The relentless demand for more powerful and efficient computing hardware in the AI era is driving new collaborations between industry and academia. In a significant move to advance next-generation semiconductor technologies, IBM and the University of Dayton have announced a joint research and development agreement. The partnership will focus on critical areas for AI hardware, including advanced packaging and photonics, and will be supported by a new, IBM-equipped semiconductor nanofabrication facility on the university's campus.
IBM and the University of Dayton partner on R&D for next-gen AI semiconductors.
IBM is contributing over $10M in state-of-the-art semiconductor equipment.
A new nanofabrication facility will be built on campus, set for completion in 2027.
The collaboration aims to advance AI hardware, photonics, and advanced packaging.
It will provide hands-on "lab-to-fab" learning for students and researchers.
The partnership strengthens workforce development for the U.S. semiconductor industry.
A cornerstone of this collaboration is the establishment of a new semiconductor nanofabrication facility at the University of Dayton. IBM's contribution of state-of-the-art equipment, valued at over $10 million, will transform this facility into a hub for advanced research and workforce development. Scheduled for completion in early 2027, it is designed to provide students and researchers with critical hands-on experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial fabrication.
"This is an important moment for the University of Dayton. Deepening our relationship with IBM with this research collaboration will help position UD as a leader in semiconductor and emerging technology research and enable our faculty and students to conduct groundbreaking work," said Eric F. Spina, President, University of Dayton. "I'm grateful to IBM for their state-of-the-art equipment contributions estimated at over $10M which will position us to educate the next generation of talented engineers trained for the modern economy."
The research initiatives will be uniquely guided by a dedicated University of Dayton faculty member who also holds the role of IBM Technical Leader. This integrated leadership model is designed to foster a seamless collaboration, allowing students and academic researchers to work directly alongside industry experts from IBM. The joint efforts will target breakthroughs in technologies that are essential for the future of AI computing.
"This collaboration continues IBM's tradition of bringing together industry and academia to fuel innovation," said James Kavanaugh, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, IBM. "Students and researchers at the University of Dayton will have exciting opportunities to contribute to the next wave of chip and hardware breakthroughs that are essential for the AI era."
This agreement extends beyond pure research, with a strong focus on cultivating a skilled workforce for the long-term success of the U.S. semiconductor industry. Located in Dayton, Ohio—a region with a rich history in innovation—the collaboration is poised to create a new technology ecosystem. This initiative has the potential to attract more businesses and solidify the Dayton region's reputation as a premier hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.
The partnership between IBM and the University of Dayton represents a strategic investment in the foundational technologies of the AI future. By combining industrial R&D might with academic talent and a focus on practical education, this collaboration is poised to accelerate innovation in semiconductor hardware while simultaneously building the skilled workforce required to sustain it.
ABOUT IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON
The University of Dayton is a top-tier, national, Catholic, research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the University is a diverse community committed to advancing the common good through intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, community engagement and local, national and global partnerships. Guided by the Marianist educational philosophy, we educate the whole person and link learning and scholarship with leadership and service.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.