STMicroelectronics Announces Expanded "Lab-in-Fab" Collaboration in Singapore to Advance Piezoelectric MEMS Technology
May 22, 2025 | STMicroelectronicsEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, in collaboration with the A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (A*STAR IME) and ULVAC, announces the expansion of the “Lab-in-Fab” (LiF) in Singapore. This new phase includes projects with Singapore’s A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
This initiative will contribute to advancing environmentally friendly lead-free piezoelectric materials and enabling miniaturized, cost-effective sensors and actuators. Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), startups, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will be able to leverage the complete manufacturing line to accelerate the commercialization of new piezoelectric Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (piezoMEMS) devices. Examples of devices expected to be manufactured include piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducers (PMUT) for 3D mapping and imaging, miniaturized speakers for personal electronics and autofocus devices for smartphone camera modules.
“We are excited to advance our collaboration with A*STAR IME and ULVAC, and welcome A*STAR IMRE and NUS to work on new projects in the Lab-in-Fab 2.0. This initiative will drive innovation in piezoelectric MEMS technology and support the commercialization of next-generation devices,” said Anton Hofmeister, Group Vice President and General Manager, Central R&D for the Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS & Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics.
“We are innovating the way we translate R&D outcomes by deepening and broadening the partnerships between key innovators in materials, tools, process modules, technology development, design, and manufacturing. This shall accelerate the commercialization of next generation power-efficient piezoMEMS devices using environmentally friendly lead-free materials and strengthen Singapore’s position in the global semiconductor value chain,” said Professor Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy Chief Executive (Innovation & Enterprise) at A*STAR.
“We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and to contribute our expertise in manufacturing technology solutions for the piezoMEMS industry,” said Harunori Iwai, Executive Officer, General Manager of Advanced Electronics Equipment Division, Equipment Business HQ, ULVAC.
The success of the initial Lab-in-Fab, which was established in 2020 to develop a physical vapor deposited (PVD) method of growing lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films—significantly reducing lead content compared to conventional bulk piezoelectric technology—has led to this expansion.
PiezoMEMS is one of the R&D focus areas for Singapore, besides heterogeneous integration-based advanced packaging, wide bandgap semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride, millimeter wave radio frequency technologies, and advanced photonics such as flat optics and photonics heterogenous integration. These focus areas were identified in Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan (RIE 2025), to contribute to the development of Singapore into an innovation-driven economy and society.
Lab-in-Fab is a key participant in Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem, fostering collaborations with sensor and actuator product companies, manufacturing companies and their suppliers. It supports local and international IHLs by offering Multi-Project Wafer services based on Lab-in-Fab’s advanced materials and device platforms. Additionally, it provides internship and PhD research opportunities to grow the local and global talent pipeline in piezoMEMS.
STMicroelectronics, a global leader in MEMS, has played a pivotal role in the MEMS market for over two decades. The company leverages its Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM) business model to support customers through integrated design and manufacturing capabilities.
STMicroelectronics is one of Singapore’s first investors in the semiconductor industry, and the Lab-in-Fab is an important asset for STMicroelectronics’ Ang Mo Kio campus, complementing its existing volume manufacturing activities and contributing to the development of Singapore’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
Suggested Items
TRI Unveils New Multi-Camera AOI, TR7500 SIII Ultra
06/27/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly introduces the new TR7500 SIII Ultra.
TT Electronics Achieves ISO 13485 Medical Certification at Mexicali EMS Facility
06/27/2025 | TT ElectronicsThis milestone underscores TT Electronics’ commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, and reliable manufacturing solutions to its global customers in healthcare and life sciences.
PCBA Market to Reach $147.5 Billion by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025
06/27/2025 | PRNewswireThe Printed Circuit Board Assembly market is projected to reach $147.5 billion by 2035, up from an estimated $90.91 billion in 2025, growing at a steady CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.
Scanfil Strengthens its Customer Portfolio in Medtech & Life Science by Signing Agreement with Liquid Instruments
06/27/2025 | BUSINESS WIREScanfil and Liquid Instruments have signed a manufacturing outsourcing agreement for Scanfil’s Melbourne plant in Australia. This agreement supports Liquid Instruments’ strategy to onshore production of its flagship Moku platform, strengthening domestic supply chains and bringing manufacturing closer to its research and development hub.
₹417 Crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster Approved in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
06/26/2025 | Government of India Press Information BureauGovernment of India approved the setting up of a ₹417 crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) at Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. It aims to boost local manufacturing and innovation.