SandboxAQ Partners with U.S. Commerce for Groundbreaking $500 Million CHIPS R&D Award
SandboxAQ Partners with U.S. Commerce
On June 17, 2026, SandboxAQ made a significant announcement regarding a definitive agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce's CHIPS Research and Development Office, securing a monumental $500 million award. This partnership aims to address one of the pressing issues within the American manufacturing landscape: reliance on foreign-controlled materials crucial for semiconductor production.
The Need for Localized Manufacturing
In recent years, the global landscape for semiconductor manufacturing has increasingly exposed vulnerabilities due to foreign dependence on essential materials and chemistries. The U.S. faces a critical challenge as foreign entities dominate the supply of vital components necessary for chip manufacturing. Through this award, SandboxAQ intends to innovate and develop crucial molecular formulations that will facilitate the domestic production of semiconductors, thereby enhancing national security.
The funding is designated for research and development across four significant areas:
1. PFAS-Free Process Chemicals: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed