Update: applications for Round 2 have now closed. Please register to receive our newsletter to find out about future opportunities.
The Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B) is inviting expressions of interest to participate in our bi-annual Multi Project Wafer (MPW) and CAD access subsidy coordinated with international fabrication partners. This is an unprecedented opportunity to work in collaboration with S3B to access tailored MPW and CAD services that are specific to your project needs.
Collaborating with international partners such as CMC Microsystems, Europractice, MUSE Semi and Pragmatic Semiconductor, S3B will be coordinating tape outs for various technology nodes through 2024 to 2026.
There are four steps to apply to get access to the MPW and CAD access subsidy:
- Apply for free individual or institutional S3B membership
- Ensure your project aligns to the guidelines and criteria
- Submit an expression of interest form by 5pm, 7 February 2025
- Shortlisted applications will be invited to participate in a subsequent meeting regarding project timelines and details
S3B aims to serve as a broker on behalf of numerous Australian projects, facilitating access to the vast potential of collective relationships within the semiconductor supply chain. The MPW and CAD access subsidy aligns with our strategy to promote semiconductor activities in the region.
If you have plans to tape out in 2025 and are working on a project which meets the criteria, please submit an EOI by 5pm, 7 February 2025.
Applications will be considered for any of the technologies available via our partners imec.IC-link, Europractice, CMC Microsystems and other approved fabrication service providers such as Win Semiconductors, MUSE Semi etc.
1. Services information
CAD Cloud features
CAD cloud access will be primarily from CMC Microsystems irrespective of the MPW fabrication partner. CMC Microsystems is a Cadence Cloud Passport partner and provides tools for design, layout, and analysis of ASIC and PCB designs. Other leading-edge technologies can also be accessed on the cloud through CMC’s Cloud service. CMC will provide fully configured, installed, and maintained environment continuous software updates to reduce administration costs and accelerate design process. Please see website for further features and licensing requirements and costs.
Additional services (but not limited to):
- License server setup and support
- Software installation and updates
- Select PDK installation and updates
- Custom script and framework development
MPW offerings:
Through fabrication partners, we coordinate multi-project wafer services and related fabrication services in a variety of technologies. Technology selection and cost indication can be viewed online from the CMC or Europractice website listed in the appendix.
2. CAD Cloud and Fabrication costs and partners information
- MPW cost indication from CMC
- MPW cost indication from Europractice
- MPW cost indication from MUSE Semi
- CAD cloud environment and support is ~$4600 per yr. for academic groups up to a maximum of 50 users. Industry/startup CAD cloud environment and support is also available. Please contact S3B for estimated costs.
- Typical spend on public cloud (AWS) credit is roughly $3700 per yr.
- CAD Licences and AWS costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
- Australian startups are also entitled to participate in CMC Microsystems Virtual Incubator Environment (VIE) for CAD and simulation tool access –Virtual Incubator Environment (VIE) for Startups – CMC Microsystems
3. Funding Guidelines & Eligibility Criteria
- S3B will co-ordinate and subsidise two MPW runs per year with the EOI opening in May and December each year until end of 2026.
- Applicants may request up to 50% subsidy for any single MPW run (capped at 20mm2 per MPW, 10mm2 per stakeholder).
- Applicants may request up to 100% subsidy for accessing the cloud hosted CAD environment. Applicants will be responsible for the additional costs including CAD licences and AWS.
- Open to organisations Australia-wide.
4. Assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Project novelty, impact, and alignment to national reconstruction fund priority areas (https://www.nrf.gov.au/what-we-do/our-priority-areas).
- Demonstration of ecosystem impact through collaboration, development of new capability, use of local infrastructure, talent development etc.
- Demonstration that the Multi Project Wafer and CAD access subsidy will have an impact on your project in a way that is not currently available, through access to other subsidies or grants.
- Demonstrate that the project will have a clear pathway to commercialisation.
5. Expression of Interest
Applications for Round 2 have now closed. Please register to receive our newsletter to find out about future opportunities.
