In a major push to regain global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a substantial investment of over $5 billion in semiconductor-related research, development, and workforce initiatives. This strategic move, aligned with the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to propel the United States to the forefront of semiconductor innovation and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
The centerpiece of this investment is establishing the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) at the University of Albany. The Administration plans to invest at least $5 billion in the NSTC, which will operate as a Public-Private Consortium.
The NSTC will serve as a hub for collaboration between government, industry, academia, labor, and other stakeholders to accelerate innovations, lower barriers to participation in semiconductor research and development (R&D), and address the critical need for a skilled and diverse semiconductor workforce.
The NSTC will focus on supporting the U.S. in developing next-generation semiconductor technologies by facilitating design, prototyping, and piloting activities. A no-cost, pre-membership program has been launched to allow stakeholders to provide input into the program offerings and structure of the NSTC.
The Administration plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the NSTC’s workforce efforts, including creating a Workforce Center of Excellence with a presence in multiple regions. This initiative aims to connect Americans to high-quality jobs in the semiconductor industry and promote equitable training pathways.
The Commerce Department will invest at least $200 million in a CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute to create a semiconductor manufacturing digital twin institute. There are also plans to fund up to $300 million in advanced packaging of substrates and substrate materials, along with over $100 million in funding across 29 projects in the CHIPS Metrology program.
These investments are pivotal in advancing semiconductor R&D, reducing commercialization timelines, and strengthening national security. The broader goal is to reestablish the United States as a leader in technological innovation, reminiscent of the era when federally funded initiatives fueled groundbreaking technological advancements.
The Administration’s commitment to driving semiconductor innovation reflects a broader global trend, with countries worldwide recognizing the strategic importance of semiconductor capabilities in the modern economy.
