For Immediate Release: 9/21/17

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

TAP Facility Will Focus on Developing Innovative Processes to Harness the Power of Light
 
Supporting Optics, Photonics and Imaging Industries is Key to the Finger Lakes Forward Plan - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy  

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that significant progress has been made at the innovative American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics Testing, Assembly and Packaging facility in Rochester, Monroe County. The facility, which occupies two floors of leased space inside of ON Semiconductor at Eastman Business Park, is part of a public-private partnership comprised of industry-leading innovators, mentors and partners working to further develop the photonics integrated circuit industry. The facility in Rochester will be used to test, assemble and package chips that use photons in place of electrons for increased performance of semiconductor circuits.
 
"New York is quickly becoming a global leader in Photonics, and by supporting this burgeoning industry, we continue to invest in the future of the Finger Lakes and move the economy and business community forward," Governor Cuomo said. "This the cutting-edge innovation and growth taking place at the AIM Photonics facility will support the creation of new jobs and opportunities for the entire region."
 
The AIM Photonics initiative is working to reduce energy consumption in data centers by supporting the replacement of copper wires with optical fiber; providing technology for optics in next generation (5G) wireless networks; helping develop the optical equivalent of radar which will facilitate the use of self-driving vehicles; and in partnership with the University of Rochester, the initiative is developing emerging optical sensors for medical and environmental applications. There are more than 75 signed members, partners, and additional interested collaborators from across the United States to-date.
 
AIM Photonics CEO Dr. Michael Liehr said, "AIM Photonics' TAP facility will be one of the most visible and tangible aspects of the initiative's efforts, and while we have tackled a number of challenges as we bring such a monumental effort forward, we are pleased to see a high-level of interest from members of the photonics industry who will be able to leverage AIM's expertise and resources to enable growth and ensure U.S. leadership in this critical sector."
 
Significant milestones for the project were announced today during an official tour of the facility including:

• Construction on the TAP facility has started.
• AIM Photonics expects that the facilities' offices will be open in the 4th quarter of 2017, followed by laboratories and cleanrooms in early 2018.
• Close to $40 million of equipment for TAP is either on order or are close to having orders placed.
• There is already significant industry interest in using the capabilities of TAP once it is fully functional mid-2018.
• This is the only open 300mm enabled, advanced Integrated Photonics TAP facility of its kind in the world.

In July of 2015, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Vice President Joe Biden announced that Rochester had been selected as the home for the Department of Defense-led American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics. New York State has committed $250 million total in support of the state-of-the-art facility, leveraging a $110 million Department of Defense award, in addition to a number of recently announced multi-million dollar DoD-led AIM-based projects, and $250 million in private support for a total $610 million investment. To date, nearly $120 million has been committed by the state for the project.
 
AIM Photonics Corporate Outreach Executive and Associate Vice President for Test, Assembly, and Packaging Ed White said, "We are excited that construction of the TAP facility in Rochester is underway, but there has also been continuous work behind the scenes as we set the stage for AIM's advanced research capabilities and engage with industry partners who are increasingly interested in all that this national initiative will be able to offer."
 
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said, "I led the three-year effort to bring the photonics institute to our community, and I am so proud to see this important milestone taking shape as we work to bring this facility online. I'm pleased to tour the progress being made at the site of the new Test, Assembly and Packaging facility on the Eastman Business Park campus. The space being prepared today will ultimately be home to some of the most innovative equipment in the world. This facility will truly be one-of-a-kind and it will help solidify Rochester as a global leader in photonics and optics."
 
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said, "Rochester is now home to the only state-of-the-art photonics testing and assembly facility of its kind in the U.S.  It is the brightly lit beacon that will draw researchers from technology companies far and wide to come to Rochester, and team with Rochester's local photonics workers, suppliers, and companies to drive photonics. Rochester is now the place to be for any company looking for a piece of what will be the new must-have technology that will power mobile devices, the internet, and technology: the photonic integrated circuit."
 
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said, "The AIM Photonics Institute is central to maintaining the Rochester-Finger Lakes region's global leadership in research and manufacturing. Reaching these milestones is a clear sign that our state will continue to be at the cutting-edge of next generation photonics manufacturing. I was proud to fight in the Senate for a provision in the recently-passed National Defense Authorization Act that will further strengthen the Department of Defense's work with the "Manufacturing USA" institutes, including AIM Photonics, and will continue to do anything in my power to invest in good-paying manufacturing jobs for New Yorkers."
 
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, "It is truly a great day in the evolution of the AIM Photonics project as we reach significant milestones. I am excited for the future of this project and the positive impact photonics will have on the Finger Lakes region."
 
"The momentum of the AIM Photonics initiative is evident," said John Maggiore, NYS Photonics Board of Officers Chairman and Governor Cuomo's Director of Policy. "The TAP facility will work to attract industry leaders from across the globe and will lead to discoveries which in turn will provide high-tech, well-paying jobs throughout the region, strengthening the entire community as the Finger Lakes moves forward."
 
Through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative, Rochester is working to establish itself as the optics, photonics and imaging capital of the world.  It is home not only to AIM Photonics, but to the University of Rochester's Institute of Optics, the Rochester Institute of Technology and to over 100 local OPI companies. The region has the skilled workforce, technology base, support network and resources to optimally launch and grow OPI businesses.
 
Empire State Development President CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "The AIM Photonics initiative is truly hitting its' stride. The research that will be done at the Rochester facility will pave the way for vigorous industry growth and will produce next-generation integrated photonics manufacturing technologies, which in turn will result in opportunities for the regions highly-skilled workforce."
 
State Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle said, "I am excited to see the progress being made at the TAP facility as the photonics industry in Rochester continues to expand and flourish. With each step forward Rochester and the Finger Lakes region further cements its position as a global leader in the optics, photonics and imaging industries which is ultimately strengthening our economy and creating exciting new jobs throughout our community."
 
State Senator Joe Robach said, "I am excited to see the significant progress at the AIM Photonics TAP facility. With this facility calling Rochester home, we will be once again be on the leading forefront of innovation for photonics and optics resulting in many positive effects for our region."
 
County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, "On behalf of our entire community, I am happy to celebrate the progress of the American Institute for Manufacturing Testing, Assembly and Packaging facility that is doing state-of-the-art work right here in Monroe County. We look forward to seeing this innovative partnership continue to grow local jobs and investment in exciting fields like advanced optics in the days to come."
 
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said, "I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for continuing to support and believe in Rochester and Upstate New York. Today's announcement is proof that advanced manufacturing is a part of our future, as we secure our place as the 'Photonics Capital of the World.' I am so proud to see Eastman Business Park thrive, paving the way for more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities."
 
For additional information about AIM Photonics, click here.
 
About the New York State Photonics Board of Officers
The New York State Photonics Board of Officers coordinates New York State's significant financial investments with AIM. The board of officers consists of seven members who represent a wide array of business, programmatic, and technical expertise. The Governor of New York State appoints the Chairman and two additional members; SUNY Poly Institute appoints two members; and the Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Rochester each appoint one member. The Photonics Institute Board of Officers is comprised of: John Maggiore, Chair, Governor appointee; Anne Kress, Governor appointee; Alexander Cartwright, Governor appointee; Bahgat Sammakia, SUNY Poly appointee; Jeff Cheek, SUNY Poly appointee; Ryne Raffaele, Rochester Institute of Technology appointee; and Rob Clark, University of Rochester appointee.
 
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  
Today's announcement complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $5.2 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan - investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
 
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion - and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.