Macquarie University has unveiled a new initiative in semiconductor research with the launch of its Silicon Platforms Lab (SiP Lab), an advanced on-campus facility developed in partnership with Australian tech company Atto Devices.
This lab is poised to drive Australia’s semiconductor industry forward by expanding research and education capabilities and serving as a major commercialisation hub for groundbreaking silicon technology.
Located within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the SiP Lab will focus on advanced silicon technologies, including system-on-chip (SoC) and system-in-package (SiP) platforms.
The lab’s research will explore integrating technologies such as quantum sensors, photonics, bioinformatics, and biosensors into cutting-edge silicon systems, addressing critical needs in sectors ranging from research to defence and commercial applications.
“The Silicon Platforms Lab and our partnership with Atto Devices represents a strategic investment in Australia’s semiconductor capabilities, positioning Macquarie University at the forefront of this critical technology sector,” said Professor Dan Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Macquarie University.
Atto Devices, co-founded by industry veterans Neil Weste, Jeremy Hallett, and Mike Boers, specialises in designing advanced hardware and custom silicon chips with applications across diverse fields.
With the new SiP Lab co-located os campus, Atto Devices will act as the primary commercialisation pathway, transforming research into market-ready products and creating a robust ecosystem for technological innovation.
Industry Professor Mike Boers, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Atto Devices, will lead the SiP Lab. Boers, a highly regarded semiconductor researcher, emphasised the potential of this partnership, saying, “The SiP Lab will enable us to push the boundaries of silicon-based semiconductor research, while our collaboration with Atto Devices will ensure that innovations can be swiftly translated into real-world applications.”
The SiP Lab’s advisory board includes industry pioneers Adjunct Professor Neil Weste and Honorary Professor David Skellern, known for their groundbreaking work in VLSI design and Wi-Fi technology.
Together, they bring a wealth of experience in bridging academic research and commercial advancements in the semiconductor industry.
This initiative builds on Macquarie University’s existing expertise in semiconductor research, supported by facilities such as the Macquarie Analog Devices Laboratory (MAD Lab), known for its work in semiconductor modelling and millimeter-wave circuit design.
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton highlighted the partnership’s significance.
“The partnership between the University and Atto Devices creates a unique ecosystem mirroring successful industry-academia collaborations on the global stage, with the potential to foster breakthroughs in semiconductor technology while also developing the next generation of industry leaders,” Dowton explained.
With this strategic initiative, Macquarie University aims to enhance Australia’s sovereign capabilities in the semiconductor industry, contributing to the global supply chain and driving new opportunities for research and development in this critical sector.
