Monday, September 30, 2024, 11 a.m.
Eric Hadland, Director of Technology Policy
Today marks an important milestone for the CHIPS for America initiative. The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) has officially started recruiting members. This groundbreaking public-private partnership will strengthen America’s semiconductor technology leadership, reduce lab-to-factory travel time, and expand the semiconductor workforce. With membership now available, semiconductor companies, universities, nonprofit organizations and research institutions, national laboratories, and government agencies are invited to participate in shaping the future of U.S. semiconductor research and development leadership. . NSTC has “core members” who engage in research and development activities and “affiliate members” who are non-research-oriented stakeholders in the ecosystem.
NSTC is poised to become an unparalleled hub for research and development. By driving innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem, NSTC aims to address critical research and development challenges, expand partnerships, and prepare the workforce of the future. A key element of this vision is the newly announced Workforce Center of Excellence, which will provide education and training programs to develop the next generation of semiconductor talent. In addition to talent development, NSTC provides an array of services, including a “design enablement gateway,” direct funding for research projects, and access to infrastructure and tools for future NSTC facilities. NSTC will also host conferences and events as a nexus for the U.S. semiconductor research and development community.
Membership in the NSTC is open to all sectors of the semiconductor ecosystem, and the NSTC will have a technical advisory board and an employee advisory board, allowing members to shape the center’s agenda. Natcast, the not-for-profit operator of NSTC, encourages members to participate early in shaping NSTC’s vision and mission. SIA is committed to establishing NSTC as an industry-driven company, working with a variety of companies, academic institutions, research institutes, and research institutions to develop next-generation innovative technologies right here in the United States, motivated by the needs of the industry. We have been advocating for many years to ensure that this is developed. other entities.
Membership applications are now open and the industry enters an exciting new phase of semiconductor innovation. NSTC operations will begin in earnest in 2025, but initial programming and jumpstart projects have already begun. NSTC must continue to work closely with other CHIPS research and development programs and efforts across the federal government to maximize effectiveness and avoid duplication. Now is the moment to help shape the future of the semiconductor industry. SIA and its members are ready to get to work.
