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Press release: Semiconductor Fabrication                             Training Facility (VRSFT)

8 April 2025, 

Glasgow UK

Semiwise Completes the Development of the Virtual Reality Semiconductor Fabrication Training Facility (VRSFT)

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Semiwise, in collaboration with The National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) and Pragmatic Semiconductor has successfully completed the development of the Virtual Reality Semiconductor Fabrication Training Facility (VRSFT).  The development of this groundbreaking training facility has been funded by Innovate UK, bridging the skills gap in the semiconductor industry by providing an immersive and interactive training solution in realistic virtual reality (VR) environment.

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The back end of the virtual fab, allowing realistic simulation of the CMOS fabrication and testing is provided by the Synopsys Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) software including Sentaurus Process, Sentaurus Device and Sentaurus Process Explorer. 

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First announced in November 2023, VRSFT has been developed as a computer game using the Unity game engine to create a highly realistic virtual model of a modern semiconductor fabrication facility. The platform enables trainees to interact with detailed digital representations of advanced semiconductor device manufacturing equipment, offering an unprecedented hands-on learning experience. It follows the complete fabrication sequence of contemporary CMO circuits powering mobile phones, laptops, data centres and much more.

Baying VR training platform VRSFT reduces the high costs associated with traditional semiconductor fabrication training. Featuring detailed 3D models of expensive manufacturing equipment, the platform allows users to configure flexible cleanroom layouts to match real-world fab environments. Comprehensive training modules are associated with each piece of equipment describing the principles of operation, technical implementation and operation procedures. The TCAD environment enhances the educational experience by illustrating the impact of each fabrication step on the final semiconductor product.

 

The semiconductor industry is experiencing rapid growth, with estimates suggesting that over a million new semiconductor experts will be needed by 2030 to support the global expansion of semiconductor manufacturing, driven by the US and EU Chips Acts and their equivalents around the world. VRSFT is positioned to help meet this demand by offering scalable, remote, and cost-effective training for semiconductor professionals worldwide.

Richard Price, Co-Founder & CTO of Pragmatic Semiconductor, emphasized the importance of investing in talent development: “Building a strong talent pipeline is crucial for the semiconductor industry’s future. VRSFT is a key step in broadening awareness of electronics and STEM education while providing a practical, cost-effective training solution. The UK has an opportunity to play a leading role in advanced materials and semiconductor manufacturing, and this initiative contributes directly to that vision.”

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Asen Asenov, CEO of Semiwise, highlighted the impact of the project: “VRSFT represents a revolution in semiconductor training. Unlike traditional ‘walk-through-a-cleanroom’ educational videos, this platform provides deep educational content covering equipment operation, product fabrication, working practices, and behavioral training. The integration of Synopsys TCAD tools ensures a comprehensive learning experience by demonstrating the physical and electrical outcomes of each fabrication stage.”

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Charles Sturman, CEO of TechWorks, commented: “Semiconductor technology is a key economic enabler, and the UK is home to many specialized chip companies looking to scale up. VRSFT will enable these companies to train staff efficiently at any time, without operational disruptions and at a significantly reduced cost.”

The successful completion of VRSFT marks a major milestone in semiconductor education and workforce development. With its immersive, flexible, and cost-effective approach, it is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the industry’s skill shortages and preparing the next generation of semiconductor process engineers.

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This project is funded by IUK with grant number: 10073981

For further information please contact:

Prof Asen Asenov: e-mail: asen.asenov@semiwise.uk

German Cherstvov: e-mail: german.cherstvov@semiwise.uk

 

Semiwise - Semiwise develops and licences CMOS device and technology IP and simulation modules based on NESS. We also provide services, consultancy and training courses to the semiconductor industry. http://www.semiconductorwise.com

 

Pragmatic - semiconductor company specializing in ultra-low-cost, flexible integrated circuits (FlexICs), with a focus on enabling the creation of a sustainable "Internet of Everything" http://www.pragmaticsemi.com

 

NMI - NMI supports the established Semiconductor Manufacturing and supply chain communities with activities that encourage innovation, communication and collaboration. http://www.nmi.org.uk
 

Typical Example of Clean room setup 

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