooklyn and Queens boroughs of New York City. This will be accomplished by providing experiential learning opportunities for STEM students and demonstrating how novel technologies emerge. Selected students from Queensborough CC and City Tech (QUEST fellows) will participate in the three phases of technology development:

1. The Idea and Discovery phase occurs in a research laboratory (ASRC).
2. The Commercialization and R&D phase occurs in a start-up company (QCi).
3. The Maturity and Scale Production phase occurs in an industrial setting (GF).