Ultra Clean Holdings’ sub‑fab arm, AI Infrastructure Partners (AIIP), announced on April 21 2026 that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with International SubFAB Research Labs (ISRL USA) to design, build and operate the United States’ first purpose‑built semiconductor sub‑fab research and development facility.
The new facility will serve as an industry‑neutral, multi‑member platform that replicates high‑volume manufacturing conditions for vacuum pumping, gas abatement and chemical waste management. It will provide the sub‑fab layer that supports cleanroom fabs, a segment that has historically lacked dedicated R&D infrastructure, and will enable multiple industry participants to share the cost and risk of pre‑competitive research.
Under the agreement, AIIP will own and operate the plant and its infrastructure, while ISRL USA will lead technical operations and research programs. AIIP was founded in 2024 by Jason Frank, former CEO of HIS Innovations Group, which Ultra Clean Holdings acquired in October 2023, giving the company a strong foundation in sub‑fab and factory infrastructure.
Strategically, the partnership positions Ultra Clean Holdings to capture a first‑mover advantage in a nascent market segment. The facility’s infrastructure‑as‑a‑service model is expected to attract IDMs, foundries and OEMs that need to validate sustainability solutions and new process tools, potentially opening up service contracts and technology licensing opportunities. The initiative aligns with Ultra Clean Holdings’ broader strategy to expand its services business and capitalize on AI‑infrastructure‑driven growth in wafer‑fab equipment spending.
The project is structured to qualify for CHIPS Act incentives, Horizon EU programs and regional economic development funding, with operational readiness targeted within 12 months of full funding. While specific funding amounts have not been disclosed, the structure indicates a strong financial foundation for the venture.
Ultra Clean Holdings reported Q4 2025 revenue of $506.6 million, earnings per share of $0.22 and a gross margin of 16.1 percent, demonstrating the company’s capacity to support this initiative. Compared with other U.S. semiconductor R&D efforts, such as the Albany NanoTech Complex and Arizona State University’s MacroTechnology Works, this facility is unique in its focus on sub‑fab infrastructure and its industry‑neutral, shared‑platform approach.
"We are honored to partner with ISRL USA to advance our mission to rebuild the physical backbone of American semiconductor manufacturing and return resilience and innovation to U.S. soil," said Jason Frank, CEO and Founder of AI Infrastructure Partners.
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