Abinader supports PUCMM semiconductor lab after first university microchip

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader endorsed a proposal by the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) to create a shared semiconductor laboratory among Dominican universities, following the development of the institution’s first university microchip.

The initiative supports the Dominican Republic’s strategy to develop specialized talent for the semiconductor industry, identified as a national priority under Decree 324-24 and the National Strategy for the Promotion of the Semiconductor Industry (Enfis).

The microchip was designed and developed by PUCMM professors, students and graduates, covering the process from electronic architecture and simulation to manufacturing and validation. The device uses 180-nanometer GF180MCU technology, with 50 units manufactured and validated according to international industry standards.

Speaking at the “STEM Transforms RD: Innovation to Build the Future” event, Abinader said the project aligns with the government’s goal of promoting higher-value industries, technology and better-paying jobs as part of its 2036 economic development strategy.

PUCMM Rector Father Secilio Espinal said the university is already developing a new chip with neural processing capabilities to explore artificial intelligence applications at the hardware level.

The project involved international partners including GlobalFoundries, Synopsys and Keysight, which supported manufacturing, design tools, training, simulation and testing.

PUCMM also announced new ABET accreditations for its Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering programs, bringing the university’s internationally accredited engineering programs to four.