Russian researchers at the Institute of Nuclear Physics GI Budker (BINP) SB RAS in Zelenograd are moving forward with plans to develop a prototype ion accelerator and a technological storage complex dedicated to advancing microelectronics production. This update comes from the institute’s leadership, as reported by TASS, with director Pavel Logachev outlining the project scope.
The envisioned storage complex would play a crucial role in the creation, testing, and operation of lithographic systems essential for producing modern microcircuits. BINP SB RAS previously attempted to establish a similar complex in 1990–1991, but the initiative could not be completed due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The current plan aims to revive the effort within a three-year timeframe, with an estimated total investment around 10 billion rubles for a fully new technology and production chain, or about 0.5 billion rubles for a restoration-focused approach.
At the core of the initiative lies the development of an industrial ion accelerator designed to support a domestic ion implanter. This device would accurately implant the necessary chemical elements into semiconductor wafers to the precise depths required for reliable microcircuit performance. A working prototype is expected within three years, signaling a significant step toward self-sufficiency in semiconductor manufacturing. Funding for the project is anticipated to come from a mix of sources, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Kurchatov Institute, and the Moscow city government, according to initial statements from BINP.
The overarching objective of the program is to establish a domestic technology chain for microelectronics production and to equip the sector with fully homegrown equipment. By building in-country capabilities, the project aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and strengthen the resilience of Russia’s semiconductor supply chain.
Earlier analyses from researchers affiliated with higher education and research institutions highlighted persistent personnel challenges across much of the industry in the Russian Federation. The present initiative is framed as part of broader efforts to bolster technical expertise, attract skilled researchers, and sustain long-term growth in high-tech manufacturing, with emphasis on the strategic importance of domestic innovation and industrial infrastructure for national security and economic competitiveness.