ALBANY, NY - New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an international partnership between New York State and the State of Israel, through a collaboration involving the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and the Israeli Industry Center for Research & Development (MATIMOP).

Nili Shalev, Israel's Economic Minister to North America, said, "This agreement is the first significant step to stimulate scientific and industrial collaboration in areas where both states excel. The partnership will enable Israeli companies to access CNSE's renowned facilities and collaborate with leading American and multinational companies on campus. It introduces many other opportunities, including industrial R&D and commercialization joint ventures, natural synergy between the two G450 Consortia of both states, and the enhancement of academic research in nano scaling. I would like to congratulate Governor Cuomo, Lt. Governor Duffy and Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, the CEO of CNSE, for supporting this initiative."

The partnership between CNSE and MATIMOP will facilitate and promote bilateral and multilateral research, development and commercialization programs in nanoscale technologies between corporations and academic institutions in the United States and Israel.

Through the agreement, the Israeli government has allocated up to $300 million a year to fund access for Israeli companies and universities to CNSE's state-of-the-art 300mm wafer and 450mm wafer infrastructure, facilities, resources, and know-how. In addition, a publicity and marketing campaign is being prepared to generate interest and participation from Israel's corporate and academic entities.

The centerpiece of the collaboration is the NanoCollege, the most advanced nanotechnology education, research, development and deployment enterprise in the world. With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, over 300 global corporate partners, and a footprint that spans upstate New York, CNSE is uniquely positioned to support this first-of-its-kind partnership.

The agreement is designed to enable a host of nanotechnology R&D, prototyping, demonstration and commercialization activities, including the facilitation of partnerships to spur collaborative projects targeting industrial R&D and commercialization; exchange of technical information and expertise to promote global development of next-generation nanoscale technologies; and the organization of joint seminars and workshops to enhance cooperation between corporate and academic entities in New York and Israel.

Specific technology areas targeted for initial collaboration include sub-systems, sensors and accessories for deployment in the nanoscale cleanroom environment; simulation and modeling for next-generation tools and technologies; and tools, processes, and testing technologies essential to accelerate critical innovations in the multiple fields enabled by nanotechnology, including nanoelectronics, energy, and health care, among others.