Polar Semiconductor Collaborates With the University of Minnesota to Launch First-of-its-Kind Spin Technology Center

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, in collaboration with Polar Semiconductor and Honeywell Aerospace, is establishing a first-of-its-kind academic-industry Spin Technology Center to advance the state’s growing microelectronics and semiconductor industry.

The $5.7 million project has been awarded $2.83 million from the Minnesota Forward Fund administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, with an additional $2.8 million in matching funding from industry partners Polar Semiconductor and Honeywell Aerospace.

The new center will develop quantum spintronic devices focusing on high-tech magnetic sensors and advanced memory storage. These emerging magnetic‑based technologies fundamentally improve how we detect changes in the world around us and how intelligent systems store and compute information. These devices are being adapted for cutting-edge applications, including biomedical devices, industrial automation, automotive applications, and specialized technologies designed for extreme environments like space.

“This is a forward-looking collaboration that will benefit Minnesota and its microelectronics industry, while also driving broader adoption of emerging spintronic technologies,” said Jian-Ping Wang, Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Robert F. Hartmann Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and lead researcher for the collaborative project. “Industry urgently needs new technologies, tools, and talent that can reduce energy use while advancing sensing, memory, and computing capabilities. With strong support from our partners and the State, we have a real opportunity to establish Minnesota as the center for spintronic technologies.”

Over the next decade, the center will provide specialized coursework and hands-on research opportunities for more than 300 people, including students at all levels from the University’s electrical and computer engineering, materials science, and physics programs, along with local community colleges and other universities. It will also provide training in the use and manufacture of spintronic devices for Polar Semiconductor, Honeywell Aerospace, and other Minnesota microelectronics companies.

The team will first work on quantum spintronic devices with the goal of developing the world’s most advanced magnetic tunnel junctions — tiny, high-tech components that serve as the “engines” of next-generation electronics. By harnessing the “spin” of electrons rather than just their electrical charge, the researchers aim to create microchips and sensors that are faster, more powerful, and significantly more energy efficient than current versions.

By integrating these components into modern manufacturing, researchers are enabling breakthroughs in AI, ultra-fast computer memory, and high-precision sensors. These advancements will lead to more reliable self-driving cars, smarter industrial robots, more sensitive medical diagnostic tools, and devices that can operate in even the harshest environments.

“This collaboration with the University of Minnesota marks a pivotal step in bridging the gap between theoretical physics and next-generation aerospace applications,” said Lisa Napolitano, Vice President and General Manager, Space, at Honeywell Aerospace. “By harnessing the power of spintronics, we aren’t just looking to improve data storage; we are reimagining the fundamental efficiency and capabilities of the systems that power flight and space exploration.”

Building on the University of Minnesota’s existing strengths in researching and developing advanced electronic components and devices — particularly quantum spintronic technologies — the center also will help attract top talent to the University and Minnesota‑based technology companies.

“Our partnership with the University of Minnesota represents a bold investment in the domestic semiconductor ecosystem and the future of power-efficient computing. As we push the boundaries of what’s possible at the molecular level, spintronics offers a transformative path toward chips that consume less energy while delivering superior performance,” said Ken Obuszewski, Vice President of Marketing at Polar Semiconductor. “By combining Polar Semiconductor’s manufacturing expertise with the University’s pioneering research, we are ensuring that Minnesota remains at the absolute forefront of the next revolution in microelectronics.”

Aligned with the University’s Elevate Extraordinary 2030 vision, the center will advance innovation through a focus on emerging technologies and more sustainable AI hardware, strengthen industry partnerships, and expand workforce development. These efforts will help ensure students graduate with the expertise needed to compete in the global semiconductor industry and support Minnesota’s growing reputation in microelectronics.

Read more about the new center on the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development’s website.