The Electronic Research Institutes (ERI) was established in 1997, in order to initiate an appropriate scientific ground for the development of the electronic industry. Highlights of the center include its Molecular Beam Epitaxy equipment, clean room class 2000, and supporting equipment for applied and fundamental research in the fields of microelectronics and semiconductors. Based on the evaluation made by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology in 2007, the ERC has been ranked first among nearly 100 research centers and institutions nation wide.