US, EU to Leverage AI to Discover Alternate Chemicals for Developing Chips

The European Union and the United States are set to employ artificial intelligence (AI) in their quest to discover alternative chemicals for chip development, as outlined in a draft statement obtained by Bloomberg.

This initiative is a significant aspect of the conclusions drawn from the joint U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council held in Leuven, Belgium, this week.

"We plan to continue working to identify research cooperation opportunities on alternatives to the use of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in chips," the statement reads.

"For example, we plan to explore the use of AI capacities and digital twins to accelerate the discovery of suitable materials to replace PFAS in semiconductor manufacturing."

The EU and US Team Up to Seek Alternative Chemicals for Chip Production

According to Bloomberg's report, the draft statement highlights the commitment to identifying research opportunities for substitutes to per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing.

Specifically, the document mentions the exploration of AI capabilities and digital twins to expedite the discovery of suitable materials to replace PFAS in chip production.

It is worth noting that PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, have raised environmental and health concerns in both the U.S. and Europe due to their persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health.

Moreover, the draft statement confirms previous reports of the EU's intention to collaborate with the U.S. in assessing the security risks associated with legacy chips in their supply chains, as noted by Bloomberg.

Legacy Semiconductors

Legacy semiconductors, which encompass mature or lower-end chips, play a crucial role in various industries worldwide. Concerns have arisen regarding market distortion and potential dependencies resulting from China's substantial investments in increasing the supply of these chips.

To address these concerns, the U.S. and EU aim to share non-confidential information and market intelligence regarding non-market policies and practices, according to the draft.

Additionally, they plan to consult each other on planned actions and may develop joint measures to mitigate distortionary effects on the global supply chain for legacy semiconductors.

Under the Trade and Technology Council, both parties aim to prolong their collaboration on an early-warning mechanism for identifying supply-chain disruptions for an additional three years.

Furthermore, they seek to continue sharing information on public support provided to the semiconductor sector through established mechanisms.

"We intend to, as appropriate, continue to collect and share non-confidential information and market intelligence about non-market policies and practices, commit to consult each other on planned actions, and may develop joint or cooperative measures to address distortionary effects on the global supply chain for legacy semiconductors," the draft statement reads.