STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company, has begun strengthening its piezoelectric MEMS technology through global collaboration.

ST announced on the 4th that it is expanding its collaboration to advance piezoelectric MEMS technology in Singapore.

This project expands the existing collaboration between Singapore’s A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and Japan’s ULVAC, with new participation from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE).

ST is conducting the 'LiF (Lab-in-Fab)' project aimed at revolutionizing piezoelectric MEMS technology, and through this, it plans to accelerate the development of environmentally friendly lead-free piezoelectric materials and the commercialization of miniature sensors and actuators.

This research collaboration is considered to be the largest public-private collaborative R&D project in the history of Singapore's semiconductor industry.

Piezoelectric MEMS technology is expected to be utilized in various industrial fields such as smartphones, medical devices, and personal electronic devices.

In particular, the main goal is to develop cutting-edge devices such as PMUT (Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasound Transducer) for 3D mapping and imaging, ultra-small speakers, and autofocus camera modules.

ST's “The LiF project will accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation piezoelectric MEMS devices,” said Anton Hofmeister, Group Vice President and Head of Central R&D Business Unit. “We are delighted to welcome the new participation of the National University of Singapore and the A*STAR Institute for Materials Research and Engineering.”

“This collaboration will accelerate the development of eco-friendly piezoelectric MEMS technology and further elevate Singapore’s position in the global semiconductor value chain,” said Professor Yeo Yee Chia, A*STAR’s Senior Vice President of Innovation and Enterprise.

LiF is a project established in 2020 that has been researching lead-free piezoelectric materials with significantly reduced lead content compared to existing bulk piezoelectric technologies. This research is also included in the Singapore government’s ‘RIE 2025 (Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan)’ strategy, and the development of piezoelectric MEMS technology, wide bandgap semiconductors, and advanced photonics technology has been set as national research goals.

ST is one of the early investors in Singapore’s semiconductor industry and plans to contribute to the development of the local semiconductor ecosystem through this project. It will also provide internship and doctoral research opportunities to foster global talent in the piezoelectric MEMS field.