Semiconductor
Powering Singapore's Semiconductor Future
Semiconductors drive our digital economy, enabling breakthroughs in AI and data-intensive computing, electrification, and space technologies in Singapore. Under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Plan, the new RIE Flagship in Semiconductors will strengthen national capabilities in advanced packaging and advanced photonics. A*STAR plays a central role in this effort, orchestrating R&D translation and bringing partners across the ecosystem together to accelerate impact.
A*STAR's Semiconductor R&D Focus Areas
We position Singapore as a key node in the global semiconductor supply chain. Through decades of sustained investment, A*STAR has built deep, industry capabilities that power breakthroughs in AI, next-generation computing, mobility, and connectivity. In particular, we have developed one of the world's fastest modulators and photodetectors. This enables electrical and optical signals to be converted interchangeably at a high speed of 400 billion times a second per channel, paving the way towards multiple-fold improvements in energy efficiency for data transmission.
Today, A*STAR brings research, engineering, and translation together to deliver impact faster. Anchored in advanced packaging and advanced photonics, and reinforced by complementary capabilities, we help companies move seamlessly from validation to deployment - accelerating end-to-end development at scale.
Advanced Packaging
Smarter integration, stronger system performance, and smaller form factors define the next generation of semiconductors.
We deliver compact, intelligent and powerful modules as computing demands grow.
Advanced Photonics
Faster data movement, lower energy use, and scalable optical interconnects define the future of high-performance computing.
We develop capabilities to support high-performance, energy-efficient data transfer at scale.
A*STAR also supports other semiconductor-related R&D domains, including :
Key Industry Collaboration Highlights
A*STAR's Semiconductor R&D Enablers
Led by A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (A*STAR IME) and enabled by the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC), A*STAR integrates complementary capabilities across its research institutes to accelerate the translation of semiconductor innovations from research to industry deployment.
A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (A*STAR IME)
Driving industry-relevant semiconductor R&D and translation, from design to reliable deployment.
A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE)
Providing cross-cutting materials innovation that strengthens semiconductor platforms.
NSTIC (Advanced Photonics)
Strengthening Singapore's advanced photonics ecosystem, and accelerating industry-relevant translation.
NSTIC (GaN)
Advancing national gallium nitride capabilities for next-generation power and RF technologies, deepening industry-research collaboration.
NSTIC (R&D Fab)
Providing 12-inch industry-grade tools and shared cleanroom access at JTC nanoSpace @ Tampines (from 2027) to accelerate advanced packaging translation and scale innovations from lab to fab.
NSTIC (Power Electronics)
Accelerating wide-bandgap SiC and GaN, scaling 8-inch power semiconductor capabilities towards high-volume manufacturing.
Build Your Future in Semiconductor R&D
Build the next frontier in semiconductors with A*STAR. Work on industry-relevant semiconductor challenges, with access to advanced R&D platforms, advanced facilities, and collaboration opportunities across the ecosystem. Whether you are advancing frontier research or translating ideas towards real-world deployment, A*STAR offers opportunities to build deep expertise in technologies shaping the future of computing, connectivity, and electrification.
Meet the People Shaping Semiconductor Innovation
Discover how A*STAR scientists and researchers are shaping Singapore’s semiconductor future.
Interested in building a career in science and engineering?
Students and Early Careerists
Explore scholarships such as the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Semiconductor), as well as internships, attachments, and other opportunities to gain hands-on experience in semiconductor R&D
A*STAR celebrates International Women's Day
From groundbreaking discoveries to cutting-edge research, our researchers are empowering the next generation of female science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leaders.
Get inspired by our #WomeninSTEM